At UN Environment we developed the Seed Capital Assistance Facility in 2010 with the aim of mobilising private sector investment in early-stage low-carbon projects in developing countries. We were then looking for a proactive and committed partner to implement it. Derek, Andrea and Martin have been instrumental in making this facility operate effectively for the last nine years, successfully covering all tasks, ranging from identification of local partners, to due diligence, contracting as well as monitoring and oversight. Today, the facility has been refinanced and expanded, emphasising the success and necessity for this unique kind of project support in challenging markets. The achievements of the team are underlined by considerable interest to replicate in other sectors, such as forestry or clean oceans.

The earthquake of April 16, 2016 that hit the Ecuadorian coast was a very tough test that made us at Fundación ESPOIR emerge from the downturn in a stronger position thanks to our great team of employees, the resilience of our clients in the affected areas and the invaluable support received from our international funders. FS Impact Finance played a very important role, not only because it invited all the lenders to reach an agreement and sign a memorandum of understanding, but also collected monetary support for our staff that suffered damages to their homes, in total 46 families working at ESPOIR benefited from it.

Throughout our business relationship, FS Impact Finance firmly demonstrated that it is not only our partner in fighting poverty through the provision of microcredit, but also in helping hands-on during the toughest moments.

As a first-time fund manager, setting up a private equity fund focused on sustainable and high impact small and medium enterprises in Ethiopia was challenging. We went through a lot of ups and downs during our fund-raising efforts to reach first close. Andrea Bode and Martin Cremer believed in our approach and our team from very early on. This enabled us to get access to crucial financing from the Seed Capital Assistance Facility. Thanks to their continued support we were able to close our fund at USD 75 million in early 2018 and reimburse all grants, to be re-used for other start-up funds. The hands-on and flexible approach by the whole FS Impact Finance team was pivotal in getting us off the ground.

SMART CREDIT is a very development-orientated microfinance institution based in Ungheni, Moldova. For a young organization like ours that traditionally does not have access to the deep pockets of international shareholders, refinancing support at an early stage of the development is of utmost importance. Luckily, I came across FS Impact Finance, that has an in-depth understanding of microfinance and the needs of institutions like SMART CREDIT. In a very professional manner, the whole FS Impact Finance team supported us as one of the first international lenders and enabled us to further grow our portfolio. Beyond their direct funding support, I was given useful insights for acquiring further refinancing. I can whole-heartedly recommend the entire FS Impact Finance team a as trustful partner for cooperation.

We became a beneficiary under the Seed Capital Assistance Facility in late 2011, after our first renewable energy fund was raised. Martin and his team helped us get started when we set up operations in Nairobi. With the support of the facility we were able to hire our first local project director in Kenya. Moreover, we received essential support during the early stage development phases for several geothermal, wind and hydropower projects in East Africa. Particularly the development grants received for our 5.4MW Lubilia run-of-river hydropower project in Western Uganda to perform early stage environmental assessments and feasibility studies were paramount in getting the project across the finish line. The straight-forward and solution-oriented approach of the FS Impact Finance team makes this one of the rare public-private financing mechanisms that actually works for us.

We had a discussion with Utpal at FS Impact Finance for raising funds and also establishing a new relationship. Post liquidity crunch in India in late 2018, we were able to secure our first Rupee loan through FS Impact Finance which was of great support. Furthermore, we also concluded our first USD debt transaction with FS Impact Finance. I appreciate the simple documentation process.

Apart from timely debt fund support, the relationship with FS Impact Finance also adds value in terms of our internal capacity building of team members. Our product head and institutional head gained from the trainings of Frankfurt School as well as interaction and networking with other global MFIs and banks.

FS Impact Finance has been a reliable partner since setting up our Microfinance Fund in 2015. As Fund Manager they provide our investors a high investment ratio and an excellent portfolio quality – while always ensuring positive social impact. As Germany’s leading social bank, we are very pleased working with a team that completely shares our mission and vision. I personally appreciate their integrity, sincerity and hands-on mentality. GLS Bank looks forward to many more years of successful cooperation.