Our Theory of Change
At Manuh, our Theory of Change is built for systems-level impact and startup-scale efficiency. This six-stage model drives how we operate across Manuh Collective, our strategy consultancy supporting founders to grow resilient, high-impact ventures, and Manuh Studio CIC, our platform for strengthening the ecosystems around them. Grounded in insight and designed for action, the model bridges early-stage innovation with long-term systems change — enabling ventures to scale with purpose, navigate complexity, and create value beyond the bottom line.
Built for systems change. Designed for startup growth.
The Manuh Theory of Change is a lean, systems-driven model for scaling startups and strengthening ecosystems. It blends strategic design with grounded insight to move ventures from early validation to long-term impact. Built for agility, designed for legacy.
Discover Systems & Align Purpose
We begin by mapping the landscape.
Work with founders, communities, and partners to identify root challenges, leverage points, and shared goals within complex systems.
Key Actions:
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Systems mapping & stakeholder analysis
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Deep listening & contextual research
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Align incentives across startup and ecosystem
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Define shared value propositions
Co-Design Strategies & Structures
We architect for relevance and resilience.
Bring together creatives, clients, and collaborators to co-create models, strategies, and governance structures that balance agility with equity.
Key Actions:
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Facilitate strategic co-design sprints
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Develop lean but inclusive governance models
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Embed local intelligence and leadership early
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Plan for sustainability and adaptability
Build, Test, Adapt
We translate ideas into momentum.
Support early-stage ventures and systems interventions through rapid prototyping, operational support, and real-time iteration.
Key Actions:
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Launch MVPs and pilot initiatives
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Offer hands-on mentoring and infrastructure
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Integrate learning and feedback loops
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Support safe failure and informed pivots
Grow Culture & Capacity
We invest in what sustains scale.
Focus on relational infrastructure, peer networks, and leadership capacity to enable long-term growth and adaptability.
Key Actions:
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Facilitate founder circles and knowledge exchange
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Develop local talent and decision-making power
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Embed cultural fluency and care into operations
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Build relational capital across the value chain
Scale with Integrity
We build for legacy, not dependency.
Support ventures to evolve with their ecosystems — scaling what works through shared ownership, transparent governance, and non-extractive models.
Key Actions:
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Transition leadership and build local ownership
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Codify knowledge and open-source key tools
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Support sustainable funding or revenue pathways
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Track impact at system, cultural, and commercial levels