IFC and US-based fund manager join forces to provide debt to EM tech companies
The IFC and US-based fund manager Partners for Growth (PFG) are uniting to provide debt capital to innovative early- to mid-stage companies in emerging markets, with a focus on fintech, software, e-logistics, health, and life sciences firms.
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will invest $30 million in a new investment vehicle managed by PFG. The vehicle will be PFG’s first managed account dedicated solely to global emerging markets and IFC’s first investment with a private debt manager focused on venture and growth stage markets. PFG will collaborate with its long-time strategic partner, Silicon Valley Bank, on the initiative.
”The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty and risk aversion in emerging markets, limiting the amount of credit available for small- to mid-sized companies,” said Paulo de Bolle, global senior director of IFC’s Financial Institutions Group. ”Our partnership with PFG will play a key role in improving access to finance for deserving high growth technology businesses.”
”Across the global markets where PFG invests, we see some of the most compelling opportunities from emerging markets, where companies can create new categories and pioneer solutions that deliver impact. Building upon the momentum behind rapid digital adoption, innovative companies are providing localised solutions that allow them to leapfrog incumbent firms and legacy technologies. Fintech companies are bringing financial services to vast underbanked populations, enhancing financial inclusion and supporting economic growth, while opening new attractive markets across a broad range of financial services,” said Andrew Kahn, managing director and CEO of PFG. ”We are thrilled to be working with IFC on this partnership to bring new capital solutions to technology and innovation companies in emerging markets.”
In addition to supporting innovative tech companies with debt capital, the partnership is expected to help spur the development of the private sector debt market in developing countries by demonstrating the viability of lending to growth-stage companies.
The new initiative will provide IFC with an indirect participation in qualified lending and investment transactions made by PFG. IFC will receive an allocation of each qualifying PFG investment in emerging markets.
PFG specialises in alternative debt investments in growth companies globally. Since its debut, PFG has raised seven funds and invested over $1.2 billion into more than 220 companies through custom debt instruments and has a track record spanning more than 30 years, including the managers’ time together operating as a subsidiary of San Francisco investment bank Hambrecht & Quist.
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