Description
Lendahand is a Netherlands-based crowdfunding platform that connects investors in Europe with entrepreneurs in emerging markets. It addresses financing gaps for smallholder farmers, rural enterprises, and clean energy initiatives by mobilizing affordable capital.
Technology
Borrowers apply online for financing, undergo due diligence and credit assessments by local financial partners, and access approved loans. Investors can fund vetted projects, transfer capital through integrated e-payment systems, and receive repayments.
Target
Lendahand supports SMEs, cooperatives, and MFIs in multiple emerging markets, many of which serve smallholder farmers and rural households.
Business model
Lendahand generates revenue by retaining a service fee from borrower interest payments, shared with local partners. The platform is free to join for investors, who can participate with small contributions. This model sustains operations while linking financial returns with measurable social and environmental impact.
Impact
The initiative aims to close financing gaps for SMEs, cooperatives, and microfinance institutions in emerging markets by mobilizing small-scale investments from European retail lenders. As of July 2025, the platform had facilitated around EUR 216 million in investments across 3 357 projects, creating over 13 000 jobs and expanding access to renewable energy. Approximately 35percent of the supported enterprises are women-owned, contributing to gender-inclusive economic growth.
Partners
Triodos Investment Management; Agents for Impact; Vodiy Taraqqiyot Kredit; Atradius DSB; Carabus; ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund; INCO Ventures; ACTED
Four Betters
Better life
