Opes Impact Fund

Opes Impact Fund, also known as Opes Fund, is an Italian-based venture capital fund dedicated to impact investing. Headquartered in Milano, the fund primarily supports the development of innovative social enterprises operating in developing countries. Its geographical focus spans Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South & Southeast Asia, aiming to address critical social and environmental challenges in these regions through market-based solutions.

The fund employs an investment strategy centered on providing equity and quasi-equity financing to early-stage and growth-stage companies. Opes Impact Fund targets enterprises across a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, education, sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, clean energy, and water & sanitation. Its approach is to identify and nurture businesses that not only demonstrate financial viability but also generate measurable positive social impact.

Opes has a track record of deploying capital through multiple funds. Opes Fund I, active from 2013 to 2020, successfully invested in 10 companies, demonstrating the fund's commitment to its mission. Building on this success, Opes Fund II, launched in 2021, is currently targeting a final close of €30 million (approximately $32.4 million USD). This second fund aims to further expand its portfolio by investing in an additional 10 to 15 social enterprises. The typical first cheque sizes for Opes Impact Fund range from €0.5 million to €2.5 million, translating to approximately $540,000 to $2.7 million USD, reflecting their commitment to substantial early-stage and growth-stage support. The European Investment Fund (EIF) is a notable investor in Opes Fund II, underscoring the fund's credibility and alignment with broader development finance goals.

Opes Impact Fund distinguishes itself by its dual mandate of financial return and social impact, seeking to prove that impactful investments can also be sustainable and scalable. Its strategic focus on critical sectors in developing economies positions it as a key player in fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth.