Mike Galgon, the former co-founder and chief strategy officer of aQuantive, a company acquired by Microsoft for $6 billion, has recently taken on the role of CEO at Global Partnerships, an impact-first investor based in Seattle. Galgon has worked with numerous founders in the Pacific Northwest and believes that entrepreneurship embodies the human spirit at its best, involving seeking opportunities, gathering resources, and working relentlessly to achieve goals. He was impressed by the entrepreneurs benefiting from Global Partnerships, particularly women in South America and Africa who are coffee farmers supporting their families and communities through innovation and hard work.
Galgon’s involvement with Global Partnerships began over 22 years ago when he traveled to Guatemala with the organization to witness its impact firsthand. He was struck by how small amounts of capital could be life-changing for those living in extreme poverty. After serving on the organization’s board of directors and as chair for several years, Galgon was asked to apply for the role of CEO when former CEO Rick Beckett announced his retirement. Bill Richter, co-chair of the board, praised Galgon’s commitment and leadership qualities, highlighting his experience in growing markets and successful investing.
Global Partnerships, founded in 1994, has offices in Seattle, Bogotá, and Nairobi. The organization has deployed over $770 million in investment capital to social enterprises in developing countries that serve people living on less than $5.50 per day. The funds provide low-cost loans to partner organizations, such as microfinance institutions, health clinics, and agricultural cooperatives, enabling them to provide essential services to low-income communities. Galgon is passionate about tracking and showcasing the impact of these investments to encourage others to engage in impact-first investing.
Galgon believes that the loans provided by Global Partnerships will contribute to the growth and success of companies in low-income countries, ultimately encouraging more businesses to serve these overlooked economies. The challenges faced by entrepreneurs in these regions, compounded by the effects of climate change, are significant. However, Galgon finds inspiration in their resilience and drive to improve their lives and those of their families. He sees Global Partnerships as a provider of “fuel for their fires,” supporting these entrepreneurs in their pursuit of better opportunities.
The entrepreneurs supported by Global Partnerships are seen as operating at a level that even successful companies like aQuantive cannot match. Galgon was particularly struck by the dedication and hard work of women in South America and Africa who are able to support their families through their coffee farming activities. The impact of small amounts of capital on their lives has been transformative, reinforcing Galgon’s belief in the power of impact-first investing to drive positive change in the world.
In his role as CEO of Global Partnerships, Galgon is focused on leveraging the organization’s investments to create successful companies in low-income countries and drive economic growth. By documenting the impact of their investments and showcasing the benefits of an impact-first approach, Galgon hopes to inspire others to engage in socially responsible investing. He sees the hope for the future in the resilience and determination of the entrepreneurs supported by Global Partnerships, emphasizing that the organization is not creating solutions but rather providing support for individuals to improve their own lives.
