David Edelstein | TEDxSeattle
David Edelstein, Director of the Grameen Technology Center (GTC), Vice President of Technology Programs at Grameen Foundation
David Edelstein is the Director of the Grameen Technology Center (GTC) and the Vice President of Technology Programs at Grameen Foundation. He guides the foundation’s efforts to create innovative and sustainable approaches for using technology to benefit the world’s poor.
The GTC develops tools and services that leverage technology to put information and capital into the hands of the poor and those serving their needs. This includes an open source software platform (Mifos) which extends the scale and impact of Microfinance Institutions. The GTC also has extensive experience working with mobile phones, delivering services that put vital information on health, agriculture and other topics directly to people with access to basic mobile phones. Together with Google and MTN Uganda, Grameen Foundation’s Application Laboratory was awarded the Global Mobile Award for the “Best Use of Mobile for Social and Economic Development”.
Prior to joining the Grameen Foundation, David spent three years at Microsoft designing business models to provide affordable technology products for people in emerging markets. David also worked in Brazil for four years, with the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, where he developed business strategies tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses in developing countries. Previously, David conducted economic analyses and evaluated public policy with the White House Council of Economic Advisers and with Resources For the Future.
