
Global Innovation Fund
Description
Global Innovation Fund (GIF) is a distinctive London-based non-profit investment fund dedicated to fostering social innovations with the potential to significantly improve the lives and opportunities for millions in low- and middle-income countries. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, GIF employs a flexible capital approach, deploying a mix of grants, debt, and equity to support solutions that address critical development challenges across various sectors.
GIF's investment thesis is deeply rooted in evidence and impact. They rigorously seek out innovations with strong potential for large-scale social benefit, prioritizing solutions that are thoroughly tested and demonstrate a clear, scalable path to adoption. Their focus spans a broad spectrum of sectors, including health, education, agriculture, energy, and financial inclusion, all aimed at poverty alleviation and enhancing livelihoods in underserved communities.
The fund invests across various stages of development, from early-stage pilot projects requiring initial validation to more mature, proven solutions ready for significant scale-up. Their investment sizes are notably flexible, with initial commitments typically ranging from $50,000 for early-stage proof-of-concept grants up to $5,000,000 for established innovations poised for widespread adoption. This broad range allows them to support a diverse pipeline of impactful ventures, adapting their funding mechanism to the specific needs and maturity of each innovation.
Since its inception, GIF has built a robust portfolio, having invested in over 50 innovations across more than 30 countries globally. This extensive reach underscores their commitment to fostering change on a global scale. Furthermore, GIF emphasizes leveraging additional capital, often citing that every $1 of GIF funding has historically attracted substantial co-funding, amplifying the overall impact of their investments. Their strategic approach aims not just to fund, but to catalyze and scale solutions that can genuinely transform lives.
Investor Profile
Global Innovation Fund has backed more than 29 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 19 rounds, about 66% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Grant, Series B, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Kenya.
- Strong thematic focus on Information Technology, Health Care, Software.
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $50K – $5M.
Stage Focus
- Grant (34%)
- Series B (17%)
- Series A (14%)
- Seed (10%)
- Series Unknown (10%)
- Debt Financing (10%)
- Convertible Note (3%)
Country Focus
- United States (21%)
- United Kingdom (21%)
- Kenya (17%)
- Singapore (10%)
- Uganda (7%)
- France (7%)
- Indonesia (3%)
- Ireland (3%)
- Botswana (3%)
- India (3%)
Industry Focus
- Information Technology
- Health Care
- Software
- Fintech
- Information Services
- Education
- Apps
- Financial Services
- Environmental Engineering
- Recycling
Frequently Asked Questions
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