Fighting Human Trafficking Through For-Profit Solutions: The Power of Impact Investing
In a world where over 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, both for labor and sex, the need for innovative solutions to combat human trafficking has never been greater. While nonprofits and governments have been on the front lines, a new wave of for-profit companies is stepping in, proving that businesses can be a powerful force for good.
On the Generosity Now podcast, Wes Lyons and Vip Vipperman, leaders of Eagle Venture Fund, shared their groundbreaking approach to fighting human trafficking by investing in for-profit businesses focused on creating scalable, sustainable solutions. Their work is part of a larger movement called impact investing, where the aim is not just financial return but also societal change.
Here’s how Eagle Venture Fund and other organizations are pushing the boundaries of what it means to fight human trafficking.
A Moment of Awakening: How Business Can Fight Human Trafficking
For Wes, the fight against human trafficking became personal after witnessing the horrors of child soldiers and human exploitation during his military service in the Philippines. This experience led him to question how the private sector could contribute to this fight, and ultimately, Eagle Venture Fund was born.
Wes and his team began to ask a critical question: Could for-profit companies take meaningful action against human trafficking? The answer was a resounding yes, and it’s an approach that’s yielding impressive results.
Eagle Venture Fund’s focus is simple yet profound: leverage technology and scalable solutions to combat human trafficking, particularly in industries like hospitality, banking, and supply chain management, where trafficking often thrives.
Innovative Solutions in the Fight
Darkwatch
One of the most impactful companies in Eagle’s portfolio is Darkwatch. This tech company has mapped 32,000 brothels across the United States, tracking 200 crime organizations that exploit women and children for sex. Darkwatch uses data and AI to identify trafficking networks and assists law enforcement in shutting them down. This powerful tool has the potential to rescue thousands from slavery.Transparency in Supply Chains
Human trafficking isn't just about sex; more than half of those trapped in modern slavery are forced into labor. Wes shared how Eagle Venture Fund is investing in companies that build transparency into supply chains. One example is a company working to map the seafood industry, where slave labor is common. With greater transparency, businesses can ensure their products are ethically sourced and trafficking-free.Staffing for Survivors
A key challenge in fighting trafficking is the high rate of recidivism among survivors. To address this, Eagle has invested in tech companies that offer trauma-informed job training and placement for survivors of human trafficking. By providing stable, well-paying jobs, these companies help survivors build a new life and avoid falling back into exploitation.
The Role of For-Profit Companies
One of the most surprising aspects of Eagle Venture Fund's work is that these are for-profit businesses. For many, the idea of making money while tackling issues like human trafficking may seem contradictory, but Wes explains it differently. “Profit is like breathing,” he says. “It’s essential for life, but it’s not the reason we live.”
By investing in companies that are solving real-world problems, Eagle Venture Fund is demonstrating that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. And it’s working. The fund has seen real financial returns while helping to shut down trafficking rings, rescue victims, and offer new opportunities to survivors.
Why We Need Collaboration
Wes and Vip emphasized the importance of collaboration in this fight. The scope of human trafficking is too large for any single organization to handle, which is why for-profit companies, nonprofits, and governments must work together.
Court cases are now holding businesses accountable for turning a blind eye to trafficking, especially in industries like hospitality. This legal pressure is motivating companies to seek out scalable solutions, and Eagle Venture Fund is investing in the companies that can provide them.
The Power of Impact Investing
Eagle Venture Fund’s approach is a perfect example of how impact investing can change the world. By combining philanthropic goals with for-profit business models, impact investors are able to multiply their impact. The financial return creates sustainability, while the social mission creates lasting change.
As Vip said, “We’re stepping in as learners, constantly reminded that we’re trying to learn how to be most effective. But if we can apply what we know—how to help entrepreneurs grow technology businesses—and do it for the glory of God, man, how powerful is that?”
How You Can Help
There are many ways to join the fight against human trafficking, and it doesn’t require becoming a venture capitalist. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Invest in Impact Funds: If you have the financial means, consider investing in funds like Eagle Venture Fund, where your capital can not only grow but also make a difference in the world.
Support Transparency: As consumers, we have power. Support companies that are transparent about their supply chains and avoid those that turn a blind eye to exploitation.
Donate to Nonprofits: While for-profit companies are doing amazing work, nonprofits are still vital in the fight against human trafficking. Consider donating to organizations like International Justice Mission (IJM), which provides legal and rescue services to trafficking victims.
Raise Awareness: The more people know about trafficking, the harder it becomes for traffickers to operate in the shadows. Share information, attend events, and be a voice for those who are trapped.
Final Thoughts
The fight against human trafficking is massive, but it’s not hopeless. As Wes and Vip have shown, the private sector has a critical role to play in solving this crisis. Through innovative, for-profit solutions, Eagle Venture Fund and others are showing that it’s possible to not only generate returns but also make a real difference in the lives of millions.
Keep pushing forward. We can make an impact—one investment, one partnership, one life at a time.
