Blog
Innovative Tech for Water Security: What we learned from 243 startups tackling the global water crisis
As climate-driven water challenges intensify, Mercy Corps Ventures launched a global call to fund tech solutions improving water efficiency, access, and infrastructure for vulnerable communities. We received 243 applications from 48 countries—uncovering powerful trends in innovation across AI, IoT, purification, smart irrigation, and more. This blog shares what we learned and where the most promising solutions are emerging.
Pilot Insights | Microfinance onchain: Unlocking credit in Ghana using stablecoins and reputation-based lending
In Ghana, Mercy Corps Ventures partnered with Haraka and Grameen Foundation to test blockchain-powered microloans for women’s savings groups. No apps, no crypto wallets, no collateral. The result? Faster, cheaper credit in local stablecoins helping over 500 borrowers — 90% of them women — grow businesses and build resilience.
Pilot Launch | Powering Anticipatory Action for Floods in Senegal using AI and Smart Contracts
Selected from 230+ applications in 50+ countries, OPAL for Floods will pilot in Senegal, using AI, satellite imagery, and smart contracts to help Thiès and Grand Dakar act before floods.
Why We Invested in Farm to Feed | The Odd-Looking Solution to Post-Harvest Losses
In Sub-Saharan Africa, massive amounts of edible food are wasted every year simply because they don’t meet visual standards. Farm to Feed is a women-led startup that turns this “imperfect” produce into valuable supply for commercial kitchens, helping farmers earn more while reducing climate impact. Learn why Mercy Corps Ventures is backing this innovative, climate-smart solution.
Pilot Insights | How Stablecoins Transformed Aid in Syria—96% Faster, 60% Cheaper
How can stablecoins improve the way aid reaches people in crisis? This piece explores a humanitarian cash pilot in Northeast Syria, where farmers received digital payments via stablecoin rails for the first time. You'll find how it worked in practice—from speed and cost gains to vendor hesitancy—plus firsthand insights from local participants, implementation lessons, and what this means for future aid delivery at scale.
Pilot Insights | Unlocking DeFi-powered Credit for Microentrepreneurs in Colombia
Mercy Corps Ventures partnered with Quipu and Anzi Finance to pilot a DeFi credit solution for Colombian microentrepreneurs. Using AI‑driven credit scoring and decentralized stablecoin capital, the pilot issued 313 loans averaging $108 to underserved entrepreneurs—86% reported better climate resilience, and 80% saw income growth.
Biostimulants & Biopesticides: Unlocking the Next Frontier in Sustainable Agriculture
As global agriculture shifts toward sustainability, biologically derived inputs like biostimulants and biopesticides are emerging as powerful tools to boost yields, protect ecosystems, and support smallholder farmers. This blog explores the opportunities, challenges, and startup strategies shaping the next era of sustainable farming.
Pilot Launch | Satellites On Fire: Using the Power of AI to Prevent and Predict Wildfires
Mercy Corps Ventures is partnering with Satellites on Fire to pilot an AI-powered wildfire prediction model in Misiones, Argentina. Using satellite imagery, real-time data, and local knowledge, it will forecast fire spread to enable faster response, protect ecosystems, and build climate resilience.
Prosper Global Ventures Annual Impact Reports
Every year, we track our portfolio’s impact and capture lessons from entrepreneurs in frontier markets. Measuring impact is core to how we invest, helping us make smarter decisions, improve investments, and share insights for greater collective impact.