Toms Shoes has been credited with inspiring a generation of entrepreneurs to consider combining business with philanthropy.
Taking a page from Toms, which sells shoes but also donates shoes to needy kids around the world, two recently launched Houston companies are also trying to profit while helping a cause.
Cellphone-case maker Mrked is giving 15 percent of its revenue each quarter to a nonprofit that helps educate girls in Africa and Asia. Mobile analytics firm Validas helps consumers save money on their wireless bills and pass the savings on to charities. -snip-
The founders of Mrked didn’t set out to make cellphone cases. They just knew they wanted to give back, said Akil Momin, one of three founders.
“We chose education because it’s so vital to life,” Momin said. “And once a girl is educated, you can eliminate illiteracy for generations. It doesn’t matter how many men you educate, but a woman will educate her entire family.”
The co-founders, all children of South Asian immigrants, grew up attending the same community events and watching their parents place a similar emphasis on education.
As the three began to finish school, they said, they wanted to give the same opportunity to others. They pitched the idea to Momin’s brother and pooled some of their own money for a total investment of about $40,000.
via Helping charities part of the plan for 2 startups – Houston Chronicle.
Ismailimail 