Gazelle Finance

Gazelle Finance is an impact investment fund focused on providing growth capital and business development support to high-growth SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in frontier markets. Specifically, they target companies in the Eurasia region, particularly in countries like Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, and others demonstrating potential for sustainable economic development.

Their investment thesis revolves around the belief that SMEs are the engine of economic growth and job creation in developing economies. However, these businesses often struggle to access traditional sources of financing, hindering their ability to scale and reach their full potential. Gazelle Finance aims to fill this critical financing gap by offering flexible and patient capital tailored to the specific needs of these companies.

Beyond simply providing funding, Gazelle Finance distinguishes itself through its active management approach. They offer comprehensive business development support to their portfolio companies, including strategic planning, financial management, operational improvements, and access to international markets. This hands-on approach helps these SMEs overcome challenges, improve their competitiveness, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth.

The types of investments made by Gazelle Finance are typically in the range of $500,000 to $3 million, targeted towards companies with a proven track record and a clear growth trajectory. Sectors of interest include agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and other industries with strong potential for job creation and positive social impact. They look for businesses that are innovative, have a strong management team, and demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Gazelle Finance’s investment strategy is geared towards generating both financial returns and measurable social and environmental impact. They carefully track the social and environmental performance of their portfolio companies, measuring key indicators such as job creation, revenue growth, and environmental sustainability. This rigorous monitoring ensures that their investments are aligned with their mission of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Founded in 2013, Gazelle Finance has built a reputation as a leading impact investor in the Eurasia region. They have successfully invested in and supported numerous SMEs, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods in the communities they serve. They partner with international development finance institutions, foundations, and private investors who share their commitment to impact investing and sustainable development.

In essence, Gazelle Finance plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive SME ecosystem in frontier markets by providing not just capital, but also the expertise and support needed for these businesses to thrive and contribute to a more prosperous future.