About MicroVest
MicroVest
was created as a capital-mobilizing intermediary for
microfinance
institutions (MFIs). We are organized along commercial lines with a strong
private sector board. Our objectives are:
-
to provide capital
to microfinance institutions;
-
to help build capital markets for the micro-enterprise system;
-
to support self-sustaining financial institutions that serve the poor.
MicroVest
seeks partners to help make financial markets work for poor
entrepreneurs
of the world by linking capital
markets and MFIs.
An independent institution
with a professional investment management team, MicroVest was founded
by three non-profit institutions:
CARE,
MEDA and
Seed
Capital Development Fund. The
founders
bring:
-
World-wide presence with operations in over 75 countries;
-
50 years of experience developing micro- and small-businesses, plus
hands-on experience managing MFIs;
-
150 microfinance programs and microfinance institutions; and
-
Proven track record of creating and managing investment funds.
The MicroVest Board is composed
of professionals with extensive international private sector
experience. Our first fund,
MicroVest I,
LP
("MV I"), was launched Jan. 1, 2004 with US$15 million in committed
assets, with the potential to grow to US$75 million. MV I
makes debt and equity investments in promising,
existing microfinance institutions across broad geographic areas. As we
grow, MicroVest will play a pivotal role in developing capital markets
for microfinance with follow-on funds to MV1, specialized funds
targeting sectors such as housing, and new financial instruments.