As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.
In episode 38 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with
Roberto Milk, the Co-founder and CEO of
NOVICA, on creating the world's largest impact marketplace. To date, NOVICA customers have helped send nearly $100 million to artisans around the world, and counting!
NOVICA started with a dream to create a better world for artisans. Along the way, the team discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them. Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.
The marketplace features the works of more than 20,000 artisans for sale, improving the economic prospects of artists in some of the world’s most remote areas. Showcasing their products on NOVICA, offers artisans fair prices, no binding contracts and the freedom to make a success of their craft by building a sustainable business.
Through a successful microcredit partnership with, NOVICA also gives artisans access to no interest microcredit loans that help build their businesses, allowing them to purchase materials, supplies and even get assistance to support their growing businesses. Artisans through NOVICA, have already earned nearly $100 million in funds by selling on NOVICA.com. Roberto and his team are building a global infrastructure that will increase that number to $1 billion.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, artisan activity is the second-largest employer in the developing world behind agriculture. NOVICA has empowered global artisans through greater access to international customers, freedom to set their own prices, and the ability to focus on their craft, creating a visible and profound impact on the communities around them. For this work and more, Roberto has been selected as the 2020 YPO Global Impact regional honoree for the Pacific U.S.
Check out:We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.