Disintermediate a Nobel Prize winning business and lend money to villagers around the world directly. There does not seem to be a revenue model for investors (i.e. the loans do not pay interest), and obviously there are verification costs, but it’s an interesting start – Kiva.org
Even without a revenue model for investors there has to be huge latent supply of people who will lend a small amount money without prospect of making a profit.
I for one have made an investment in Steers in Kenya…
(thanks to Tash for the pointer)
<Update – I’ve become addicted, and now made 5 loans>
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