Before starting their mission, Michael had been working 3 years in Private Equity in London and founded an e-commerce business in Malaysia, while Marguerite was part of an international Marketing and Sales graduate program. Through friends at McKinsey, they were introduced to Ashoka, the largest network of social entrepreneurs worldwide. This inspired them to embark on a trip across the globe as pro-bono consultants, which would lead them to work with 6 social enterprises in Kenya, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
It all started with Farmshop (Nairobi, Kenya), a network of franchised agro-vet shops that improve the productivity of small farmers in rural Kenya. Michael strengthened the business model, made contact with investors and improved the finance & supply chain processes. Marguerite developed a detailed 2013 Marketing plan and 5 year Marketing strategy and also trained the team in presentation skills. Through these improvements, the stores now run much more efficiently, with one even doubling its sales.
With Conserve India, a social business that up-cycles waste from Delhi streets into fashion accessories, Michael and Marguerite analyzed the reasons for the slowdown after 8 years of exemplary growth in revenues and developed a full turnaround strategy for the white label business, including the creation of a branded business line, opening of a new office in a Western market, investor & marketing strategy and a business valuation. While investor discussions with leading impact investors are still ongoing, the management has started implementing the proposed changes and is bringing the business to the next level.
Michael also initiated fundraising discussions with a broad range of impact investors for YCAB (Jakarta, Indonesia), a foundation which combines economic empowerment with vocational training to support disadvantaged youth and their micro finance unit is now on track to secure in excess of USD 1 million.
The experience of Michael and Marguerite reveals the need for business skills in the social sector. Limited funds often prevent social enterprises from recruiting candidates with relevant experience and external consulting on punctual missions may not provide all the help that is needed. In both cases volunteers with business experience can bridge the gap, providing their skills and experience in specific issues. Both Michael and Marguerite continue to stay involved with these social enterprises even after their trip, through continued advice, help on implementation and their positions on several of the advisory boards.
To learn more about the social enterprises Michael and Marguerite worked with:
- https://www.ashoka.org/
- http://www.farmshop.co.ke/
- http://www.brienholdenvision.org/
- http://rucore.org.za/tlholego-village/
- http://www.conserveindia.org/
- http://www.culinarytruths.com/
- http://www.rachel-house.org/
- http://www.ycabfoundation.org/
Michael Mitterlehner holds an MSc in International Business Administration from WU Wien and an MSc in International Management from CEMS (HEC - WU).
Marguerite-Marie Mitterlehner holds an MSc in Management from HEC Paris, an MSc in International Management from CEMS (HEC - VSE) and an MSc Social Anthropology from the LSE.