Since 2009, Pepal has been bringing together NGOs, businesses and International leaders to improve lives around the world and achieve long term change.

Based in the UK, they have teams in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe who have knowledge and insight into the relevant issues 'on the ground'. They forge the connections that will create impact and support the development and scaling of projects.

Pepal's founder, Julie Saunders, has over 25 years of experience both in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Julie holds economics degrees from Cambridge University and The London School of Economics, an MBA from INSEAD and over 10 years experience in management consulting and 15 years of working at senior level in the development sector. She understands the challenges and needs of both NGOs and international businesses, ensuring the best fit between project partners and enabling a long term future for their work together. 

Pepal was founded in 2009 by Julie Saunders with support from Fondation Hoffmann. The name 'Pepal' comes from the large Indian fig tree. It is the longest-living tree in the South Asian sub-continent and can survive for over a thousand years. The tree is sacred to the followers of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism; Siddhartha Buddha was sitting under a Pepal tree when he was enlightened.