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HOT TOPICS
- The Startup Velocity Question
- Platform as a Service
- Man and Superman
- Web 3.0 = (4C + P + VS)
- The Future: End of Capitalism
- Capitalism 2.0
Social Entrepreneur: Harish Hande (Part 12)
The recent solar energy boom in Germany has placed a significant strain on Selco. Selco will need to face the possibility of continued high demand in developed countries which are already highly industrialized, can pay big dollars, and suck up the supply of solar panels. SM: One of the points I would like to discuss
Social Entrepreneur: Harish Hande (Part 11)
We continue our discussion on the challenges of human resources, and then move on to discuss business strategy. Selco has developed quite well to date by offering unique services and customized solutions. However, they now face the difficulty of hiring strategic thinkers who can continue this model for such low pay. The need to productize
Social Entrepreneur: Harish Hande (Part 10)
A company like Selco must have a unique culture. Harish has explained that his company does not offer charity and he does not want his workers to have pity for people. Instead, they are intermediaries who assist individuals as they make their own changes and shoulder their own responsibilities. Doing so requires a unique organizational
Social Entrepreneur: Harish Hande (Part 9)
A key partnership Selco has recently achieved is with Sewa Bank. This will not only provide access to additional microfinancing, but will also provide access to more customers in a very efficient manner. SM: Let me ask you a bit more about the Sewa Bank partnership opportunity. What does it offer and how will you
Social Entrepreneur: Harish Hande (Part 8)
In the next phase of the interview, I look to understand where Selco earns its revenues and how it plans to finance its growth. It is interesting to see the mix of social venture funds along with private foundations. SM: Of the 80,000 installations completed, have they paid you one-time fees, or do you go
Social Entrepreneur: Harish Hande (Part 7)
Here we review the current status of Selco. Harish and his company have completed 80,000 installations with plenty of room for growth. They have 25 service centers, and just over 140 employees. SM: What stage are you at now? How many installations have you done, how many employees do you have, what is the level
Social Entrepreneur: Harish Hande (Part 6)
Microfinancing structures are an area of interest for me. With Selco, Harish has had to tap into various microfinancing structures. He describes these in a bit more detail, as well as how he leverages outside help to promote his cause. SM: Let’s talk about financing a bit more; microcredit, microequity, microfranchise – the microfinance structures
Social Entrepreneur: Harish Hande (Part 5)
Here Harish provides us with a case study of his business model. This is just one example, and they have 80,000 installations, so you can appreciate the impact Selco has had. SM: A lot of our readers likely have no idea what a very poor village in India looks like or what issues they deal