Building LGBTI+
Economic Power

Koppa Lab is a global nonprofit dedicated to LGBTI+ economic empowerment. We deploy data, knowledge, networks, and capital to help communities thrive and economies prosper.

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The Challenge

$1.1 Trillion

Global cost of LGBTI+ economic exclusion—almost all of it borne by our community.

Invisibility

LGBTI+ people are invisible in most national statistics. This perpetuates underinvestment in their communities.

Exclusion

From the workplace to the marketplace, LGBTI+ people face discrimination and are systematically excluded from finance, training programs, and other services.

Underfunding

Despite $174 billion spent annually in economic development assistance, only $9M/year goes to solving this $1T problem

Real Lives Behind the Numbers

Economic exclusion directly impacts whether LGBTI+ individuals can build a business, find safe employment, or fund vital programs.

Advocate

Cannot make the case for inclusion

Because the data doesn’t reflect LGBTI+ challenges.

Worker

Cannot find a job

Because of widespread (often legally sanctioned) discrimination.

Entrepreneur

Cannot secure finance

Because simply walking into a bank would put them at risk of violence.

Activist

Cannot fund needed programs

Because her funding does not recognize economic empowerment as a priority.

If LGBTI+ people were fully included, the global economy would grow by more than a trillion dollars. That’s economic potential bottled up by discrimination.
Lee Badgett, Koppa Lab co-founder
Political power without economic power is always borrowed. Economic independence is the precondition for lasting freedom.
Fabrice Houdart, Koppa Lab co-founder
Data adds credibility. It’s a powerful thing to throw on the table when you’re talking to some part of your government that would otherwise ignore you.
Philip Crehan, Koppa Lab co-founder
Koppa Lab already reaches thousands of LGBTI+ people in low- and middle-income countries. With further investment, we can multiply our impact.
Kelly Widelska, Koppa Lab co-founder
More from the whole team

Our unique
approach

From the workplace to the marketplace, LGBTI+ people face daily discrimination, harassment, and violence.

About us

Data

Brings LGBTI+ people into view for decision makers

Networks

Build connections that de-risk opportunity and eliminate silos

Capital

Gives people control over their lives and livelihoods.

Knowledge

Makes the case for inclusion and illuminates pathways to raise LGBTI+ incomes

Our Programs

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Our Impact

Doubled

Global movement funding from $9m to $18m

5,500+

Lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women supported with economic opportunities

Largest ever

LGBTI+ inclusive finance conference

14

National statistics offices engaged

8

Development finance institutions advised