Zephyr Management is a venture capital and private equity firm focused on middle-market and growth investments, including venture, growth equity, buyouts, and turnaround opportunities. It provides capital to small and medium enterprises across sectors such as financial services, business services, manufacturing, education, logistics, agriculture and food, packaging, telecommunications, distribution, environmental and facilities services, travel and publishing, healthcare, and consumer products. The firm typically takes both majority and minority stakes in companies with revenues roughly $30 million to $300 million and EBITDA between $2 million and $50 million, investing from about $0.2 million up to $75 million per deal. It targets opportunities in emerging markets and globally, with offices in New York, Bangalore, Nairobi, London, Mexico City, and the Cayman Islands.
Ethos Mezzanine Partners (Pty) Ltd is a private equity and mezzanine investment firm that specializes in providing mezzanine financing for leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, recapitalizations, expansion and growth investments, public to private transactions, black economic empowerment financings, consolidations, and special situations in Southern African countries. Established in 2005 and based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the firm offers a range of financial instruments such as traditional mezzanine loans, second lien loans, convertible loans, and preferred equity. With a focus on companies in the Southern African region, Ethos Mezzanine Partners seeks investments between ZAR25 million and ZAR1 billion, either independently or as part of a syndicate. They do not invest in start-up, early-stage, turnaround, or real estate transactions, operating as a subsidiary of Ethos Private Equity.
Bharti Enterprises is a prominent business group based in India, known for establishing successful operations in sectors such as telecom, insurance, retail, and food. The company launched its telecom services by offering mobile services in Delhi, and its flagship entity, Bharti Airtel, has become one of the leading telecom providers globally, ranking among the top four wireless operators. Bharti Enterprises operates under the 'Airtel' brand in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, including India, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria, among others, and also has mobile operations in Jersey and Guernsey. In recent years, Bharti Enterprises has diversified its portfolio to explore emerging business opportunities within the Indian economy.
African Export-Import Bank is a multilateral financial institution established in 1993 to promote and facilitate trade among African countries and between Africa and the global marketplace. Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, the Bank offers a range of financing programs, advisory services, and guarantee products aimed at enhancing intra- and extra-African trade. These services include short-term trade guarantees, working capital and supply chain finance solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, and various bonding facilities for export contracts. The institution serves a diverse clientele, including governments, corporations, and financial institutions, providing additional services such as sovereign and corporate advisory, capital markets assistance, and trade information. With an authorized share capital of five billion US dollars, the Bank plays a crucial role in the development and diversification of trade across the continent.
The African Development Bank is a multilateral development finance institution headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, established in 1964 to support Africa's economic development and social progress. It funds development projects and programs through loans, lines of credit, guarantees, and equity-like instruments, and provides risk management, treasury services, and trade finance support. It also offers concessional loans and grants, along with technical assistance for project selection, studies, capacity building, and implementation. By mobilizing public and private investment for both sectors, the bank aims to spur poverty reduction, improve living conditions, and foster sustainable growth across African economies.
Lattice Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in early-stage investments primarily within the cryptocurrency and web3 sectors. Lattice Capital aims to support founders in building robust business models that can withstand competitive pressures, focusing on creating defensible market positions. By concentrating on innovative technologies and emerging trends in the digital asset landscape, Lattice Capital plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of the next generation of blockchain-based companies.
Founded in 2017, Distributed Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies involved in blockchain technology and distributed software.
FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, is a financial institution based in The Hague, Netherlands, founded in 1970 through a collaboration between the Dutch government and various financial entities. It focuses on supporting the private sector in developing countries and emerging markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. FMO provides a diverse range of financial products, including long-term project financing, private equity, loans, guarantees, and mezzanine financing. Its investment portfolio is primarily allocated to financial institutions, energy, agribusiness, food and water, and private equity. By offering capital, expertise, and networks, FMO aims to foster sustainable economic development and empower local businesses and projects.
The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB), established in 1985, is a multilateral development financial institution with assets exceeding US$ 5 billion. Its mandate focuses on financing trade, promoting regional economic integration, and supporting sustainable development through various services, including trade finance, project and infrastructure finance, asset management, and business advisory services. Over the past five years, TDB has expanded its shareholder base from 19 to 35 members, which includes 22 Member States from the COMESA, EAC, and SADC regions, alongside 2 non-African countries and 11 institutional investors. During this period, the bank has seen a significant increase in shareholder equity funds by 150% and annual net profits by 100%, while successfully halving its non-performing loans. TDB operates regional offices in Nairobi, Harare, and Addis Ababa, with principal offices located in Bujumbura and Port-Louis.
Sunsino Venture Group is a venture capital firm based in Taipei, Taiwan, founded in 1994. The firm has invested in over 200 companies across Taiwan and the United States, focusing primarily on the healthcare, technology, and software sectors. With approximately US$150 million in assets under management, Sunsino Venture Group aims to support innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential in these industries.
Takeda Ventures is a strategic investment arm of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, focusing on direct and fund-of-fund investments in healthcare and life sciences sectors. It specializes in seed to mid-stage investments, with a primary focus on therapeutics, regenerative medicines, RNA/DNA modulation, and innovative protein/peptide biologics. The firm invests globally but has a strong presence in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Philip Morris International is a global tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, reduced‑risk and smoke‑free products, and related devices and accessories. Its portfolio includes heated tobacco and nicotine‑containing vapor products under IQOS and HEETS, as well as heat sticks, vapes, and oral nicotine offerings. The company markets a broad brand lineup, including Marlboro, Parliament, L&M, Chesterfield, and others, with a geographic focus outside the United States across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. In 2023 PMI broadened its US footprint through the acquisition of Swedish Match, gaining access to traditional oral tobacco products and nicotine pouches. PMI originated in 2008 from Altria’s international operations, emphasizing international markets and a diversified approach to tobacco products beyond conventional cigarettes.
Nedbank is a South African banking group offering a full spectrum of wholesale and retail financial services through its core divisions, including Corporate and Investment Banking, Retail and Business Banking, and Wealth. It accepts deposits, provides lending and credit facilities, and offers payments, treasury, and risk-management solutions, alongside insurance, investment management, and financial planning services. The group serves individuals, small businesses, and government and public-sector clients, while delivering corporate finance, stockbroking, debt advisory, and related market services to corporate customers. With a regional and international footprint, Nedbank operates in South Africa and across other African markets as well as Europe, Asia, and the United States, supported by a network of offices and subsidiaries. The company emphasizes client-focused financial solutions and risk management to sustain growth across sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, mining, and professional services.
Founded in 1969, Macquarie Group is a global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment, and funds management services. It offers a diversified range of services to clients across industries such as resources, energy, financial institutions, infrastructure, real estate, and more. With over 13,000 employees in 28 countries, Macquarie had assets under management of $US359 billion as of September 2013.
Sanari Capital is a South African private investment company established in 2013 and located in Sandton. The firm specializes in growth and expansion investments, partnering with business owners and management teams to develop companies, concepts, and ideas. Sanari Capital focuses on various sectors including B2B commercial services, education and training, food products, environmental services, cybersecurity, software as a service, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, health technology, and e-commerce, among others. The firm's investment strategy is centered on supporting innovative and impactful businesses across the African region.
OurCrowd, established in 2013, is a global venture investing platform headquartered in Israel. It specializes in connecting accredited investors with curated, high-quality early-stage companies across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, energy, and transportation. OurCrowd invests in and supports its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle, providing mentorship, industry connections, and follow-on funding opportunities. It is the most active venture investor in Israel and has a strong presence in the United States and other global markets.
Exor is a Dutch holding company controlled by the Agnelli family, with a diversified portfolio spanning automotive, real estate, and finance sectors. Known for its long-term approach, Exor actively manages investments to create value for shareholders while fostering opportunities for talent growth and societal contributions.
DST Global is a venture capital firm established in 2009 that focuses on late-stage investments in internet and technology sectors. It backs rapidly growing companies in areas such as information technology, mobile, software, e-commerce, IoT, and other TMT-enabled businesses, often in late-stage rounds. The firm maintains a global footprint with offices in Menlo Park, New York, London, Beijing, and Hong Kong, enabling it to source opportunities and support portfolio companies internationally. Founded by Yuri Milner and partners Saurabh Gupta, John Lindfors, Rahul Mehta, and Tom Stafford, DST Global seeks to partner with ambitious internet and tech-enabled firms as they scale, including fintech and other software-enabled industries.
Didi Chuxing, founded in 2012 in Beijing, is a leading mobile transportation platform providing app-based services such as taxi hailing, private car-hailing, social ride-sharing, car rental, and enterprise solutions. With over 450 million users and daily orders reaching 25 million, Didi offers a variety of mobility options to optimize resource allocation through big data-driven algorithms. The company aims to address transportation, environmental, and employment challenges by collaborating with communities and partners. Acquiring Uber China in 2016, Didi has over 21 million drivers and car owners on its platform, generating income while offering convenient transportation solutions to users worldwide.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. It provides financial services, including loans and equity investments, ranging from $1 million to $100 million, with a focus on projects that drive economic growth and social impact. IFC invests across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology, and financial services.
Founded in 2004, GSR Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology companies developing AI-enabled enterprise software, consumer platforms, and healthcare technology. The firm invests globally, backing entrepreneurs building disruptive businesses with the potential to dominate large markets.
Stellantis Ventures invests in early and later-stage startups developing cutting-edge technologies for the automotive and mobility sectors, focusing on sustainability.
Founded in 1994, AfricInvest is a Tunisia-based private equity firm with dedicated teams focused on North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. It manages USD1 billion across multiple funds, supported by local and international investors. The firm has invested in over 135 companies across 25 African countries, spanning high-growth sectors such as financial services, agribusiness, consumer/retail, education, and healthcare.
Established in 2016, Value Capital Partners is an investment company that acquires minority stakes in publicly traded firms, becoming an engaged shareholder to maximize returns for all stakeholders. The company aims to address the inefficiencies arising from fragmented ownership and absentee shareholders by providing considered, forceful ownership.
Phatisa is a growth equity investment firm established in 2005 and based in Bamboo, Mauritius. The company focuses on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, particularly within the food value chain and affordable housing sectors. Phatisa specializes in management buy-outs, buy-ins, expansions, acquisitions, refinancings, and the establishment of new ventures. Additionally, it engages in real estate projects that emphasize affordable and middle-income residential developments, as well as mixed-use developments that combine housing with commercial spaces in urban areas. The firm maintains a clear investment strategy and does not participate in sectors such as bio-fuels, timber, or alcoholic beverages, nor does it provide grants or soft loans.
Alibaba Group facilitates online marketplaces connecting buyers and sellers globally. It specializes in retail and wholesale transactions via platforms like Taobao and Tmall. Additionally, it offers cloud computing services and digital media entertainment.
Ant Group Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of digital payment and financial services in China, known for its flagship product, Alipay, a widely used digital payments platform. Established in 2000 and headquartered in Hangzhou, the company offers a variety of financial solutions, including Yu'e Bao, an online cash management platform that invests users' funds in a money market fund; Huabei, a consumer credit service facilitating buy now, pay later options; and MYbank, an online bank focused on serving small businesses and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Ant Group operates Xiang Hu Bao, a mutual aid platform for health protection, and Zhima Credit, a credit assessment service for businesses. The company aims to foster digital transformation across the service industry, ensuring that consumers and small enterprises have equal access to inclusive and sustainable financial services. In July 2020, it rebranded from Ant Small and Micro Financial Services Group Co., Ltd. to Ant Group Co., Ltd.
Established in Milan, Italy in 2007, DVR Capital specializes in M&A advisory services. It also offers private equity solutions, co-investing alongside funds and acquiring minority stakes in companies.
Proximity Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and located in Milan, Italy. The firm focuses on investing in business-to-business software startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, primarily targeting companies based in Italy and Europe. Proximity Capital aims to support visionary entrepreneurs who are committed to innovation and transformative change, fostering meaningful connections with exceptional founders. Through its investments, the firm seeks to empower these entrepreneurs to build impactful companies that can reshape industries and contribute positively to society.
Founded in 1999, Coatue is a privately owned investment firm based in New York City. It specializes in global public equity investments with a focus on technology, media, and telecommunications sectors, employing a long/short strategy.
Matrix Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1977 and based in San Francisco that backs early-stage and Series A technology companies across sectors such as artificial intelligence, B2B software, consumer technology, fintech, health tech, infrastructure, and semiconductors. The firm emphasizes practical, founder-centered collaboration, often supporting concepts from idea stage through Series A and taking board seats to help portfolio companies scale. It operates globally, including Matrix Partners China, which focuses on long-term relationships with entrepreneurs in China and has a track record of IPOs and strategic exits. The team combines former founders and experienced investors to bring local execution and global perspective. Notable investments span across the technology landscape, reflecting a history of involvement with companies like FedEx, Apple, Oculus, Canva, Zendesk, HubSpot, Postmates, Fivetran, Sila, and GOAT, illustrating the firm’s ability to support companies from early development to scale.
Established in 2018, FinDev Canada is a development finance institution based in Montreal. It provides innovative financing solutions to businesses in developing countries, focusing on sectors such as alternative energy, agriculture, and financial services. Its mission is to foster market development, empower women, and mitigate climate change through sustainable investments.
Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG, established in 2008 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a commercial bank focused on financing private sector projects in developing and emerging countries. The bank aims to promote economic sustainability and positive developmental impacts through its financial services. It offers long-term loans at near-market conditions and engages in equity participation in various funds and companies. Additionally, Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank provides technical assistance to enhance the effectiveness of projects, thereby contributing to their developmental success.
Banca Generali is a prominent banking group headquartered in Trieste, Italy, specializing in asset management and financial planning. Established in 1998, the bank offers a comprehensive range of investment solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. To effectively serve its customer base, Banca Generali has developed two distinct distribution networks: Banca Generali and Banca Generali Private Banking. The firm is also engaged in providing debt financing to small and medium-sized enterprises, further diversifying its financial services and reinforcing its commitment to supporting the growth of businesses in various sectors.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is committed to providing assistance to the world's poorest and most vulnerable populations. This agency reflects a longstanding American tradition of humanitarian support, which aligns with both U.S. foreign policy interests and the values of compassion and human dignity. USAID aims to foster sustainable development and improve living conditions in struggling communities globally. Its mission signifies a collective American responsibility to aid those in need, promoting a vision where such assistance is no longer required. Through various programs and initiatives, USAID seeks to create lasting impacts that enhance the quality of life and empower individuals to build better futures.
Finnfund, established in 1980, is a Finnish government organization specializing in development finance. It offers long-term capital, primarily through loans and equity investments, to private projects in developing countries. Finnfund focuses on ventures that involve Finnish companies, technology, or partners, or those that generate significant environmental or social benefits.
Omidyar Network, established in 2004 by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, is a global impact investing firm that combines philanthropy and venture capital to catalyze social change. It invests in for-profit and non-profit organizations across sectors such as digital society, emerging technology, education, financial inclusion, governance, and property rights. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, typically committing between $1 million to $10 million in for-profits and $0.5 million to $5 million in non-profits. Omidyar Network operates globally, with a significant focus on India, and seeks to create opportunities for people to improve their lives and make a difference in their communities.
Quona Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in fintech companies in emerging markets, focusing on financial inclusion for underserved consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises. The firm backs startups developing financial products and services beyond microcredit, including alternative lending, remittances, insurance, prepaid services, and payments infrastructure, as well as software that enhances distribution, financial management, and online bill payments. It targets companies leveraging digital platforms to expand access to banking and financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa, India and Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Typical investments range from about 1 to 10 million. Founded in 2014 and based in Washington, DC, with additional offices in Bengaluru, Lima, Cape Town, and Mexico City, Quona Capital aims to fuel inclusive fintech and related adjacencies such as agriculture, healthcare, education, commerce, and mobility finance.
Founded in 2019, Flourish Ventures is a global venture capital firm based in San Francisco. It invests in early-stage companies focused on fintech, insurtech, regtech, and other sectors that advance financial health and prosperity for individuals and small businesses. The firm manages $850M in patient capital, deploying it with a long-term perspective across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the United States.
Mbuyu Capital Partners, established in 2014, is a UK-based investment firm specializing in Africa's private markets. With over 50 years of collective experience and local networks across investable African countries, the firm offers institutional investors unique, profitable, and uncorrelated opportunities in private equity and credit. Mbuyu's thoughtful and risk-aware approach aims to deliver financial returns and diversification, while also generating positive economic, social, and environmental impact.
Norfund is a government development finance institution and economic development agency based in Oslo, Norway, established in 1997. It provides equity, risk capital, and loans to companies and projects in developing countries, focusing on markets where private capital is scarce and economic development can be accelerated. The organization aims to reduce poverty and promote sustainable growth by investing in sectors and regions with high potential, notably Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Southeast Asia and Central America, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through minority investments and SME funds. It collaborates with local entrepreneurs and institutions to strengthen local capital markets and create lasting economic impact.
The Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) is an economic development agency located in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2001. Its primary goal is to foster a robust private sector in developing and emerging countries, facilitating access to sustainable growth and development. BIO directly invests in private sector projects, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the host countries. The agency's mandate emphasizes specific geographical targets, diverse financing tools, and a strong focus on the impact of its investments on development, aligning with international development goals. The management of BIO's assets is overseen by its executive management team, ensuring that its initiatives effectively support sustainable economic progress in the regions it serves.
Inside Capital Partners is an independent private equity firm based in Bambous, Mauritius, established in 2013. The firm focuses on investing in growth-stage companies across selected Southeast African countries, aiming to create value through equity investments. Inside Capital Partners emphasizes the importance of high-level information, targeted geographic focus, and a robust network of operational and business experts. The team, which has strong regional ties, operates from offices in Mauritius and Zambia while collaborating with partners in other countries. The firm actively engages with entrepreneurs and leverages its extensive network to accelerate the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Harith Global Partners is a prominent Pan-African fund manager specializing in infrastructure development across the continent. The firm manages significant investment vehicles, including the Pan-African Infrastructure Development Fund and the ARM-Harith Infrastructure Fund, which is established in partnership with the Nigerian financial services company Asset and Resource Management Company Ltd. The ARM-Harith Infrastructure Fund focuses on investing in infrastructure projects in West Africa, contributing to the region's development and economic growth. Through its various funds, Harith Global Partners plays a critical role in enhancing infrastructure and supporting sustainable development initiatives across Africa.
Crowdcube Limited is an equity crowdfunding platform based in Exeter, United Kingdom, with an additional office in London. Founded in 2009, the company allows entrepreneurs of start-ups and growing businesses to raise funds from a diverse network of investors, including friends, family, and the general public. Through Crowdcube, individuals can invest in small companies in exchange for equity or an annual return, thereby democratizing access to investment opportunities that were once primarily available to corporate investors. Since pioneering equity crowdfunding in 2011, Crowdcube has facilitated over £300 million in investments from more than 390,000 investors, supporting over 520 successful fundraising campaigns. Notable businesses that have utilized the platform include Monzo, River Cottage, and the Eden Project, among others.
Pearl Capital Partners is a venture capital firm investing in small and medium-sized agribusinesses in East Africa, with a focus on Uganda. Founded in 2005, the company invests between $0.25 million to $2.5 million per company using a combination of equity, quasi-equity, equity-related, and debt investments.
Tianhe Capital is a fund investment management company founded in 2019 and based in Lanzhou, China. It specializes in venture capital, focusing on investing in innovative startups and emerging companies across various sectors. The firm aims to support its portfolio companies by providing not only financial resources but also strategic guidance to enhance their growth potential. Through its investment strategies, Tianhe Capital seeks to identify and nurture opportunities that align with market trends and technological advancements.
Hony Capital is a Beijing-based private equity firm founded in 2003 and sponsored by Legend Holdings. It focuses on buyouts and growth investments in China, targeting sectors including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, consumer products, food and beverage, entertainment, environmental protection and new energy, as well as machinery and construction materials. The firm pursues a value creation approach, partnering with managers and entrepreneurs to build sustainable industry leaders. It invests in state-owned and privately owned enterprises, seeks scalable businesses with high earnings growth, and considers cross-border opportunities to leverage China's growth. With over USD 6.8 billion in assets under management across seven funds and more than 60 portfolio companies, Hony combines deep local knowledge with global resources and international best practices.
Established in 1948, British International Investment is a UK government-backed development finance institution and impact investor. It focuses on long-term economic growth and sustainability in emerging markets by investing in infrastructure, health, agribusiness, and other sectors.