Dragons Den for the Developing World

The Geezer · 26 Feb 2014 at 12:49

Don't know if many members know about this site but it is a real good read together with the opportunity to try and make a difference.

http://www.kiva.org

You are essentially making loans to help start-ups in under funded countries.

Burnsy2023 · 26 Feb 2014 at 12:51

Am I the only one who thinks this is an amazingly good idea?

I love the inherently personal approach to social lending.

The Geezer · 26 Feb 2014 at 12:55

Great response Burnsy, I must admit I only found out about recently as our company is encouraging all staff to loan to whichever cause floats your boat.

Don't expect to become - shareholders, receive interest on your loans, or own a stake in who ever you back

randomshenans · 26 Feb 2014 at 12:57

Love that idea!

darael · 26 Feb 2014 at 12:57

We should get our own country sorted out first, before offering buckets of money elsewhere.

nick.lidgett · 26 Feb 2014 at 12:58

darael said:
We should get our own country sorted out first, before offering buckets of money elsewhere.

There is always one :mad:

The Geezer · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:01

darael said:
We should get our own country sorted out first, before offering buckets of money elsewhere.

These are private investments not government backed - I'm guessing you're not getting this whole capitalism lark :confused:

Cosimo · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:02

darael said:
We should get our own country sorted out first, before offering buckets of money elsewhere.

This is nothing to do with governments, it's loans from individuals and nothing to break the bank.

Burnsy2023 · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:03

darael said:
We should get our own country sorted out first, before offering buckets of money elsewhere.

Yeah, **** the poor people :rolleyes:

:(Rhodri:) · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:04

This is an amazing idea, being able to directly see and decide on who your money is going to and what for makes a huge difference, it seems to be working very well as the repayment rate's almost 99% and the amount of money loaned since it started is huge.

Burnsy2023 · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:05

The Geezer said:
Great response Burnsy, I must admit I only found out about recently as our company is encouraging all staff to loan to whichever cause floats your boat.

Don't expect to become - shareholders, receive interest on your loans, or own a stake in who ever you back

Do expect: to help someone you don't know try and raise their standard of living in a tangible way without any of your money being skimmed off the top for charity expenses.

For me the fact that every penny goes to the borrower is a big plus. Charities do plenty of good work, but I like to know all my money makes a difference. Getting the money back is just a bonus but means we can help even more people.

darael · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:06

The Geezer said:
These are private investments not government backed - I'm guessing you're not getting this whole capitalism lark

You seem to be labouring under the misapprehension that I mentioned governments somewhere in my post.

nick.lidgett · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:06

I like the fact you load some guy you have never met £20, he goes and buys a few chickens or a new hammer or something and can make a few bob.

Burnsy2023 · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:06

Rhodri said:
This is an amazing idea, being able to directly see and decide on who your money is going to and what for makes a huge difference, it seems to be working very well as the repayment rate's almost 99% and the amount of money loaned since it started is huge.

Indeed 98.98% is amazing considering they lent over half a billion dollars.

Antony101 · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:07

darael said:
We should get our own country sorted out first, before offering buckets of money elsewhere.

Yeah, I'll loan the government $25. That will sort all our problems out.

darael · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:07

Burnsy2023 said:
Yeah, **** the poor people

Because right now nobody in our home country is poor that could do with help, right?

Home first, abroad second.

The Geezer · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:08

Burnsy2023 said:
Do expect: to help someone you don't know try and raise their standard of living in a tangible way without any of your money being skimmed off the top for charity expenses.

For me the fact that every penny goes to the borrower is a big plus. Charities do plenty of good work, but I like to know all my money makes a difference. Getting the money back is just a bonus but means we can help even more people.

Glad you are on the same page fella !!! :cool:

randomshenans · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:08

darael said:
You seem to be labouring under the misapprehension that I mentioned governments somewhere in my post.

You sound nice.

Mucky_Pup · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:09

No interest gained on borrowed money... I'm oot.

randomshenans · 26 Feb 2014 at 13:09

darael said:
Because right now nobody in our home country is poor that could do with help, right?

Home first, abroad second.

If there were also things that helped microfinance for the UK would that be better for you?

What exactly are you looking for?