Hi Product Hunt,
I'm Julia, the founder of Zidisha. I'd be happy to respond to any questions here. Below is some more background on what we've been working on.
Zidisha has gone through several iterations since we launched as the first P2P microlending platform to connect lenders and borrowers directly across international borders. In our new Pay It Forward program, the entrepreneurs you fund become in turn the funders of other entrepreneurs.
You've probably heard of microlending - it's been around for decades, and the idea is to provide very small loans to borrowers in developing countries. Zidisha (founded in 2009) has focused on supporting small-scale entrepreneurs, but with a twist: instead of sending the money through a third party, Zidisha has connected individual lenders DIRECTLY with recipients.
Microlending is compelling because the donor's money is recycled over and over, as the loan is repaid and re-loaned. Traditionally, the lender has chosen each recipient, but we started to wonder: wouldn't it be great if the recipient could feel the joy and satisfaction of giving? In other words, rather than repaying the original lender, what if they could "pay it forward" by selecting the next recipient and having their loan repayments go directly to that person?
That's the idea behind our new Pay It Forward program! You select an entrepreneur and donate any amount you wish. You won't be repaid, but instead, you'll be able to watch how your money passes from one entrepreneur to the next, as your money's impact multiplies over and over.
Sound too good to be true? Try it by uploading a small amount to your account, and divide it among several of our fundraising entrepreneurs. Not only will you receive thank-you notes written directly by your chosen recipients, but you will be able to track how your funds are recycled as they are "paid forward" to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
As an entrepreneur who came from a developing country, this is really a useful product that I can identify with the need for. Awesome work from you and the team. Congratulations on the launch, Julia!
Zidisha