International Finance Corporation
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of The World Bank Group that focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries through private sector investment. It provides a range of financial services, including loans, equity investments, quasi-equity products, and advisory services aimed at supporting startups and various stages of company development. IFC invests in sectors such as agribusiness, financial services, health, education, infrastructure, global manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, and tourism, with a particular emphasis on projects that promote food security, digital finance, and affordable healthcare. The organization targets investments ranging from $1 million to $100 million, often seeking minority stakes but may also take a majority position in its portfolio companies. IFC aims to create jobs, generate tax revenues, and enhance corporate governance in emerging markets, thus contributing positively to local communities. Established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., IFC operates globally with offices across various regions, focusing its efforts on financing projects that align with its mission of improving lives in developing countries.
Yandex is a multinational technology company based in Russia, recognized for operating the country's leading search engine and the most visited website. It is one of the largest internet companies in Europe, commanding a significant share of the search market in Russia, where it generated over half of all search traffic as of September 2015. In addition to its core search engine services, Yandex offers a range of internet-related services and operates in several countries, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Turkey, contributing to its extensive regional presence.