RENEW Stories of 2014: Part Three

This past year, RENEW has been working to close an investment in the first private ambulance company in Ethiopia. We are excited to share another one of our favorite stories of 2014. In Laura’s own words:

“This past summer, I learned that the owner was headed to the United States to gain exposure to advanced emergency medical systems. I emailed my former colleagues at Mayo Clinic asking if they would host him, so that he could experience a world-class health system, including air ambulances, dispatch centers and training programs. We arranged it all, including his stay with my parents outside Rochester, Minnesota.

I was so excited about

his visit, but it wasn't until he came back to Ethiopia that I realized he had been confused by my invitation to visit a 'clinic in Minnesota'. In Ethiopia, a clinic is typically as small as one nurse in a remote village. He had gone to Mayo Clinic because he trusted me, and he came back to Ethiopia astonished and full of vision for building a world-class emergency response system in a place that really needs it. We are thrilled to be involved with an entrepreneur with so much potential for Ethiopia.”

Looking forward, 2015 will be an exciting year for RENEW and the IAN. We are planning for more investments, some exits, second rounds, returns from our current portfolio, and Econ-Tourism Trips to Ethiopia. RENEW is also working to make it easier for our investors to diversify, connect with their companies, and meet with each other. We look forward to creating stories with you in 2015!