SOCAP11 Panelist Spotlight: Homayoon Shahinfar, Stima Systems Inc.

What is your role in the Social Capital Market?
To profitably empower the bottom of the base-of-the pyramid to solve more of their own problems, starting with sensible low cost energy and light.
How might we re-imagine resources to create self-sustaining and thriving local communities?
Entrepreneurship:  Embrace and support the brilliant local talent.  The developed world has much to learn from the resource-deprived rural entrepreneurs. Collaboration with smart outside entrepreneurs who are willing to be humbled, and learn new ways of generating value is a critical success factor.
Technology & natural resources:  Bridge the technology knowledge gap at local communities.  Armed with relevant awareness and proper exposure, the local entrepreneurs should catalyze the demand for technology that matters to the next few billion at the bottom of the BoP.  Efficient local production for the bottom of BoP markets enable greater adoptions in the BoP markets. Leverage lower cost labor and natural resources close to the market.
Financial capital:  Profitable businesses that offer value and social impact deserve investment.  Seed capital would be supplied by outside social investors until local capital investment cycles catch up. Kimisoi:  “…SOCAP in Kenya..”?