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 develops solar-powered lighting and power products, including lights, radios, televisions, fans, and other home appliances. Their rechargeable solar kits aim to improve health, increase productivity, and enhance the quality of life for users in rural and semi-urban areas by providing access to clean energy.
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 is a leading impact asset manager headquartered in Zurich that manages assets for institutional and private investors. The firm oversees about USD 3 to 3.5 billion across some 450 ESG-managed high-impact companies in roughly 90 emerging economies, with investments spanning financial inclusion, climate finance, sustainable food, and related sectors. Since its founding in 2003, it has built a global presence with offices in cities including Bangkok, Lima, Mumbai, Nairobi, Oslo, Paris and Tbilisi, and it maintains a FINMA-registered framework. The firm pursues responsible investing by combining financial returns with measurable social and environmental outcomes aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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
Founded in 2012, Tugende is a Ugandan company that provides finance and business assets to informal sector entrepreneurs and micro, medium, and small-sized enterprises. It offers lease-to-own financing for income-generating assets such as motorcycles (bodas), taxis, matatus, boat engines, and other equipment like smartphones, salon gear, shop fridges, and sewing machines. Tugende also provides value-added services including insurance, safety training, GPS tracking, and genuine parts.
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 specializes in providing affordable renewable energy solutions to off-grid households in India. It offers solar home systems priced at USD 4 per month, reaching low-income customers through a robust retail distribution network comprising 90 branches. The company aims to expand its reach by doubling its branches and employees within two years, targeting an additional 250,000 people.
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
Founded in Mumbai in 2008, Tikona Infinet specializes in providing secure wireless broadband connectivity to home and enterprise customers across India. It offers affordable 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi solutions for offices, and a range of internet connection plans. The company's subsidiary, Tikona Infinet Limited, caters to the domestic enterprise market with services including VPN, data center management, and internet solutions.
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 develops, constructs, owns, operates, maintains, and manages utility-scale renewable energy projects in India. It specializes in solar power generation, offering clean energy solutions to government and commercial entities through long-term contracts.
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 offers retail financial services across Africa, Latin America, and Mauritius. It provides personal loan products, savings accounts, mobile banking, insurance plans, and other related 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 is a Berlin-based venture builder that creates and scales technology companies across Europe. Founded in 2011, it pursues industry-by-industry platform building, developing ventures in data and advertising, fintech, and digital health, including Zeotap, finleap, and Heartbeat Labs. The group has launched more than 20 companies and employs about 1,200 people across more than 10 locations worldwide. Its mission is to shape Europe's digital future by supporting IT companies through building platforms and ecosystems rather than operating standalone businesses. The group traces its origins to 2011, when it operated under the name HitFox.