SEAF

SEAF

Investment Management

Washington, DC 8,647 followers

An ESG+ manager funding entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build climate resilience, food security, and inclusion

About us

Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF) is a global impact private equity manager focused on providing growth capital and operational support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets underserved by traditional sources of capital. Utilizing an ESG+ investment approach, SEAF selectively makes structured debt and equity investments in locally-owned enterprises with high growth potential to actively build resilience within SMEs themselves and more largely within their communities, focusing on climate, food security, and inclusion. Our more than 32 years of experience have shown that impact investing and maximizing performance complement each other— we can do good and realize strong financial returns. . SEAF is a global organization, headquartered in Washington D.C., with 15 offices in Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past three decades, SEAF has managed more than 40 Funds and across 33 countries. SEAF’s on-the-ground presence in our countries of focus, coupled with our proactive and responsive business model, enables us to source opportunities and work closely with local entrepreneurs, providing the capital, hands-on operational support, knowledge, and networks they need to accelerate their businesses’ growth and profitability and achieve meaningful and measurable impact in their communities. SEAF also supports ten Centers for Entrepreneurship and Development (CEED) around the world to provide training, mentoring, and global access to professional networks and entrepreneur-run businesses.

Website
http://www.seaf.com
Industry
Investment Management
Company size
51-200 employees
Headquarters
Washington, DC
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1989
Specialties
Private Equity, SME, impact investing, Emerging markets, Frontier markets, and Entrepreneurs

Locations

Employees at SEAF

Updates

  • View organization page for SEAF, graphic

    8,647 followers

    SEAF, is thrilled to share that we have selected Dawa Mkononi, a Dar es Salaam-based health-tech company, as the inaugural recipient of our impact-linked funding under Daraja Impact. Dawa Mkononi is revolutionizing pharmaceutical access across Tanzania through data-driven solutions. Their innovative technology streamlines medicine delivery to health facilities and pharmacies, freeing up valuable time to focus on patient care. Through this funding, Dawa Mkononi is well positioned to improve their operations, including collecting, managing, and reporting impact data by upgrading its technology and administrative capacity. Joseph Paul, MD, Co-Founder of Dawa Mkononi expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “We are immensely grateful and excited to be the first recipient of impact-linked funding from Daraja Impact. This partnership is not just a validation of our work; it’s a catalyst for profound change, bringing us closer to a future where every Tanzanian has immediate access to life-saving medicines.” Ezra Musoke, SEAF’s Managing Director for Tanzania, commented, “Our partnership with Dawa Mkononi is evidence of our continued commitment to supporting innovative and impactful SMEs in Tanzania that improve the livelihood of women and youth. We are excited to be a part of the company’s mission and growth journey.” Daraja Impact is committed to providing funding to innovative Tanzanian enterprises. Read the full release: https://lnkd.in/dFX4qYrT AlphaMundi Foundation

    SEAF Announces Dawa Mkononi as Inaugural Recipient of Daraja Impact Funding, Pioneering Health-Tech Advancement in Tanzania

    SEAF Announces Dawa Mkononi as Inaugural Recipient of Daraja Impact Funding, Pioneering Health-Tech Advancement in Tanzania

    https://www.seaf.com

  • SEAF reposted this

    View profile for Yaquta Fatehi, graphic

    Works on impact measurement, gender, & operational challenges for mission-driven companies | Skillset: mixed-methods research & lean thinking-continuous improvement.

    The G-SEARCh reports on the positive business and social outcomes of gender-smart technical assistance (TA) across business operations are NOW AVAILABLE! Gender-smart TA is a strategy of gender lens investing.  🎯https://bit.ly/3plyMV7 We are delighted to share these findings and insights from two years of collaboration and work. The full suite of products includes:  1. An executive summary and report highlighting the gamut of benefits for companies and costs incurred. 2. Case studies that discuss business and social outcomes for company stakeholders 3. A toolkit with methodology and surveys 4. A how-to guide on gender-smart TA design and implementation  5. And sample indicators to measure social and financial outcomes Personal note: I started and completed this project during a pandemic. Closing it is a bittersweet moment for me. I only hope it can have the impact we all want it to have to move the needle on the lives of women globally who suffer from patriarchy, gender-based violence, policies that harm us, and the adverse impacts of climate change. I celebrate this consortium and all the people behind it for your resilience and dedication to your work! Big thanks also to all the 21 companies in our study! #impinv #genderequity #socent #research #learning #gender #genderequality #genderlensinvesting #genderinclusion #impactinvestment #impactmeasurement The G-SEARCh consortium consists of AlphaMundi Group Ltd, Acumen, SEAF, AHL Venture Partners, Root Capital, Shell Foundation, Value For Women Ltd., and William Davidson Institute with funding support from International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and USAID. Our case study research data collection partners were 60 Decibels and Dalberg Research.

    • Woman Farmer in South Asia
  • View organization page for SEAF, graphic

    8,647 followers

    We're excited to announce that SEAF has been selected to the ImpactAssets 50 2024 as an Emeritus Impact Manager for the second year in a row. The #IA50 Emeritus status recognizes impact fund managers who have achieved IA 50 recognition for at least 5 years and consistently demonstrate a commitment to generating positive impact. As we continue to make significant progress, being recognized as an #IA50 Emeritus Manager is truly an honor. It not only acknowledges our past achievements but also inspires us to strive for even greater impact. We're proud to work with a committed team of investors and portfolio companies, who make moments like this possible. Learn more: http://bit.ly/IA502024 Paul Sheehan Bert van der Vaart Thomas Monaco Jan Cherim

    IA 50

    IA 50

    https://impactassets.org

  • View organization page for SEAF, graphic

    8,647 followers

    🌟 Celebrating International Women's Day! 🌟 Today, we honor the strength, resilience, and remarkable achievements of women worldwide. At SEAF, we're proud to stand alongside women entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries who are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all. We believe in providing not just opportunities but also the resources, mentorship, and guidance necessary for women to thrive in their communities and businesses. From financial readiness training to tailored support programs, we're dedicated to empowering women to uncover opportunities. But our dedication doesn't stop there. We're equally committed to championing women in leadership roles, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions recognized. Because we understand that true progress is only possible when women are given equal opportunities to lead and excel. As we mark International Women's Day, we reaffirm our steadfast advocacy for #genderequality. #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion

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  • View organization page for SEAF, graphic

    8,647 followers

    Did you know? 90% of women refugees in #Slovenia face unemployment hurdles, struggling with barriers and a lack of support networks. At SEAF, we're committed to changing this narrative. With more than 45% of SEAF and CEED Global companies led by women and 65% empowering women, our mission extends to empowering women refugees through entrepreneurship. We recently developed a program to foster entrepreneurship to create flexible job opportunities, enabling women refugees to generate income and forge partnerships with local organizations to ensure that they are able to grow sustainable and lasting businesses. Here are some of our recent highlights to accelerate progress: ✅ Identified 1000 women refugees eager to pursue entrepreneurship. ✅ Selected 100 women to participate in our development program ✅ Trained 50 women in business setup and model development. ✅ Supported 20 women successfully launch their businesses, continuing to benefit from peer support, mentoring, and capital connections ✅ Equipped 10 partners with the knowledge to replicate similar programs for women refugee enterprises. ✅ Secured government funding to extend support for women refugees, ensuring continued empowerment and economic independence. We're not just transforming communities; we're focused on building bridges to opportunity and empowerment. We are proud to #InspireInclusion. Happy International Women's Day! #IWD2024

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  • View organization page for SEAF, graphic

    8,647 followers

    Last week we successfully launched the Oyass Capital SME Fund in #Dakar! It was an honor to witness this milestone event under the esteemed Ministère de l'Economie, du Plan et de la Coopération du Sénégal (MEPC), represented by his Secretary General, alongside key representation from FONSIS - Fonds Souverain du Sénégal, the German Embassy in Dakar, and The World Bank. SEAF, was proudly represented by CEO, Paul Sheehan, Jan Cherim, Vice Chair and EMEA Managing Director, Bert van der Vaart, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer and Moctar SARR, Managing Director for West & Central Africa. Oyass Capital marks a significant milestone for SMEs in Senegal, with a fund size of Euro 80 million, out of which Euro 53 million has already been committed by KfW, The World Bank, and the State of Senegal. The remaining Euro 27 million will be raised from private sector and impact investors, solidifying our commitment to fostering local economic growth and development. Our objective with Oyass Capital is clear: to facilitate access to capital financing for Senegalese small and medium enterprises, driving economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation. We are honored to be entrusted with executing this vital fund alongside prestigious sponsors like KfW and The World Bank. Oyass Capital will focus on investing in two key SME profiles: ✳ Growth Funds: 80% of resources will be allocated to SMEs demonstrating strong growth potential. ✳ Seed Funds: 20% of resources will support start-ups with government contracts or high-value concepts. Beyond financing, Oyass will provide robust technical assistance support to #SMEs through CEED Global, a SEAF company, ensuring sustainable growth and success. As we embark on this journey, SEAF is leveraging local expertise with our dedicated team in Senegal, collaborating with the entire ecosystem to nurture and elevate local champions. For more information on Oyass Capital, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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  • SEAF reposted this

    🔵 It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with SEAF, in deploying catalytic capital into five Tunisian 2X SMEs through the gender lens investing mechanism "Tunisia Resilience Fund" - TRF, as part of the USAID INVEST program. The "Tunisia Resilience Fund - TRF" is playing a significant role not only in strengthening Tunisian companies’ exporting capabilities and competitiveness but also in enhancing Tunisia’s attractiveness to absorb the shift of the global supply chains towards Northern African countries after the COVID-19 crisis and Russia-Ukraine conflict. The long term goal is to reinforce Tunisia's positioning as a reliable, sustainable and resilient sourcing hub. #impactinvesting #accesstofinance #genderlensinvesting #resilience #sustainability #sourcinghub #INVEST

    View organization page for DAI, graphic

    314,315 followers

    Since its establishment in 2017, USAID INVEST has been dedicated to two key objectives: mobilizing capital for the Agency’s development priorities and addressing barriers that hinder effective engagement with the investment community. To accomplish these goals, INVEST has had to redefine traditional USAID partnership approaches, emphasizing greater responsiveness to the needs and incentives of the private sector while supporting tangible development outcomes. As of September 2023, USAID has mobilized more than $1.04 billion for development through INVEST across a wide range of sectors and geographies and with dozens of trusted partners.

    Five Years, One Billion Dollars, and the Lessons Learned Along the Way

    Five Years, One Billion Dollars, and the Lessons Learned Along the Way

    medium.com

  • View organization page for SEAF, graphic

    8,647 followers

    We're thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with FMO - Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, for our Daraja Impact project in Tanzania🤝 The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation through the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania. It will be implemented by SEAF, in partnership with AlphaMundi Foundation. Daraja Impact is a 5-year initiative aimed at supporting Tanzanian enterprises, especially those led by women and youth, by providing capital and technical assistance. Our project focuses on inclusive business models and innovative products/services, empowering women and youth in various roles. From entrepreneurs to employees, consumers, and suppliers, we're committed to advancing economic opportunities for all. With FMO Ventures Program's support, we're expanding our reach to offer crucial services like impact measurement training and investment readiness programs to Tanzanian entrepreneurs. This collaboration strengthens the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering underserved enterprises at all stages. Paul Sheehan, SEAF CEO, expresses his excitement: "Partnering with FMO Ventures will unlock the potential for growth, job creation, and entrepreneurial ecosystem development in Tanzania." Marieke Roestenberg, FMO Ventures Program Manager, shares our enthusiasm for supporting the innovative Daraja Impact project: "This initiative aligns with FMO Ventures' mission to empower local partners for sustainable, long-term market solutions." Learn more about how we're working with FMO to shape the entrepreneurial landscape in #Tanzania: https://lnkd.in/dDdVDuSR

    SEAF Forms Strategic Partnership with FMO Ventures to Drive Capacity Development and Scale Access to Finance for High-Impact Tanzanian SMEs

    SEAF Forms Strategic Partnership with FMO Ventures to Drive Capacity Development and Scale Access to Finance for High-Impact Tanzanian SMEs

    https://www.seaf.com

  • View organization page for SEAF, graphic

    8,647 followers

    SEAF is proud to announce our collaboration with FONSIS - Fonds Souverain du Sénégal to manage the groundbreaking Oyass Capital Fund. Under the distinguished presidency of the Ministère de l'Economie, du Plan et de la Coopération du Sénégal (MEPC), we embark on a journey to revolutionize #SME financing in Senegal. Oyass Capital, the first-of-its-kind hybrid fund in French-speaking Africa, signifies a crucial step towards economic empowerment. Our collaboration aims to facilitate capital access for Senegalese SMEs, fostering growth, job creation, and wealth generation. FONSIS kickstarts OYASS Capital with a bold investment of FCFA 35 billion, backed by KfW, The World Bank, and the State of Senegal. We're proud to contribute to this transformative initiative, with an additional FCFA 15 billion set to be raised from the private sector and impact investors. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development, marking a significant milestone for Senegalese #SMEs.

    View organization page for FONSIS - Fonds Souverain du Sénégal, graphic

    21,037 followers

    🌟𝐅𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐒 vous annonce le lancement officiel du Fonds 𝐎𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥, ce mardi 30 janvier, au Radisson Blu, sous la présidence du Ministère de l'Economie, du Plan et de la Coopération du Sénégal (MEPC). Doudou KA ; Abdoulaye Diouf SARR. 𝐎𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 est le premier fonds hybride du genre, en Afrique francophone, avec sa structuration et son financement public / privé. 🚀   L'objectif de 𝐎𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 est de faciliter l'accès au financement en capital pour les 𝐏𝐌𝐄 sénégalaises, de stimuler la croissance économique et ainsi d’impacter, durablement, la création d’emplois et de richesses. #créerdeschampionslocaux   𝐅𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐒 a capitalisé 𝐎𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥, à hauteur de FCFA 35 milliards, pour son démarrage, grâce aux financements mobilisés auprès de la KfW, The World Bank et de l’État du Sénégal. Les 15 milliards restants, pour atteindre la taille cible FCFA 50 milliards, seront levés auprès du secteur privé et des investisseurs d’impacts.   À la suite d’un appel d’offres international, 𝐅𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐒 a confié le mandat de gestion à SEAF, un des leaders mondiaux en gestion de fonds de 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲, avec plus de 400 investissements en capital-risque réalisés, 38 fonds gérés et 14 centres pour l'entrepreneuriat et le développement des cadres (CEED), dans 33 pays.   Le déploiement de 𝐎𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 débutera en janvier 2024, marquant ainsi le début d'une nouvelle ère pour les 𝐏𝐌𝐄 sénégalaises. 📈    FONSIS - Fonds Souverain du Sénégal 💼 📊 #OyassCapital #PME #capitalinvestissement ##EntrepreneuriatAuSénégal #FONSIS #SEAF #KFW #worldbank #MEPC #ODD2030

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  • SEAF reposted this

    View organization page for Jellycorn, graphic

    650 followers

    Connect with startups, investors & mentors at the Future of Impact Summit 2024! Join us for this highly interactive pitching session with mentors & investors Elsa AR. Yanni of Seedstars, Richa Natarajan of UC Impower, Nurul Hai of SEAF and Vasili Sofiadellis of Visions2Ventures. This session will feature pitches from impactful startups and an opportunity for everyone in the audience to connect with our mentors & investors in breakout rooms. 💫 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dxfUH3QM 🚀 Interest in pitching your startup at the Future of Impact Summit? Apply now! https://lnkd.in/dxfUH3QM #startup #venturecapital #femalefounders #impactinvesting #angelinvesting

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