Entrepreneurs
Legatum Limited: Investing in Prosperity and Legacy Worldwide

Legatum Limited is a United Arab Emirates-based investment house. No ordinary investment house, it was founded in 2006 by Christopher Chandler, and it has expanded through the years to become one of the world’s largest investment houses. Legatum focuses not only on profitable investments but also on philanthropy and other social undertakings that benefit communities. Notable proprietary capital is focused on Legatum ventures, representing its mission of making lasting impacts both in emerging and developed markets through initiatives that promote prosperity, entrepreneurship, and human well-being.
Legatum was founded in the vibrant business centre of Dubai and traces its roots in global investment to Chandler’s earlier venture, Sovereign Global that he co-founded with his brother in 1986. Sovereign had rather a broad portfolio across regions, including Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe; however, Legatum managed to carve its niche into markets undergoing economic transitions. The firm has invested mainly in listed companies and financially distressed assets, giving an impression of an eye on markets with great potential to deliver high returns. Perhaps one of the important early investments it made is India’s SHARE Microfinance, a milestone in for-profit micro financing. Through this, Legatum made history as the first for-profit investor in low-income communities and, doing so, underlined commitment to financial inclusion.
Away from investments, Legatum approaches philanthropy differently. For instance, its Luminos Fund responds to educational needs through learning opportunities for children in conflict zones and disadvantaged communities, especially in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Lebanon. Launched in 2015, the program gives a second chance at education to children who have been denied school attendance due to poverty or conflict. Through the Luminos Fund, Legatum has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children by providing support to education and opening ways for brighter futures.
Legatum is the co-founder of the. Another area the Legatum supports is the Freedom Fund, focusing on another very important issue – the problem of modern slavery. In partnership with Humanity United and Walk Free, the Freedom Fund was established in 2013 and mobilizes resources on behalf of programs and organizations that work to combat human trafficking and forced labour across the world.
Legatum is also concerned with entrepreneurship and innovation. Legatum Centre for Entrepreneurship at MIT is an investment from the firm, aiding emerging entrepreneurs in low-income countries to equip them with the skills needed to lead impactful ventures. The fellows and funding produced leaders in the Centre who focus on social and economic transformation in their communities. Similarly, the annual Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship, which Legatum established, highlights successful African entrepreneurs, fostering an environment of mentorship and inspiration.
The last years have expanded the portfolio in Legatum, which incorporates investments into media, technologies, and gaming. In particular, these are a shareholding in GB News, the UK-based television channel, and Mobile Premier League-an esports platform-to reflect strategic interest in the digital world. Even if profit-oriented, these endeavours add up to Legatum’s vision to influence positive change and echo its goal to foster more connected and informative societies.
Legatum has proved to be a versatile player on the world stage through a mix of strategic investment and philanthropy, using its resources to generate wealth but also to leave lasting legacies. This focus on fostering prosperity while addressing social challenges will stay at the heart of what the firm does as it continues to evolve, making Legatum an investment firm that is truly unlike any other in its commitment to a better world.