De-risking innovation for global investors
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ABOUT ESP

We are bridging the gap between youth innovation and global capital to build a more equitable future.

OUR VISION

A world where the boldest ideas of young innovators, regardless of gender, race or country of origin, are the driving force of global prosperity and equitable progress.

OUR mission

To fuel the growth of high-impact, youth-led enterprises by deploying catalytic blended capital, de-risking innovation for global investors, and cultivating strategic partnerships that amplify scale and impact.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

01

Leverage Blended Finance

Combining grants and equity to support youth-led enterprises at every stage of growth.

02

Improve Capital Flows

Directing global investment to top innovators, especially in emerging economies where capital gaps are widest.

03

Cultivate Partnerships

Building a global ecosystem that increases the scale and impact of youth-led
enterprises.

Our TEAM

Guided by experts in finance, development, and innovation.

Dr. Chinwe Effiong
Chief Executive Officer
Aibi Sasore
Programs Director
Chinomso Nwankwo
Executive Assistant
Team Member Name
Enterprises Funded
Team Member Name
Enterprises Funded
Team Member Name
Enterprises Funded

OUR BOARD of DIRECTORS

Guided by experts in finance, development, and innovation.

Alejandra Ycaza
Board Member
Eluma Obibuaku
Board Member
Adaeze Nwaoba
Board Member
Julius Coles
Board Member
Luna LU
Board Member
Team Member Name
Enterprises Funded
Team Member Name
Enterprises Funded
Team Member Name
Enterprises Funded
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The Blended Finance Engine

Our model combines concessional capital (grants) with commercial investment (equity/debt) to lower the risk profile of high-potential youth enterprises.

1

Catalytic First-Loss Capital

Philanthropic funds absorb initial risks, validating business models.

2

Technical Assistance Facility

Grant-funded support ensures operational readiness and governance.

3

Commercial Scale-Up

Equity and debt capital fuel proven growth trajectories.

Improve Capital Flows

We bridge the gap between idle capital and high-potential local enterprises.

1

Aggregating Opportunities

We bundle high-potential micro-enterprises into structured portfolios, transforming fragmented risks into professional-grade investment vehicles.

2

Streamlining Pipelines

By standardizing due diligence and reporting, we remove friction and ensure capital moves efficiently from investors to the entrepreneurs who need it.

3

Enhancing Liquidity

Our focus on fundamental profitability creates sustainable cash flows, allowing for patient exits and the continuous recycling of capital within the ecosystem.

Cultivate Partnerships

Building a collaborative ecosystem of donors, investors, and local leaders.

1

Strategic Donor Alignment

We collaborate with philanthropic partners to provide the initial grant layer, effectively de-risking the “valley of death” for early-stage ventures.

2

Private Sector Co-investment

Our catalytic equity acts as a “first-loss” safety net, encouraging family offices and impact investors to deploy capital toward long-term growth.

3

Leadership & Mentorship Networks

We bridge the gap between capital and expertise by connecting entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals to ensure strong governance and operational success.