London, UK: LeapFrog Investments, the Profit with Purpose investment firm, today launched The LeapFrog blueprint for jobs and inclusive growth. Based on the experience of backing and building nearly 50 companies across 37 countries, the new report captures how LeapFrog companies have come to support 38 million jobs. It offers practical methodologies and case studies for creating, sustaining and improving the quality of jobs – promoting a more broadly shared prosperity.

As governments and societies search for sustainable growth models, the challenge of job creation and protection continues to define the future. Failures to meet this challenge contribute to economic volatility, inequality and social fragmentation. Yet some companies and some countries are succeeding, in illuminating ways.

While government and policymaking are vital, private enterprises generate the vast majority of employment. The report highlights the critical role of growth equity in helping those firms to scale rapidly – bringing with it a surge of job opportunities.

From Electronica Finance in India, which equips MSMEs to grow and hire, to Sun King in Kenya and Nigeria, which employs local agents and brings clean energy to off-grid enterprises, such high-growth and high-employment companies reveal the path forward. These purpose-driven companies, designed to be close to the customer and serve real needs, generate both commercial value and employment at scale.

The report outlines powerful trends and drivers of job protection and creation:

• Demographic and technological dividends – especially in South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa
• MSMEs expanding economic opportunities across income levels
• Democratised insurance to protect livelihoods
• Multiplier effects from activating local supply chains
• The shift from informal to inclusive and future-fit work

Dr Andy Kuper, Founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, said: “By tapping the trillions of dollars in the global capital markets, companies can deliver at the scale needed – mobilising vast resources for the most successful and replicable business models, rapidly serving ever more customers’ needs, generating millions of jobs to achieve that growth. After nearly 20 years of investing equity behind such companies, and working daily to support their success, we are pleased to share our best lessons on the business methodologies and investment strategies that achieve this virtuous cycle.”

Julia Gillard, Chair of Wellcome and member of LeapFrog’s Global Leadership Council, concluded: “LeapFrog’s approach offers a practical blueprint: invest in high growth sectors, behind companies that serve local communities well, harnessing technology to enable jobs that bring companies close to the customers – ensuring prosperity that is broadly shared.”

LeapFrog invests in healthcare, financial services and climate solutions businesses in high-growth global markets. Its companies deliver distinctive impact and robust returns, growing revenues on average 22% a year. LeapFrog companies now reach 559 million people with essential services in 37 countries. The firm has raised billions of dollars from global institutional investors, including a $500m commitment by Temasek to LeapFrog and its growth equity funds. LeapFrog has twice been ranked by Fortune as one of the top Companies to Change the World, alongside Apple and Novartis, and was named inaugural Pioneer in Impact by the FT and IFC at the Transformational Business Awards.

For more information, go to: www.leapfroginvest.com.

Montfort Communications

LeapFrog@Montfort.London