About Saif

The person and the platform are the same

"Build a trusted, global builder-investor platform where inclusion becomes a competitive advantage—linking last-mile realities to boardroom priorities."

Saif Rashid is an entrepreneur, investor, and mentor focused on worker-centric finance and workplace distribution. He convenes the Impact & Scale Circle, publishes The Saif Letter, and backs founders who build inclusive, scalable solutions.

His work bridges the gap between frontline realities and boardroom priorities, creating measurable value for both business performance and social impact.

Saif Rashid
Ashoka FellowSocial Entrepreneur

Core Principles

The foundation that guides everything we do

Grounded

Start with frontline truths.

Grounded

Every decision begins with real-world evidence from those closest to the problem.

Bold

Co-build where the stakes are real.

Bold

We engage in high-impact spaces where meaningful change is both possible and necessary.

Measurable

Publish indicators that matter to both P&L and SDGs.

Measurable

Success is quantified through metrics that serve both business performance and social impact.

Human core

Technology augments people and protects dignity.

Human core

Innovation should enhance human capability while preserving fundamental human values.

Integrity

Consent, privacy, and conflict transparency.

Integrity

Trust is built through clear communication, ethical practices, and transparent operations.

Awards & Recognition

Celebrating impact and innovation across global platforms

Award Recognition 1
Award 1
Award Recognition 2
Award 2
Award Recognition 4
Award 3
Award Recognition 1
Award 1
Award Recognition 2
Award 2
Award Recognition 4
Award 3

Hover to pause • Continuously scrolling award moments

2019

Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge

Tommy Hilfiger

Selected for innovative approach to worker wellbeing in apparel supply chain through Apon Wellbeing.

2018

Entrepreneur of the Year

Spark Accelerator

Won both audience choice and peer review award with Apon Wellbeing for impact in worker economic empowerment.

2017

Fabric of Change Fellow

C&A Foundation

Selected to accelerate economic empowerment of workers in apparel supply chain.

2015

Ashoka Fellowship

Ashoka

Joined the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs for building rural distribution networks that empower marginalized women.

2015

Friend of Social Business

Social Business Pedia

Recognized for contributions to the social business ecosystem.

2014

Social Entrepreneur of the Year

Schwab Foundation (World Economic Forum)

One of the most outstanding social entrepreneurs globally - joining Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Sir Fazle Hasan Abed as Bangladeshi recipients.

2014

GSBI Accelerator

Santa Clara University

Selected for 10-month social enterprise accelerator program with in-residence mentorship scholarship (1 of 20 globally).

2013

GSBI Social Enterprise Accelerator

Santa Clara University

Selected as one of 350 entrepreneurs for 2-week in-residence acceleration and mentorship program.

Education & Credentials

Building expertise through world-class institutions

2023
Executive Course

Impact Business Strategy

INSEAD, France

Advanced strategic framework for creating measurable business and social impact.

2022
Graduate Degree

Masters in Technology Innovation Management

Carleton University, Canada

Specialized in innovation management, technology commercialization, and entrepreneurship.

2015
Executive Education

The Art and Science of System Change

Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Schwab Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship from Schwab Foundation - immersive systems thinking for social change with 35 global social entrepreneurs.

2014
Executive Program

GSBI Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

Santa Clara University

Full Scholarship

10-month rigorous coursework on investment readiness, operational excellence, and scaling impact (1 of 20 globally).

2003
Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor of Business Administration

Khulna University, Bangladesh

Top 10% of Class

6th in class - Dean's merit list - All 4 merit scholarships - Centre first in Secondary Certificate Exam

Special Skills & Expertise

Deep expertise across multiple domains of social impact and enterprise

Public-Private Partnership

Certified Partnership Broker

Expert in building multi-sectoral partnerships among business associations, corporates, NGOs, and government agencies.

Key Achievements

CARE & DanoneCARE & GrameenphoneCARE & BATA

Start-up & Project Management

Founded 2 Social Enterprises

Full-cycle startup expertise from ideation to investment, with proven 35% annual growth and 20% cost reduction.

Key Achievements

JITA BangladeshApon WellbeingGood Little Enterprise

Value Chain & M4P Programs

Certified Expert

Implementing market systems approaches for dairy value chains, rural livelihoods, and food security projects.

Key Achievements

Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationDFID ProjectsUSAID SHOUHARDO

Micro-franchise Development

Global Model Innovator

Designed micro-franchise models for agriculture inputs and last-mile distribution in Bangladesh and Ethiopia.

Key Achievements

Featured in GuardianForbes recognitionOxford case study

Enterprise Development

Training & Mentoring Expert

Supporting micro-entrepreneurs through critical success factors, 1:1 mentoring, and stakeholder-based growth support.

Key Achievements

Multiple sectorsFull lifecycle supportMarket linkages

Training & Facilitation

VIPP & ZOPP Certified

Process-oriented workshops using participatory methods, with modules on M4P, value chain, and entrepreneurship.

Key Achievements

International deliveryCustom curriculaCapacity building

BoP Marketing & Distribution

Published Case Studies

Expert in designing last-mile distribution for health, hygiene, energy, and nutrition products for underserved communities.

Key Achievements

Oxford case study10+ corporate partnershipsRural innovation

Professional Journey

Two decades of building impact-driven enterprises and partnerships

2016 - Present

Founder

APON - Inclusive Well-being for Makers

Revolutionary scheme addressing RMG workers' wellbeing through inclusive business model with in-factory shops offering discounted goods and points-based health coverage.

Key Achievements

  • 8-10% discount for 4.2M workers
  • Zero-cash health coverage system
  • Partnership with multiple consumer goods companies
  • Life insurance coverage program
2012 - 2016

Chief Executive Officer

JITA Bangladesh

Led joint venture social business of CARE and Danone.communities, managing network of 4,500 women sales representatives across Bangladesh.

Key Achievements

  • Scaled from 1,800 to 4,500 sales ladies
  • Achieved 35% annual growth
  • $13M in sales (2015)
  • Reached 10M consumers
  • Featured in Guardian, Forbes, The Economist
2009 - 2011

Program Manager - Corporate Engagement

CARE Bangladesh

Developed first business plan for Rural Sales Program, secured $1M investment from Danone.communities, and launched 'Tothyo Tori' (information boat).

Key Achievements

  • Secured $1M initial investment
  • Expanded from 600 to 1,200 sales ladies
  • National ICT Award 2010
  • Manthan Award in e-business category
2007 - 2009

Technical Coordinator - Corporate Engagement

CARE Bangladesh

Project manager for USAID's SHOUHARDO food security project, developing partnerships and market-based interventions for 5,000 beneficiaries.

Key Achievements

  • Secured $100K from private sector
  • Built 100+ partnerships
  • Documented as SHOUHARDO success example
  • Employment creation models with private sector
2006 - 2007

Program Development Officer - Private Sector

CARE Bangladesh

Conducted CSR research and co-founded SAFORB (South Asian Forum for Responsible Business), managed Partnership Brokering Project.

Key Achievements

  • Founded SAFORB with 8 organizations
  • Certified Partnership Broker (IBLF)
  • 14 organizations capacity building
  • Strategic CSR focus for CARE
2004 - 2006

Technical Officer - Marketing

CARE Bangladesh

Developed and implemented innovative rural marketing and sales model creating livelihood opportunities for rural poor women through private sector engagement.

Key Achievements

  • Created highly celebrated NGO-Corporate partnership
  • Door-to-door marketing strategy
  • Business plan development for rural women
  • Foundation for future JITA model