Joint venture funds realization of sustainable development goals
Invest International is a new joint venture by the Dutch State and development bank FMO to support companies with their international financing of innovative solutions that contribute to the realization of the UN sustainable development goals.
The joint venture was launched on 1 October with a share capital of 833 million euros.
Additional financing
Studies have shown that companies that operate from the Netherlands have good opportunities in international markets. At the same time it appears that commercial banks or investors can’t always meet the need for international financing that comes along with entering or expanding in international markets.
Often this has to do with risks that are unknown or not acceptable for market parties. For example in the case of long(er) term investments in smaller projects that require a relatively large investor involvement or in projects in countries where market parties themselves are not (or no longer) active.
Public programs
In addition, Invest International also offers financing solutions from public programs. These focus on the international financing of Dutch start-ups and SMEs (more than 300 million euros), but also on public infrastructure projects in developing countries (165 million euros annually). With an annual budget for project development (9 million euros), Invest International can help companies make their international investments financeable.
Invest International has decided to start with a business focus on sectors in which, in terms of the SDGs, the business community in the Netherlands has a lot to offer. These sectors are: Agro-Food, Healthcare, Water & Infrastructure, Sustainable Production and Climate & Energy.
Developing countries
Tom de Bruijn, Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation: 'It is good that Dutch companies will have an extra opportunity to finance sustainable activities in developing countries. The benefits are twofold. It benefits the Dutch economy. And it also creates opportunities in developing countries to take concrete action to combat climate change and food shortages.'
Joost Oorthuizen, CEO Invest International: 'The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer the internationally operating (Dutch) business community enormous business opportunities. As Invest International, we want to invest in the frontrunners who want to help achieve the SDGs with innovative solutions. Because we work for governments and companies, we can really make the difference.'
About Invest International
Invest International is a private company funded with public means. As an impact investor, the company’s purpose is to finance Dutch solutions that contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to the future earning capacity of the Dutch economy.
The shareholders have appointed a supervisory board that oversees the management of Invest International. Currently, Invest International has approximately 80 employees.
