IDB Invest
Description
IDB Invest serves as the private sector arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, headquartered in Washington D.C. Its primary mandate is to promote the economic development of Latin America and the Caribbean through private sector operations. The institution provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and advisory services, including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and blended finance solutions, to companies and projects across the region. Its strategic focus is on fostering sustainable development, driving climate action, promoting gender equality, and accelerating digital transformation within its client base.
The institution targets a wide array of sectors critical to regional growth and sustainability. These include vital infrastructure projects, renewable energy, financial institutions, agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, and technology. IDB Invest is particularly committed to supporting projects that demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, aiming to generate not only financial returns but also significant development impact. Their approach often involves long-term financing and co-financing with other multilateral institutions and commercial banks, leveraging their expertise to mobilize capital for complex, impactful initiatives.
IDB Invest operates at a significant scale, reflecting its role as a leading development finance institution in the region. In 2022 alone, the institution mobilized an impressive $21.8 billion in financing, demonstrating its substantial capacity to fund large-scale projects and corporate expansions. During the same year, IDB Invest approved 104 transactions, further solidifying its active role in the region's private sector. While the specific "first cheque" size varies depending on the financial product and project scope, IDB Invest typically engages in direct investments for substantial projects, with individual commitments often ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. They are not an early-stage venture investor but rather a provider of growth capital, project finance, and corporate loans for established businesses and large-scale developments.
Investor Profile
IDB Invest has backed more than 50 startups, with 9 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 38 rounds, about 76% of its total and boasts 6 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Debt Financing, Post Ipo Debt, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia.
- Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, Banking, Finance.
- Led 8 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $10M – $250M.
Stage Focus
- Debt Financing (62%)
- Post Ipo Debt (12%)
- Series C (6%)
- Series Unknown (6%)
- Series B (6%)
- Convertible Note (4%)
- Series A (2%)
- Seed (2%)
Country Focus
- Brazil (26%)
- Mexico (18%)
- Colombia (14%)
- United States (8%)
- Argentina (8%)
- United Kingdom (4%)
- Ecuador (4%)
- El Salvador (2%)
- Dominican Republic (2%)
- Costa Rica (2%)
Industry Focus
- Financial Services
- Banking
- Finance
- Fintech
- E-commerce
- Lending
- Payments
- Health Care
- Agriculture
- Personal Finance
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.