The Supermodel Philanthropist
Entrepreneur magazine|January - February 2020
Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova, recognised for her philanthropic and advocacy work, founded her charity organisation Naked Heart Foundation 15 years ago to tackle the stigma of disability. This year, she launched Elbi India, the country’s first philanthropic rewards-based subscription service in the form of a digital platform. In a conversation with Entrepreneur India, she spills her heart out on making philanthropy fun, rewarding and cool.
The Supermodel Philanthropist

Take us through your entrepreneurial journey.

It might sound surprising but I’ve had this entrepreneurial approach since early childhood. I knew I had to do something to support my single mother and sister with cerebral palsy and autism. I started selling fruits at the local market when I was 11 and then helped my mother set up her own fruit stall. Since my modelling journey, I have always held this approach — give back to society and to try and help as many people in need as I can through my ventures.

Most of the funding goes to all-male founder teams in the UK, as per recent reports. What, according to you, then are the struggles of female entrepreneurs?

Unfortunately, female entrepreneurs aren’t considered equal to their male counterparts in certain industries. The rise of so many female entrepreneurs all over the world, especially in India, is very encouraging.

Once more and more female-founded businesses perform well, people and investors will be encouraged to invest more money into their enterprises. We need to encourage and educate women on entrepreneurial practices across all levels. For example, Elbi is partnering with several like-minded organisations to bring about business training for women in rural areas of India as part of a fundraising project. We hope to reach a million girls with this programme.

Which start-ups have you invested in?

この記事は Entrepreneur magazine の January - February 2020 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Entrepreneur magazine の January - February 2020 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

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