Being Home for the Holidays at Galavante from our working jet set circuit gives us time to reset and to be THANKFUL for everything and everyone in our lives. Each of us at Galavante is dedicated to improving our local and global communities. This week, we are honored to speak with the EH Foundation, started by our own extraordinary Eva Helene Foust Yazhari and her husband Hooman.
Galavante: You and Hooman have taken on the enormous endeavor of ameliorating global poverty. How did you start EH Foundation?
Eva: When I met my husband Hooman, we had an instant connection and shared values. Love at first site sounds cliché, but I am so fortunate to say that was my situation. EH stands for our first names, which represents our commitment to each other, our families and to our vision of bettering our global community. Shortly after moving to Zurich in 2009, I made the decision to use the resources at my disposal to help present the issue of global poverty to those who could make a difference. Under the premise that market-based solutions are the antidote to poverty, the EH Foundation supports high-potential entrepreneurs with innovative business models that address critical human needs such as healthcare and clean water.
Galavante: The premise of market-based solutions to fighting poverty is such a reflection of your background in Finance. How severe is the issue of poverty in the world?
Eva: Despite all of our economic and technological advances, nearly 1.2 billion people live on less than $1.00 per day. As global citizens, we believe that what happens beyond our own communities impacts our daily lives so we’re committed to achieving widespread change for those living at the bottom of the global economic pyramid.
Galavante: We had no idea that almost 20% of the world lives at that level of poverty. How does the EH Foundation work?
Eva: EH is comprised of a team of professionals with expertise in law, management, finance, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. We source, support and scale innovative business ideas that offer the greatest possible impact for achieving our goals. We also reinvest our profits back into new ideas in an effort to build on the success of our investments.
Galavante: How does your organization make a difference?
Eva: The EH Foundation makes a difference on two levels; first we support social entrepreneurs who are working to positively change the lives of the world’s most impoverished people. In addition, we provide the jumpstart capital social entrepreneurs need to get their business off the ground.
Gavalante: How do you decide which projects to invest in?
Eva: We have identified four key market segments necessary for economic and social development in impoverished countries: healthcare, clean water, clean energy and education. An enterprise’s social mission is our first criteria in deciding whether or not to support it. We then weigh that against additional criteria including sustainability, the scale and reach of the business, scope of the product/service delivered, the enterprises’ effect beyond the direct consumer and constituent feedback. Once an enterprise moves beyond our social analysis, we consider traditional investment criteria and seek out businesses that fill a niche in a simple and intuitive way.
Galavante: Is there a project that you are most proud of?
Eva: I am proud of all the work the Foundation has done this past year, particularly with Healthpoint. Healthpoint is a hybrid healthcare organization that provides medical services in rural India. Prior to Healthpoint’s entry into the market, there were no reliable sources for clean drinking water and quality medical care. We view our investment as an accomplishment in that now, rural Indians within range of a Healthpoint clinic, are able to pay an affordable price for clean water, medical diagnostics and approved pharmaceuticals. Healthpoint is a proud example of our work.
Galavante: How can people get involved?
Eva: In addition to financial contributions, we welcome referrals and submissions for potential investments, as well as co-investment partnerships. Corporate partnerships, personal time commitments and strategic introductions are also ways to help us further our goals. Our website is www.theehfoundation.org and we can be reached at [email protected]. Check our website for details about upcoming events.
