
BlueOrchard Finance S A
Description
BlueOrchard Finance S.A., headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, stands as a pioneering global impact investment manager. Established in 2001 by the United Nations, it initially focused on microfinance, aiming to provide capital to financial institutions serving underserved populations. This foundational commitment to financial inclusion remains a core pillar of its strategy, though its scope has significantly broadened over the years. In 2019, BlueOrchard was acquired by Schroders, a move that bolstered its global reach and operational capabilities, allowing it to scale its impact initiatives further.
Today, BlueOrchard manages a substantial portfolio, with assets under management exceeding USD 10 billion as of late 2023. Its investment strategies span various asset classes, including private debt, private equity, and listed debt, deployed across critical impact sectors such as financial inclusion, sustainable infrastructure, climate finance, and sustainable agriculture. The firm's approach is centered on generating measurable positive social and environmental outcomes alongside competitive financial returns for its institutional and private investors.
Unlike traditional venture capital firms that focus on early-stage startup equity, BlueOrchard primarily invests in established financial institutions, sustainable infrastructure projects, and other impact-driven entities through debt and equity instruments. These investments are typically substantial, reflecting the scale of the projects and institutions they support. The firm's global presence and deep expertise in impact measurement underscore its commitment to fostering sustainable development worldwide.
Investor Profile
BlueOrchard Finance S A has backed more than 44 startups, with 7 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 33 rounds, about 75% of its total and boasts 4 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Debt Financing, Post Ipo Debt, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in India, Nigeria, Kenya.
- Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, Finance, FinTech.
- Led 5 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1M – $50M.
Stage Focus
- Debt Financing (68%)
- Post Ipo Debt (9%)
- Series B (7%)
- Series A (7%)
- Convertible Note (2%)
- Private Equity (2%)
- Series Unknown (2%)
- Series C (2%)
Country Focus
- India (68%)
- Nigeria (7%)
- Kenya (5%)
- Vietnam (5%)
- Uzbekistan (5%)
- Ecuador (2%)
- Senegal (2%)
- United Kingdom (2%)
- Ghana (2%)
- South Africa (2%)
Industry Focus
- Financial Services
- Finance
- Fintech
- Banking
- Small And Medium Businesses
- Lending
- Micro Lending
- Insurance
- Electric Vehicle
- Energy
Frequently Asked Questions
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