Can you tell us a bit about Stanford Seed and its mission?

Stanford Seed is a Stanford Graduate School of Business–led initiative working to end the cycle of global poverty. We partner with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build thriving enterprises that transform lives.

Our work is grounded in the belief that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the long-term engine of shared economic prosperity. When SMEs grow sustainably, they create jobs, stabilize supply chains, and localize value creation, producing ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.

We focus on helping businesses transition from subsistence to profitability, and from informality to resilience. To do this, we deliver world-class business training alongside ongoing support such as expert coaching, seasoned consultants, and Stanford student interns.

Many people recognize Stanford University, but may be less familiar with Stanford Seed. What makes Seed unique?

Stanford Seed brings the rigor, insights, and practical tools of Stanford GSB directly to founders and CEOs in emerging markets. Our approach is deeply practical and impact-driven, focused on helping leaders grow revenues, create quality jobs, and build resilient businesses that positively impact people and the planet.

We currently support entrepreneurs across Africa, South Asia, and Indonesia, tailoring our programs to meet businesses where they are in their growth journey.

What programs does Stanford Seed offer to support entrepreneurs at different stages?

Stanford Seed offers four complementary programs designed to support companies at varying sizes and stages of growth:

• Seed Transformation Program (STP)
  Our flagship 10-month hybrid leadership program for established companies. STP supports CEOs, founders, and management teams to create and execute a detailed action plan for transformative growth. The program serves African, Indonesian, and South Asian companies with annual revenues between USD $300,000 and $15 million.
• Seed Transformation Network
  This program supports the more than 1,500 leaders who have completed STP. It provides ongoing leadership development, peer learning, and project-based support through Seed coaches, consultants, and interns. Network members also mentor entrepreneurs participating in Seed Spark and Aspire, strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Aspire
  Aspire is a six-month online leadership and management program offered in partnership with the African Management Institute. It helps small but growing African companies formalize operations and professionalize their business practices. The program serves companies with revenues between USD $20,000 and $400,000.
• Seed Spark
  Seed Spark supports early-stage startups by helping founders clarify their go-to-market strategy, expand their networks, and strengthen core business skills. It is a five-month online program delivered in collaboration with incubators, accelerators, and other entrepreneurial support organizations in Africa and South Asia.

What does success look like for Stanford Seed in measurable terms?

Our programs are designed to support entrepreneurs at every step of their journey, and the impact we see reflects that continuum of support.

• Overall Impact
  • USD $2 billion in capital secured through loans, equity, and grants
  • 6 million livelihoods impacted through direct and indirect job creation
  • USD $1.7 billion in revenues added to local economies
  • 794 women leaders supported
• Program Outcomes
  • 94% of Seed Transformation Program firms attribute business improvements to the program
  • 29% median revenue growth one year after completing STP
  • 20% median annual revenue growth for Aspire companies
  • 92% of Seed Spark startups remain operational three years after completion

How does Stanford Seed engage with ANDE members and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Collaboration is central to Stanford Seed’s mission. We work closely with other entrepreneurial support organizations to strengthen collective efforts to build scalable, job-creating businesses in emerging economies.

ANDE membership enables us to share lessons learned, exchange best practices, and collaborate with other ESOs working across the ecosystem. It also allows us to connect entrepreneurs to broader peer networks, training opportunities, and resources, while contributing to stronger impact investing and entrepreneurial support systems.

We welcome connections with ANDE members who are interested in exploring partnerships or collaboration opportunities.