Laura Hattendorf

Bio

Since 2007 Laura Hattendorf has directed the social investments of the Mulago Foundation, a private foundation focused on finding the best solutions to the biggest problems in the poorest countries.  Mulago makes grants and program related investments (debt & equity) in early stage, social enterprises in the areas of livelihoods, health, education, energy and conservation.  One Acre Fund, Bridge International Academies, Embrace, Medic Mobile, D-Rev, Off Grid Electric and Living Goods all received their start-up capital from the Mulago Foundation.

As the Portfolio Director Laura leads Mulago’s investment strategy and process.  She and her team evaluate new opportunities, make funding recommendations to the Mulago board and work closely with portfolio organizations to maximize their social impact. She also acts as an adviser to the Rainer Arnhold Fellows (a program of the Mulago Foundation) and many other social enterprises around the world.

Laura thrives in entrepreneurial environments and most of her professional career has been in early stage companies.  In the social sector, Laura co-founded Sustainable Conservation, a non-profit organization that innovates and implements economic solutions to environmental problems.  Laura was its Executive Director from 1993 to 2000 and served on its Board of Directors through 2012. In the private sector, Laura was an early employee – and ultimately a partner – in the McArthur/Glen Group, a national commercial real estate developer that had a successful IPO in 1995.  Laura started her career doing business strategy consulting with Strategic Planning Associates, which has since been acquired by Oliver Wyman. To jump-start her transition to the social sector, Laura spent a fantastic summer working at Yosemite National Park, where she focused on improving park operations and exploring the backcountry of the high Sierra.

Laura received her BS in Economics and Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and her MBA and Certificate in Public Management from Stanford University.  She lives in Palo Alto with her husband, two teenagers and a much beloved Golden Retriever.

Teaching

Degree Courses

2017-18

STRAMGT 325: Starting and Growing a Social Venture

This course is for students who may want to undertake an entrepreneurial career by starting and/or managing a social venture. It covers traditional topics in starting and growing a venture - venture creation, resource acquisition, managing...

2016-17

STRAMGT 325: Starting and Growing a Social Venture

This course is for students who may want to undertake an entrepreneurial career by starting and/or joining the senior management team of a social venture. It covers all phases of a venture - ideation and venture creation, resource acquisition,...