SDG Impact Finance Initiative Announces the Third Round of Winners under the Investment Window

The SDG Impact Finance Initiative (SIFI) is delighted to announce the winners of its third call for proposals under the Investment Window, focused on “Fostering Human Development (SDGs 3, 4 and 5).”

Following the success of its previous rounds, this call for proposals continues SIFI’s mission to mobilise catalytic capital towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A total investment of CHF 5 million in first-loss equity will be distributed among two exceptional funds, subject to the successful completion of business terms and legal documentation. These funds were selected for their strong alignment with SIFI’s objectives to enhance health, education, and gender equality across ODA-eligible countries.

Introducing Our Investees

Beacon Fund: An open-ended private debt fund based in Vietnam, Beacon Fund focuses on supporting women-led and diverse-led businesses that are typically underserved by traditional financial institutions. With its gender-lens investment approach, the fund seeks to close the SME financing gap while promoting equitable economic growth and leadership opportunities for women across Southeast Asia, with a geographic investment focus on Vietnam.

Mekong Entrepreneurship Fund: Managed by a consortium of Emerging Markets Entrepreneurs (EME), Emerging Markets Investment Advisers (EMIA), and Asia Business Builders (ABB), this venture capital fund provides catalytic early-stage capital to tech-enabled ventures across the Mekong region (Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam). Its focus spans health, education, and climate resilience, driving inclusive economic development and gender equality in underserved markets.

These projects demonstrate the power of impact investing to drive measurable social progress and resilience in emerging economies. Their focus on innovative, locally grounded solutions underscores the growing potential of blended finance to unlock private capital in pursuit of sustainable development.

This call for proposals under the Investment Window was supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the UBS Optimus Foundation, and the Ursimone Wietlisbach Foundation.

The SDG Impact Finance Initiative warmly congratulates the selected funds and looks forward to their continued contribution to fostering human development and inclusive growth across ODA-eligible countries.