Finnfund
Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Ltd. (Finnfund) is a development finance company based in Helsinki, Finland, that specializes in providing long-term risk capital for private projects primarily in developing countries and transition economies. Established in 1980, Finnfund focuses on direct investments in small and medium enterprises, offering equity capital, mezzanine financing, and investment loans, typically ranging from EUR 1 million to EUR 10 million. The firm actively seeks to co-invest with Finnish companies and supports ventures utilizing Finnish technology, while also prioritizing projects that generate significant environmental or social benefits. Finnfund strategically avoids investments in sectors such as weapons production, gambling, and activities involving forced or child labor, adhering to strict ethical guidelines. Its investment areas include agribusiness, cleantech, renewable energy, health services, and infrastructure, with a particular interest in countries such as China, Bangladesh, and various African nations. Finnfund aims to contribute to sustainable development by financing projects that align with Finland’s development cooperation objectives.
Proximity Designs is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that focuses on improving the livelihoods of farmers in Myanmar through innovative agricultural solutions. The organization designs and manufactures a range of farming equipment, including sprinklers, solar irrigation pumps, and hand-powered water pumps. In addition to its agricultural products, Proximity Designs offers agronomy advisory services, social services, and agricultural financing through Proximity Finance, a microfinance institution that currently serves approximately 100,000 households with plans to expand significantly in the coming years. The organization aims to promote sustainable farming practices and enhance economic opportunities for rural communities in Myanmar. Headquartered in South Pasadena, California, it also operates an office in Yangon, Myanmar.