We believe rigorous research should drive equitable development across South Asia, centering community voices in every study we design.
Dr. Varna Sri Raman is an award-winning researcher with eighteen years of experience in social research and global development implementation. Her career includes leadership roles at prestigious organizations including Kantar Public, BBC Media Action, and Sesame Street in India.
She has worked with leading international development organizations such as UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CARE, and Plan International, delivering cross-sectoral research projects spanning seven countries across four continents. Her expertise covers the full spectrum of development challenges, from health and education policy to women's economic empowerment and climate adaptation.
A permanent member of the Harvard Square Leaders Excellence group, Dr. Raman is currently writing a book on Global Development practice focusing on "how to think about prickly problems" - reflecting her approach to tackling complex development challenges through innovative research methodologies.
Under her leadership, Pinpoint Ventures has emerged as a trusted partner for development organizations seeking rigorous, community-centered research that drives real policy change across South Asia.
At Pinpoint Ventures, we believe that research should serve communities, not extract from them. Our participatory approach ensures that research questions, methodologies, and tools are co-developed with the people most affected by development policies and programs.
We combine rigorous quantitative analysis with deep qualitative insights, creating mixed-methods approaches that capture both breadth and depth. Every project is designed with policy impact in mind, translating complex findings into actionable recommendations that can drive systemic change.
Research questions, methodologies, and tools are co-developed with communities. We prioritize participatory approaches that ensure research serves those most affected.
We combine quantitative and qualitative methods to capture both breadth and depth, revealing patterns while preserving the complexity of lived experiences.
Every research project is designed to inform policy and practice. We translate findings into actionable recommendations that drive systemic change.
NREGA, PDS, pensions, conditional cash transfers, and social safety nets
Primary health care, maternal health, WASH, nutrition, and health financing
School quality, learning outcomes, vocational training, and digital education
Women's economic empowerment, social norms, disability inclusion, and LGBTQ+ rights
Climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, environmental governance, and just transitions
Housing, sanitation, transportation, urban governance, and inclusive cities
Whether you're designing an impact evaluation, need policy analysis, or want to develop participatory research approaches, we're here to support your work.