Equity Investments
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions
to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. DFC invests across sectors including energy,
healthcare, critical infrastructure, food security, and small business support. DFC investments adhere to high
standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.
DFC seeks to support early and growth-stage companies and projects that are otherwise not able to take on debt, especially companies in low and lower-middle income countries.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Non-government (general)
- Non-U.S. entities
DFC supports investment in more than 100
countries around the world and prioritizes
investment in low- and lower-middle-income
countries, as defined by the World Bank. DFC may
consider projects in certain upper-middle-income
countries that address key agency priorities or
serve underserved communities. Investors must be willing and able to make sufficient
financial investment to the project to support its
long-term viability. Projects DFC supports must demonstrate the competence of the management team and financial records in the same or a closely related business that show a recent record of success.
All DFC projects are required to be conducted
with respect for the environment, worker rights,
human rights, and local communities, while also
encouraging a positive host country impact.
Evaluation of prospective applicants considers the following criteria: Real revenue and demonstrated product market fit; High growth with strong business model fundamentals; Large commercial market with potential for scale; Growth-stage companies with plausible exit routes;
Experienced management team; Investments with like-minded DFIs, strategic investors, and/or private equity or venture capital firms; Sound legal structures and appropriate governance.
See <https://www.dfc.gov/what-we-offer/our-products/equity-investments>. Other underwriting policies apply. Subject to negotiated terms and conditions. See <https://www.dfc.gov/apply>.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
See <https://www.dfc.gov/apply>
Program details & compliance
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Subject to negotiated terms and conditions. See <https://www.dfc.gov/what-we-offer/work-with-us>. See <https://www.dfc.gov/what-we-offer/work-with-us/investment-policies>.
Required Documentation
Yes - Investors and other persons will be required to provide information to support DFC's screening. See <https://www.dfc.gov/apply>