Overview:
Based in Bangalore, India, Unitus Capital ("UC") is a for-profit financial advisory firm that was launched in July 2008. Unitus Capital’s services include capital raising (debt and equity), placement advisory services and other financial advisory services primarily across India, Philippines and select other parts of Asia. While UC’s initial client focus was microfinance institutions and microfinance investment funds, it has recently expanded into other sectors, such as affordable housing, agribusiness, health care and renewable energy. To date UC has raised over $80 million for various social businesses and is in the process of raising another $400+ million. While UC’s clients are required to be profitable and attractive to potential investors, they must also have a distinct social mission in order for UC to act as advisor to them. Although UC has expertise in microfinance, healthcare, and education in India, the Philippines, and select other parts of Asia, it is looking to better understand (i) healthcare and (ii) renewable energy in China. UC was founded as an affiliate of Unitus, Inc., a Seattle-based NGO that advises global microfinance institutions.

Project Scope:
One Chicago Booth student consulting team (4-5 members) will be responsible for developing an understanding of the framework of the renewable energy sector in China, particularly at companies involved in energy conservation and renewable energy access to the poor. Another student consulting team (4-5 members) will be responsible for developing an understanding of the framework of companies involved in recycling natural resources in China. These analyses should include, but should not be limited to, the following:

1. Size and overall market opportunities in China
2. Overview of the various business models/approaches/technologies available 
1. Brief description of the model/approach/technology
2. Cost compared to conventional model/approach/technology
3. Key benefits and challenges of the model/approach/technology
3. Significant players in each model/approach/technology (detailed information)
4. Existing funders
5. Regulatory environment
6. Government policies and private industries and initiatives focused on energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption
7. Valuation of Chinese energy efficiency companies compared to their global peers (e.g. LED technology)

Deliverables:
The final deliverable will be a comprehensive powerpoint presentation with the findings of the Booth student teams.  This presentation will be a working document and should be shared with the client each week.  The final presentation will be used as an in-house resource to Unitus Capital and should therefore be more of a resource with detailed information than a presentation.  However, portions of the presentation will also be shared directly with outside parties, including clients and other industry players.

Timing:
The consulting project will begin the week of October 11 and approximately end the week of December 6.  The Booth team will be expected to have an update call via Skype with key members of the Unitus Capital team on a weekly basis.  It is important to keep the client aware of any potential changes to the timing in advance.

Expectations:
Unitus Capital is a professional organization with extremely high standards that operates in a client- and deadline-driven environment.  While this project should be extremely rewarding and a good opportunity to develop a valuable relationship with Unitus Capital, Chicago Booth students will be held to a high standard.  Accordingly, the team is expected to (i) have an open line of communication with the team mentor as well as with Unitus Capital; (ii) dedicate ample time each week to make substantial progress towards objectives and to provide meaningful updates to the client; and (iii) act professionally and represent the Chicago Booth brand well.