Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva, the world's first peer-to-peer microlending Web site, spoke to a large audience of Purdue students, faculty, and staff on September 14. Jackley's spoke about the "power of perspective," and told audience members that she believes one of the main motivating factors for entrepreneurs is the belief that they can make tomorrow better than today.
Kiva has expanded its reach exponentially since its inception in 2005. It has loaned more than $150 million across more than 180 companies since its inception. It also has been recognized by notables such as Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey for its positive impact on developing-world entrepreneurs.
Jackley told the crowd of her new venture, called ProFounder, which provides new ways for small businesses in the United States to access start-up funding through community involvement. She spoke on campus as part of the Purdue Series on Corporate Citizenship and Ethics. Past speakers in the series have included Nobel Laureate Lech Walesa, Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield, and TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie.
