Frontier Markets is creating the most sustainable and cost-effective model for base-of-the-pyramid market entry through its affiliation with Microfinance Institutions.
Founded by microfinance professionals, Frontier Markets’ mission is to develop and promote goods and services for the BOP. We focus on innovations in health and hygiene, clean water and energy alternatives that will make the greatest impact on the lives of peri-urban and rural women and children in India. Our core values reflect what is most important to us as an organization. These are not values that change over time; rather, they frame every relationship with clients, partners, rural consumers, investors and employees.
Frontier Markets is committed to:
- promoting the health and well-being of BOP households through basic education
- getting to know rural villagers and peri-urban households through a two-way interaction
- satisfying rural and peri-urban consumers by offering a choice of quality products
- aligning our goals with microfinance institutional partners to extend their reach
- working with manufacturers that care about the environment
- supporting professional development and excellence among our employees
- creating wealth through profitability and growth
- engaging in long-term relationships that bind our success to the success of our clients and partners
About the BOP landscape
Approximately 70% of India’s 1.1 billion population lives outside of major urban areas, in villages scattered throughout the country. In the last decade, government and philanthropic organizations as well as private and public companies have attempted to bring goods and services to the rural poor. Although there have been impressive success stories, some efforts have been thwarted because of a lack of infrastructure; regional and cultural differences; inappropriate product or pricing; and, lack of quality assurance.
Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have proven to be the only service providers able to reach the poor on a very large scale, catering to 20+ million households throughout India. Their in-depth research as well as ongoing, personal relationships with credit customers has yielded incomparable insight into the BOP. Frontier Markets has partnered with Tier 1 MFIs, to leverage their existing distribution channel to bring other, non-financial products to the field.
We believe that improving the quality of life for the BOP is a matter of educating consumers about healthcare, water and energy options and making affordable products available even in the most remote regions.
