2024 Fellow Focus: David Henderson + Giving Credit
Tapping into technology to empower communities.
2024 Fellow David Henderson, Founder of Giving Credit shares more about his journey as a social impact entrepreneur.
What life experiences propelled you into the entrepreneurial space and made you decide to be your own boss?
As Chief Tech Officer at UpTogether we provided unconditional cash transfers to people living with low-incomes at scale. I saw how in many cases people took those transfers and loaned them to friends and family in their networks. I saw how financially excluded people were making their own financial justice, while so much of the social sector is focused on moving people into a financial system that is designed to either exclude or rip them off. Frankly, I wanted to evolve UpTogether to become what I'm envisioning with Giving Credit, but that's not how established organizations and entropy work! So, I left UpTogether and started Giving Credit to get this idea out of my head and into the world.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
I love to create. I love it. So, so much. I also love to learn new things. The pace of entrepreneurship is wonderful and freeing. I helped scale UpTogether which was amazing, but then you end up in something of a bureaucracy despite best of intentions. Being a founder, there's no room for anything except mission. It's the best.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started your entrepreneurial journey?
There is *very* little risk capital for startup nonprofits.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
This is my second entrepreneurial effort. My first venture built software systems for nonprofit and government human services. That company never met its potential because back then I lived by the motto "Afraid of Failure" (only know you tell me it should be "Unafraid"!). With Giving Credit I realize the biggest risk is *not* trying, which is what fear of failure does, it paralyzes. With Giving Credit I have looked at every assumption I make with a lot of curiosity and skepticism. This has helped me not be afraid of critical feedback, and to not be afraid to put ideas in front of users, or new features in the app.
Let's talk about your legacy. What is your vision for the kind of world you hope to create through your venture?
My vision is one where everyone has access to the resources they need to do the things they want. This is what sociologist Fred Wherry calls "Financial Justice". Specifically, I hope to be part of shifting commercialized finance to recognize and develop intersectional products that meet people where they are, putting "community finance" on the same level as "mainstream finance".
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
Lean Impact is a must read for any social entrepreneur.
We know balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and life can be challenging. What are some of your favorite ways to prioritize your self-care?
I walk a lot. Most days I will take a 2.5 mile walk along a river near where I live (5 miles round trip). It's time for me to think, center myself, and occasionally gossip with friends.
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