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In episode 79 the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Ed Marcum, the Managing Partner of the Working Capital Fund, on the innovations creating a more transparent and responsible global supply chain.

With over 20 years of experience in human rights and venture capital investing, Ed has worked across the for-profit, nonprofit, and public policy sectors.

Previously, he spent more than a decade at Humanity United, guiding initiatives to address forced labor in corporate supply chains.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA/MA from The Wharton School and the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania.

About the Working Capital Fund

The Working Capital Fund is on a mission to improve the lives of marginalized workers, catalyzing economic justice by investing in innovative solutions that address the deep-seated challenges of global supply chains.

Global supply chains are enormous, involving millions of workers across thousands of businesses. On average, a Fortune 500 company works with over 10,000 suppliers, producing the goods that consumers rely on daily.

However, these supply chains are often associated with some of the most pressing challenges humanity faces, including forced labor, unfair wages, and environmental degradation.

Annually, over $354 billion worth of goods are at risk of being tainted by forced labor, with more than 17 million workers trapped in modern slavery conditions.

These challenges are often hidden deep within supply chains, making them difficult to detect and resolve. Moreover, supply chains are a primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis.

How the Working Capital Fund Works to Create Impact

The Working Capital Fund focuses on investing in technologies and solutions that address the injustices inherent in global supply chains.

Through its strategic investments, it aims to create a positive impact on workers and the environment. Key areas of focus include:

1. AI-Enabled Transparency Tools

One of the biggest challenges in addressing supply chain issues is the lack of transparency. Corporations often do not have visibility into the practices of their suppliers, making it difficult to identify labor violations or environmental concerns.

By investing in AI-enabled transparency tools, the Working Capital Fund is empowering companies to map their entire supply chains and assess risks in real time.

These tools offer a clear view of potential human rights abuses or environmental risks, helping businesses make more informed decisions about their suppliers.

2. Worker-Voice Solutions

Empowering workers is a critical part of creating a fair and just supply chain. The Working Capital Fund invests in worker-voice solutions that give laborers the tools they need to hold their employers accountable.

These solutions allow workers to anonymously report unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or other violations, providing valuable feedback to companies and regulators.

With this data, stakeholders can take action to improve labor conditions and ensure that workers’ rights are respected.

3. Financial Technology for Fair Pay

Ensuring fair wages for workers is another priority for the Working Capital Fund.

By investing in financial technologies, the Fund is helping to create systems that ensure workers are paid promptly and fairly.

These technologies also help gather sustainability data on upstream suppliers, providing insights into whether they are adhering to ethical labor practices.

With this information, companies can work towards ensuring that their entire supply chain is both economically and socially responsible.

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