We at Acumen Fund are deeply saddened to learn of yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families, our Mumbai-based investees, Fellows and friends and everyone connected to people who have been affected by the attacks. Our personal connection to Mumbai makes the city a home to us, even if we don’t live there.
While watching the TV coverage, I did want to share another feeling of connection, and that was to everyone associated with Acumen-investee Dial 1298 for Ambulance, who have been on the scene and responding to the attacks since they occurred late Wednesday night, as seen in footage on CNN, IBN and other networks.
1298 operates under the ethic of “ambulance service for all.” Per its own policy, it provides free service to all accident and disaster victims - as well as to victims of terrorist attacks. Knowing that a few years ago, the city was so much less equipped to respond to such an emergency underlined the true service that 1298, now with 51 medically-equipped and professionally staffed ambulances, is making to the city where it was founded. We at Acumen Fund feel a great sense of pride, just in seeing how much can be built to change things in a constructive way and in this case, it was due to the hard work of the team at 1298. We thank everyone at the company for the work you do and the ethos of service you hold.