GAWA Capital logo

GAWA Capital

Europe, Madrid, Spain, Madrid

Description

GAWA Capital is a prominent impact investing firm based in Madrid, Spain, dedicated to fostering social and economic development in underserved markets globally. Established with a clear mission to generate positive social and environmental impact alongside financial returns, the firm focuses on sectors critical to sustainable development, primarily financial inclusion and sustainable agriculture. Their strategic investments aim to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and improve living standards for vulnerable populations in developing countries.

The firm manages several specialized funds, with the Huruma Fund being one of its most significant initiatives. Launched in 2019, the Huruma Fund is a €120 million vehicle co-sponsored by the European Commission and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) through FONPRODE. This fund specifically targets investments in agricultural enterprises and financial institutions that serve smallholder farmers and rural communities in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. Prior to this, GAWA Capital also managed the Magallanes Impact Fund, which focused on providing financing to microfinance institutions across more than 10 countries, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to financial inclusion.

GAWA Capital's investment strategy typically involves providing a mix of debt and equity financing to established financial intermediaries and agricultural businesses. These investments are characterized by their focus on scalability and measurable impact, ensuring that capital deployment directly contributes to poverty reduction, food security, and economic resilience. For its primary investments, particularly through the Huruma Fund, GAWA Capital typically deploys first cheques ranging from approximately $5 million to $16 million, targeting entities that can demonstrate strong social performance and robust financial health.

As a leading player in the European impact investing landscape, GAWA Capital has built a reputation for its rigorous due diligence and commitment to long-term partnerships. The firm's portfolio companies collectively serve millions of beneficiaries, reflecting its deep commitment to its mission. With total assets under management exceeding €200 million across its various funds, GAWA Capital continues to expand its reach and influence, channeling capital towards impactful solutions that address some of the world's most pressing development challenges.

Investor Profile

GAWA Capital has backed more than 23 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 7 rounds, about 30% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Private Equity, Series C, Series D rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in India, Colombia, Peru.
  • Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, Finance, Micro Lending.
  • Typical check size: $5M – $16M.

Stage Focus

  • Private Equity (65%)
  • Series C (13%)
  • Series D (9%)
  • Debt Financing (9%)
  • Series E (4%)

Country Focus

  • India (43%)
  • Colombia (9%)
  • Peru (9%)
  • Germany (4%)
  • Nicaragua (4%)
  • Mexico (4%)
  • Ghana (4%)
  • Panama (4%)
  • Georgia (4%)
  • Sri Lanka (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Financial Services
  • Finance
  • Micro Lending
  • Fintech
  • Lending
  • Business Development
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Agriculture
  • Banking
  • Consumer
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does GAWA Capital frequently co-invest with?

FMO
Europe, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands, The Hague
Co-Investments: 1
International Finance Corporation
North America, District of Columbia, United States, Washington
Co-Investments: 1
Gaja Capital
Asia, Maharashtra, India, Mumbai
Co-Investments: 4
Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 2
Biocon
Asia, Karnataka, India, Bangalore
Co-Investments: 1
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
North America, Texas, United States, Austin
Co-Investments: 4
Patamar Capital
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 4
Northern Arc
Asia, Tamil Nadu, India, Chennai
Co-Investments: 1
MV
North America, Georgia, United States, Spain
Co-Investments: 1
Oikocredit International
Europe, Utrecht, The Netherlands, Amersfoort
Co-Investments: 3

What are some of recent deals done by GAWA Capital?

Sindhuja Microcredit

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Sindhuja Microcredit is a Microfinance company.

FinanceFinancial Services
Series CMar 28, 2024
Amount Raised: $14,389,446
Pahal

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Pahal renders financial products & services that include micro-credits, life insurance, personal, and vehicle loans for low-income families.

CreditFinancial ServicesInsuranceLife Insurance
Debt FinancingApr 12, 2022
WayCool

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

WayCool is a developer of a tech-enabled supply chain approach that produces staples like rice, dairy, and value added products.

AgricultureAgTechFarmingFood and BeverageFood Processing
Series DJan 13, 2022
Amount Raised: $95,000,000
NORANDINO

Cajamarca, Cajamarca, Peru

Norandino is a cooperative bank that offers financial services to farmers.

AgricultureFinancial Services
Debt FinancingJun 21, 2021
Amount Raised: $3,573,585
Kinara Capital

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Kinara Capital is a fintech company that specializes in providing access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Business DevelopmentFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechLendingMicro LendingSocial Entrepreneurship
Private EquityFeb 22, 2021
Amount Raised: $3,800,000
Kinara Capital

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Kinara Capital is a fintech company that specializes in providing access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Business DevelopmentFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechLendingMicro LendingSocial Entrepreneurship
Private EquityMay 9, 2019
Amount Raised: $14,245,005
Fusion Microfinance

New Delhi, Delhi, India

Fusion Microfinance is a New Delhi-based micro-lending startup aiming to provide underprivileged women with economic opportunities.

BankingFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTech
Series EFeb 8, 2018
Amount Raised: $12,412,723
Kinara Capital

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Kinara Capital is a fintech company that specializes in providing access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Business DevelopmentFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechLendingMicro LendingSocial Entrepreneurship
Series CNov 6, 2017
Amount Raised: $14,500,000
Kinara Capital

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Kinara Capital is a fintech company that specializes in providing access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Business DevelopmentFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechLendingMicro LendingSocial Entrepreneurship
Private EquityOct 13, 2017
Amount Raised: $14,845,514
Acceso Crediticio

Lima, Lima, Peru

Acceso Crediticio is a Peruvian-based financial institution specialized in providing loans to base-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs working.

ConsumerFinanceFinancial Services
Private EquityOct 1, 2017
Amount Raised: $14,000,000