Citi Foundation

Citi Foundation is a philanthropic organization focused on addressing societal challenges through innovative financial solutions. It operates a $500 million Impact Fund that invests in U.S.-based private sector companies, aiming to support ventures that demonstrate both financial viability and a positive social impact. The foundation typically co-invests with other venture capitalists, committing between $250,000 and $10 million in companies at various stages of development, from seed to pre-IPO. Its investment strategy emphasizes four key areas: the future of work, climate resilience, financial inclusion, and social infrastructure. Additionally, Citi Foundation is dedicated to reducing gender and racial disparities in venture capital by prioritizing investments in businesses led or owned by women and minorities. This commitment is further reflected in its $50 million Black Entrepreneurs Investment Initiative, part of a broader $1 billion Action for Racial Equity initiative aimed at providing equitable access to funding for black entrepreneurs.

Robin Volk

Senior Vice President

Past deals in Uganda

Balloon Ventures

Seed Round in 2022
Balloon Ventures bundles loans of ~$25,000 with tech-enabled business support to de-risk and profitably lend to SMEs in Kenya and Uganda. The approach is unlocking a $150bn segment in sub-Saharan Africa who are currently under-served by all existing financial institutions. Balloon has now made $10m+ loans and is profitable and scaling fast.

Balloon Ventures

Grant in 2019
Balloon Ventures bundles loans of ~$25,000 with tech-enabled business support to de-risk and profitably lend to SMEs in Kenya and Uganda. The approach is unlocking a $150bn segment in sub-Saharan Africa who are currently under-served by all existing financial institutions. Balloon has now made $10m+ loans and is profitable and scaling fast.
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