Peak Rare Earths
Grant in 2019
Peak Rare Earths is an Australian company based in Perth, focused on the development of the Ngualla Rare Earth Project in Tanzania. The company aims to establish a long-term, low-cost production facility for neodymium and praseodymium, critical metals used in low carbon technologies such as electric mobility and clean energy. Since discovering rare earth mineralization at Ngualla in 2010, Peak has been advancing the project with significant investment support from entities such as Appian Natural Resource Fund and the International Finance Corporation. The Ngualla Project has been substantially de-risked, demonstrating a large mineral resource base and a low-cost metallurgical process. Preliminary studies indicate robust project economics and a mine life that could extend for several decades, with potential for future expansions. Additionally, the company is evaluating niobium-tantalum and phosphate mineralization, which could provide further opportunities once rare earth production is established.
Twiga Foods
Debt Financing in 2019
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that caters to retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls across Africa. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company facilitates a cashless, business-to-business supply chain that connects small and medium-sized vendors with essential agricultural products. Twiga Foods enables vendors to order a variety of supplies, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through its innovative platform, streamlining the distribution process in urban markets. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also supports local businesses by improving access to quality produce.
d.light
Debt Financing in 2019
D.light is a developer of solar home lighting and power products aimed at providing clean energy solutions to rural and semi-urban populations. The company offers a range of solar goods, including lights, radios, televisions, fans, and other home appliances, all powered by rechargeable solar kits. By making these products accessible and affordable, D.light seeks to improve health, increase productivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for its users.
Union Bank of Nigeria
Debt Financing in 2019
Union Bank of Nigeria Plc is a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. Established in 1917, the bank serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations, primarily in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It operates through four main segments: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Corporate Banking, and Treasury. Union Bank offers a variety of financial products and services, such as current and savings accounts, debit cards, online and mobile banking, SME solutions, loans, credit services, and cash management. The bank is a subsidiary of Union Global Partners Limited and is committed to supporting economic growth through its comprehensive banking solutions.
Cholamandalam
Post in 2019
Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited is a non-banking finance company based in Chennai, India, and serves as the financial services arm of the Murugappa Group. Established in 1978, it provides a wide range of financial services through three primary segments: Vehicle Finance Loans, Home Equity, and Other Loans. The company offers various loan products including two-wheeler and commercial vehicle loans, tractor loans, and home loans for self-construction and property purchases. Additionally, it provides loans against property and business loans for small and medium enterprises, as well as rural and agricultural financing. Cholamandalam also engages in wealth management services, encompassing mutual funds, fixed deposits, and insurance products. Its insurance division, established in 2001, offers a variety of assurance schemes for both individuals and corporate clients, including health, motor, and property insurance. As of March 31, 2020, Cholamandalam operated a network of 1,091 branches across India.
responsAbility Investments
Debt Financing in 2019
responsAbility Investments AG, established in 2003, is a leading impact asset manager based in Zurich, Switzerland. It manages over USD 3 billion in assets, invested in approximately 450 companies across 90 emerging economies. responsAbility focuses on three key investment themes: Financial Inclusion, Climate Finance, and Sustainable Food, aligning its strategies with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The firm specializes in private market investments, including private debt and equity, and has disbursed over USD 10 billion since inception. responsAbility has local offices in Bangkok, Lima, Mumbai, Nairobi, Oslo, Paris, and Tbilisi, and is registered with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. It is owned by various reputable Swiss and international financial institutions, private investors, and its own employees.
Proximity Designs
Debt Financing in 2019
Proximity Designs is a non-profit charitable organization that specializes in designing and manufacturing agricultural equipment tailored for farmers in Myanmar. Founded in 2004 and originally known as IDE Myanmar, the organization rebranded in 2008. Headquartered in South Pasadena, California, with an additional office in Yangon, it offers a range of products, including sprinklers, solar irrigation pumps, foot-powered water pumps, and sprayers. Beyond equipment, Proximity Designs provides essential agronomy advisory services, social services, agricultural financing, and conducts economic policy research. The organization is also intertwined with Proximity Finance, a microfinance institution that addresses the financial needs of approximately 100,000 farming households, with plans to significantly increase its outreach in the coming years.
ReNew
Debt Financing in 2019
ReNew is a leading decarbonization solutions company in India, focused on developing and operating clean energy projects to meet the country's growing energy demands sustainably and responsibly. As of March 31, 2023, ReNew's clean energy portfolio encompasses approximately 13.7 GW, making it one of the largest globally. The company offers comprehensive solutions that include wind and solar power, hydro power, and transmission lines, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from the wind power segment. Additionally, ReNew emphasizes the importance of digitalization, energy storage, and carbon markets in its operations, aiming to address climate change in an inclusive manner while contributing to the transition towards a cleaner energy future.
Twiga Foods
Debt Financing in 2018
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that caters to retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls across Africa. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company facilitates a cashless, business-to-business supply chain that connects small and medium-sized vendors with essential agricultural products. Twiga Foods enables vendors to order a variety of supplies, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through its innovative platform, streamlining the distribution process in urban markets. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also supports local businesses by improving access to quality produce.
Kashf Foundation
Debt Financing in 2018
Kashf Foundation, established in 1996, is a leading microfinance institution in Pakistan dedicated to empowering low-income households, particularly women, by providing access to financial services. The foundation offers a range of transformative products, including general, business, and home improvement loans, along with insurance options, aimed at enhancing clients' economic status and fostering entrepreneurship skills. To date, Kashf has disbursed $202 million in loans, benefiting over one million individuals and helping them achieve greater economic self-reliance. Through its innovative approach, Kashf Foundation plays a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion and supporting the development of sustainable livelihoods in the communities it serves.
Tugende
Debt Financing in 2018
Tugende is a financial services company based in Kampala, Uganda, founded in 2012. It focuses on providing financing solutions to informal sector entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises. The company specializes in helping motorcycle taxi drivers and other clients acquire business assets, such as motorcycles, special hire taxis, and matatus, allowing them to transition from renting to ownership within eighteen months. This shift not only enhances their income and job security but also improves road safety. In addition to asset financing, Tugende offers a range of supportive services including insurance, safe riding training, and access to genuine parts and maintenance services. Through its comprehensive approach, Tugende aims to bridge the credit gap for small businesses and foster financial independence among its clients.
Grameen Impact India (GIII)
Debt Financing in 2018
Grameen Impact India (GIII) is a registered non-banking financial company (NBFC) that specializes in lending to social enterprises, emphasizing the importance of both financial returns and social impact. Established to support a range of high-quality social enterprises, GIII provides loans across various stages of development, from early-stage to mature entities. The organization focuses on sectors such as financial services, affordable education and skills development, affordable health, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. GIII aims to facilitate access to debt capital, which is essential for scaling up these social enterprises and extending their reach to underserved and marginalized populations.
Mobius Motors
Debt Financing in 2018
Mobius Motors Ltd. is a vehicle manufacturer based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2011. The company focuses on designing, producing, and selling affordable vehicles tailored for the African mass market, specifically addressing the needs of consumers in developing regions. Mobius Motors' vehicles are engineered for durability and functionality, making them suitable for transporting heavy cargo, navigating rough and degraded terrains, and serving public transport and goods delivery needs. The company's mission is to enhance connectivity and improve the livelihoods of rural African communities by providing appropriate transportation solutions.
Orb Energy
Debt Financing in 2018
Orb Energy is a company focused on providing affordable and renewable energy solutions to off-grid households in India, primarily through solar home systems. By offering its systems at a cost of USD 4 per month, the company effectively caters to low-income customers, supported by a robust retail distribution network. Currently operating 90 branches, Orb Energy has plans to expand significantly, aiming to double its number of branches and employees within the next two years, with a target of reaching 250,000 individuals. In addition to its solar home systems, the company designs, manufactures, installs, and services solar photovoltaic systems for both residential and commercial use, as well as solar thermal systems for hot water and associated lighting components.
IndusInd Bank
Post in 2018
IndusInd Bank Limited, established in 1994 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, is a private sector commercial bank that provides a wide range of banking products and services to individuals, non-resident Indians (NRIs), businesses, and government entities. The bank operates through segments such as Treasury Operations, Corporate and Wholesale Banking, and Retail Banking. It offers various account types, including current, savings, and fixed deposits, as well as a variety of loans, including home, personal, and business loans. Additionally, IndusInd Bank provides transaction banking services, investment products, and insurance solutions. The bank also emphasizes technology in its operations, ensuring multi-channel delivery capabilities. As of recent reports, IndusInd Bank has a significant presence in India with numerous branches and ATMs, alongside representative offices in London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The bank is recognized for its role in the financial sector, serving both consumer and corporate needs effectively.
Yes Bank Limited is a private sector bank based in Mumbai, India, providing a wide range of banking and financial services primarily within the Indian market. The bank operates through various segments, including Treasury, Corporate/Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Other Banking Operations. It offers corporate banking services such as working capital finance, term loans, trade finance, and cash management. Retail banking products include personal loans, home loans, and vehicle financing, as well as services tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, Yes Bank provides financial advisory services to government entities and various financial institutions, along with transaction banking services like foreign exchange and supply chain finance. The bank also focuses on investment banking, offering mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital advisory services. As of March 2020, Yes Bank operated 1,135 branches and had 1,423 ATMs across the country. Founded in 2004, it has established itself as a significant player in the Indian banking sector.
IndusInd Bank
Post in 2017
IndusInd Bank Limited, established in 1994 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, is a private sector commercial bank that provides a wide range of banking products and services to individuals, non-resident Indians (NRIs), businesses, and government entities. The bank operates through segments such as Treasury Operations, Corporate and Wholesale Banking, and Retail Banking. It offers various account types, including current, savings, and fixed deposits, as well as a variety of loans, including home, personal, and business loans. Additionally, IndusInd Bank provides transaction banking services, investment products, and insurance solutions. The bank also emphasizes technology in its operations, ensuring multi-channel delivery capabilities. As of recent reports, IndusInd Bank has a significant presence in India with numerous branches and ATMs, alongside representative offices in London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The bank is recognized for its role in the financial sector, serving both consumer and corporate needs effectively.
Atlas Mara Limited is a financial services group based in Road Town, British Virgin Islands, that focuses on providing banking operations across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. The company offers a range of corporate and retail financial services tailored to corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and individual customers. It operates primarily in Nigeria, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, with the majority of its revenue generated from its Botswana segment. Atlas Mara, formed by Atlas Merchant Capital LLC and Mara Group Holdings Limited, seeks to engage in potential acquisitions, particularly within the financial services sector, and has plans for future growth and expansion through both internal development and additional acquisitions.
Tikona Infinet
Debt Financing in 2017
Tikona Infinet, a subsidiary of Tikona Digital Networks, is a Mumbai-based provider of wireless broadband services, primarily serving the domestic enterprise market. Established in 2008, Tikona has developed a robust infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet and secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions across India. The company operates an extensive IP network in 25 cities, with plans for expansion into tier-III and semi-urban markets. Tikona Infinet offers a range of services, including business mailing, data center management, and network facility management, utilizing its Wireless Broadband (WBB) infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity. The company is committed to providing affordable 4G LTE services that support multimedia content, voice, and IT applications, thereby enabling businesses to achieve greater flexibility and scalability in their operations. Tikona's focus on quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in positive feedback from clients regarding its state-of-the-art data center and service offerings.
Nova Lumos
Debt Financing in 2016
Nova Lumos, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializes in generating and distributing renewable electricity through off-grid solar systems. The company offers residential rooftop solar solutions designed to power various devices, including lights, phone chargers, small televisions, and fans. Its smart solar systems can be managed through a mobile phone, allowing customers to pay for their electricity usage using airtime, making it accessible and user-friendly. By targeting small businesses and homes, Nova Lumos aims to promote sustainable energy solutions while providing reliable electricity access to underserved communities.
Azure Power
Debt Financing in 2016
Azure Power is a leading provider of solar energy in India, specializing in the development, construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of solar power plants. The company focuses on generating solar energy while managing all associated responsibilities and complexities, allowing customers to benefit from renewable power without incurring high upfront costs. Azure Power generates revenue from a diverse clientele that includes both central and state government utilities, as well as commercial entities. Its operational capacity is primarily concentrated in regions with high solar irradiation, such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
Mawingu Networks
Debt Financing in 2016
Mawingu Networks Limited is a telecommunications company based in Nanyuki, Kenya, that focuses on providing wireless Internet services to rural and underserved communities in Africa. Founded in 2013, the company leverages high-performance, low-cost wireless technology combined with solar power to establish fast and reliable internet networks. Mawingu Networks offers Wi-Fi access through public hotspots and broadband connectivity for homes and businesses, employing open technologies to create a scalable network that ensures secure and seamless connectivity even in challenging geographical conditions. By addressing the connectivity gap in remote areas, Mawingu Networks plays a crucial role in enhancing digital access and promoting economic development in the region.
Ashv Finance
Venture Round in 2016
Ashv Finance Limited is a non-banking finance company based in Mumbai, India, dedicated to providing tailored debt financing solutions to small and growing businesses, particularly those classified as 'missing middle' enterprises. Incorporated in 1998 and rebranded in November 2020, the company specializes in offering collateral-free working capital loans and supply chain financing, including bill discounting loans for sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, education, healthcare, and water and sanitation. Ashv Finance focuses on supporting businesses by assessing their cash flow trajectories rather than relying solely on traditional collateral, positioning itself as a debt solutions provider for early-stage and high-growth enterprises. Through its innovative approach, Ashv Finance aims to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to unlock their growth potential and contribute positively to Environmental, Social, and Governance outcomes.
Root Capital
Debt Financing in 2016
Root Capital, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1999. It focuses on supporting poor and environmentally vulnerable communities in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia by providing capital, financial training, and market connections to small and growing agricultural businesses. The organization aims to enhance rural prosperity by investing in agricultural enterprises that purchase crops such as coffee, cocoa, and grains from smallholder farmers. Through its initiatives, Root Capital helps these businesses thrive, thereby transforming rural communities and addressing their financial and market challenges. The organization has additional offices in Costa Rica, Kenya, Nicaragua, Senegal, and Mexico.
Bayport Management
Post in 2016
Bayport Management Ltd is a financial services company headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius, with operations extending across several countries, including Botswana, Colombia, Ghana, Mexico, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Established in 2001, the company specializes in offering a range of retail financial products, including personal loans, savings accounts, flexible deposits, and transaction accounts. Additionally, Bayport provides innovative banking solutions such as mobile banking, e-wallets, payment kiosks, and ATM services. The company also offers various insurance products, including credit insurance and plans for education, hospital, and funeral coverage. Bayport Management generates revenue primarily through interest income and administration fees associated with its financial services.
Caspian Impact Investments
Debt Financing in 2015
Caspian Impact Investments, established in 2013, is a Hyderabad-based investment advisory firm that specializes in growth capital investments. It focuses on seed, startup, and early-stage companies, primarily in India, seeking to generate both social and environmental impact alongside competitive financial returns. The firm invests in a range of sectors, including microfinance, affordable housing, small business financing, and last-mile banking, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the excluded low-income and informal sector population. Caspian Impact Investments provides debt and equity capital, as well as lending and investment services, to support the growth and sustainability of its portfolio companies.
BMR Energy
Debt Financing in 2015
BMR Energy plans, builds, and operates bioenergy plants, wind turbines, and solar power plants. It is based in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
Simpa Energy
Debt Financing in 2014
Simpa Energy is a company based in Karnataka, India, that specializes in providing solar power systems to households and shops in rural areas. Established in 2010, it aims to make clean energy simple, affordable, and accessible. The company employs a pay-as-you-go pricing model similar to pre-paid mobile phone services, allowing customers to make a small initial payment for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems. Subsequent payments for electricity contribute towards the total purchase price of the system. Once fully paid, customers own the solar system outright, gaining access to reliable and clean electricity at no further cost. Simpa Energy’s offerings include a comprehensive set of hardware and software solutions for lighting, cooling, entertainment, and information, enhancing the convenience and utility of clean power for its users.
SunEdison is a global energy solutions provider, specializing in solar power. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, from design and installation to maintenance, catering to residential, commercial, and utility customers. SunEdison's expertise lies in developing, financing, and operating renewable power plants, delivering reliable and cost-effective energy solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.
SunEdison is a global energy solutions provider, specializing in solar power. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, from design and installation to maintenance, catering to residential, commercial, and utility customers. SunEdison's expertise lies in developing, financing, and operating renewable power plants, delivering reliable and cost-effective energy solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.
Burn
Debt Financing in 2013
BURN Design Lab is a nonprofit organization focused on providing customized, fuel-efficient cooking solutions for underserved communities in the developing world. The organization designs, manufactures, and distributes a variety of cookstoves, including biomass, liquid fuel, and electric options, aimed at reducing harmful emissions and improving indoor air quality. Operating the largest modern manufacturing facility of its kind in Africa, located near Nairobi, BURN produces one stove per minute to meet the needs of local populations. By collaborating with implementing organizations, BURN develops sustainable stove dissemination systems that not only enhance cooking efficiency but also address significant issues such as deforestation, women's health, and climate change.
IONIQ Group is an entrepreneurial investment firm based in Berlin, established in 2011 by Jan Beckers, Hendrik Krawinkel, and Tim Koschella. The firm focuses on building platforms of synergistic companies across various emerging digital markets. Initially starting in the data and advertising sector, IONIQ has successfully launched over 20 companies, including notable ventures like Zeotap and finleap, which is now a leading fintech platform in Europe. In 2017, IONIQ expanded into the healthcare sector with its digital health platform, Heartbeat Labs. Employing more than 1,200 professionals across over 10 global locations, many of IONIQ's companies have achieved profitability within three years of launch, establishing themselves as leaders in their respective fields.