Ashoka

Photo credit: Ashoka
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Ashoka is one of the world’s leading organizations supporting social entrepreneurs. Founded in 1980, Ashoka pioneered the concept of social entrepreneurship and has built a global network of changemakers working to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Through its flagship Ashoka Fellows program, the organization identifies and supports high-impact entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a powerful global network. Ashoka’s broader mission is to create a world where everyone is a changemaker, embedding social innovation across education, business, and civil society.
Key benefits
Global Network Access
Connect with a worldwide community of social entrepreneurs and changemakers across multiple countries and regions.
Proven Track Record
Join an organization whose Fellows include five Nobel Peace Prize recipients in the past 20 years.
Comprehensive Support System
Access programs spanning social entrepreneurship, young changemaking, and organizational development for systemic impact.
Multi-Generational Impact
Benefit from initiatives that engage both established entrepreneurs and young changemakers to create lasting transformation.
Ashoka invests in social entrepreneurs who are driving systemic change and have the potential to transform entire fields. They focus on supporting changemakers who demonstrate innovative solutions to social problems and have the vision to create widespread impact. Their approach centers on identifying entrepreneurs who can shift entire systems and inspire others to become changemakers, creating a multiplier effect that extends far beyond individual organizations or projects.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Ashoka fund?
- Ashoka is one of the world’s leading organizations supporting social entrepreneurs. Founded in 1980, Ashoka pioneered the concept of social entrepreneurship and has built a global network of changemakers working to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through its flagship Ashoka Fellows program, the organization identifies and supports high-impact entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a powerful global network. Ashoka’s broader mission is to create a world where everyone is a changemaker, embedding social innovation across education, business, and civil society.
- What is Ashoka's check size?
- Varies
- What is Ashoka's investment thesis?
- Ashoka invests in social entrepreneurs who are driving systemic change and have the potential to transform entire fields. They focus on supporting changemakers who demonstrate innovative solutions to social problems and have the vision to create widespread impact. Their approach centers on identifying entrepreneurs who can shift entire systems and inspire others to become changemakers, creating a multiplier effect that extends far beyond individual organizations or projects.
- Which sectors does Ashoka invest in?
- AI & Technology, Arts, Culture & Media, Built Environment, Circular Economy, Clean Energy, Clean Transportation, Climate Tech, Community Development, Education, Environment & Conservation, Health & Wellness, Impact Finance, Responsible Fashion, Social Enterprise, Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Water & Oceans