GAWA Capital is impact investment company that promotes social and economic development by leveraging private capital markets. It raises and manages investment funds to support the growth of social enterprises in under-served markets, while seeking financial returns for investors and a positive impact for society.
Accion is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1961 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion worldwide. The organization focuses on providing access to financial tools and services for underserved individuals, small businesses, and communities. Accion collaborates with financial service providers to deliver affordable and high-quality solutions, while also engaging with industry leaders and regulators to promote a more inclusive financial landscape. Through its Venture Lab initiative, Accion invests in innovative fintech startups that work to improve the accessibility, quality, and affordability of financial services for underserved populations. In addition to capital investment, Accion offers strategic and operational support to these startups, helping them scale and thrive in the formal economy. The organization emphasizes the use of technology and new business models to create impactful customer experiences, thereby fostering financial health and capabilities among those traditionally excluded from financial services.
Wexford Capital is an investment advisor based in Greenwich, Connecticut, with an additional office in Florida. Incorporated in 1994, the firm manages $6.5 billion in assets, focusing on hedge and private equity funds. Wexford Capital targets various asset classes, including private equity, agriculture, and real estate, primarily across North America.
Norfund, established in 1997 and based in Oslo, Norway, is a government organization that serves as a strategic minority investor, focusing on sustainable business development in economically disadvantaged regions. The organization aims to alleviate poverty and foster economic growth primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, with additional investments in some Southeast Asian and Central American countries. Norfund provides risk capital and expertise to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through direct investments in new ventures, expansions, and corporate restructurings, as well as through fund of funds investments. Its investment strategy includes sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, agriculture, and financial services, with a commitment to improving access to capital in areas where the private sector is underdeveloped. Norfund typically acquires stakes ranging from $15 million to $45 million and prefers to maintain a minority ownership share, actively engaging with portfolio companies and holding board positions. The organization aims for exits through various means, such as IPOs or sales to other investors, while prioritizing long-term economic impact in the regions it serves.
Actis is a prominent investor focused on growth markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Established in 2004, the firm has raised approximately US$14 billion and employs over 200 professionals, including around 120 investment experts, across 16 global offices. Actis invests in approximately 70 companies worldwide, which collectively employ over 116,500 individuals. The firm specializes in a multi-asset strategy that includes private equity, energy, infrastructure, and real estate. Actis adopts a unique 'south-south' approach, emphasizing intra-growth market investments that facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience across different regions and sectors. This strategy enables Actis to deliver consistent, competitive returns while maintaining a commitment to responsible investing. Their extensive local knowledge and sector expertise position Actis as a trusted partner for investors, management teams, entrepreneurs, and governments in emerging markets.