Vouchsafe - ending ID poverty 

From a video by Bethnal Green Ventures

BGV is develops and funds early-stage tech-for-good start-ups. They invest in ambitious and diverse founders using technology to create positive impact at scale.

One of their start-up founders, Chloe Coleman, CEO of Vouchsafe, discusses the importance of inclusive identity verification and the concept of ID poverty, which affects millions globally. She talks about the challenges faced by people without proper identification and how Vouchsafe aims to address these.

Her experience in the civil service and her co-founder, Jaye Hackett's work in local government revealed the widespread identity verification challenges, inspiring them to start Vouchsafe, which enables people without photo ID to prove their identity, helping millions in the UK and billions worldwide access services like banking, credit, housing, and jobs. 

Many of these people struggle to access financial services, government benefits, utilities, and even book hotels due to lack of ID. Examples of groups that are affected are recent graduates who have never had their name on a utility bill, domestic abuse survivors whose documents may have been destroyed, and people who have changed their names due to marriage, divorce, etc. 

In addition, some customers face accessibility issues, such as those who are blind and unable to complete video selfies required by certain banks. This creates additional barriers for these individuals to access essential services

Many organisations experience high drop-off rates because customers lack photo IDs - up to 40% drop-off. If customers are unable to verify their identity this leads to manual, time-consuming processes or outright denial of service.

Vouchsafe offer various ways for individuals to verify their identity:

1. Alternative Documents: Using documents other than photo IDs, such as utility bills or other forms of identification.
2. Vouching System: This allows trusted individuals, such as friends or community members, to vouch for a person's identity. It's like having a digital guarantor or referee who can confirm that the person is who they say they are.
3. Anti-Fraud Checks: To ensure the security and integrity of the verification process, Vouchsafe combines the vouching system with various anti-fraud and background checks. This creates a holistic picture of the individual's identity and helps prevent fraudulent activities.
4. Holistic Verification: Use of a combination of different methods to create a comprehensive and secure verification process.
5. Accessibility. Methods are designed to be inclusive and accessible, helping people who might otherwise struggle to prove their identity. 

Chloe has valued the purpose-driven nature and fast pace of running a tech-for-good start-up. It has involved understanding the problem deeply, prototyping early, seeking customer feedback, and securing early revenue. However, building a cohesive team and fundraising have been difficult learning experiences. 

Watch this 20 minute video: