What is Blue like an Orange Sustainable Capital?
Blue like an Orange Sustainable Capital is all about investing in emerging market companies that not only deliver strong risk-adjusted returns but also create meaningful social impact. The focus? Aligning investments with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This fund takes a strategic approach to sustainable investing, aiming to foster inclusive and sustainable growth while reducing risk. It works closely with local partners and primarily provides mezzanine debt—a type of financing that’s often hard to find in emerging markets. This approach helps entrepreneurs access capital that’s less dilutive and more flexible, complementing senior debt and equity.
The Main Benefit: Impact Meets Returns
Here’s what makes Blue like an Orange stand out:
- Invests predominantly in mezzanine or subordinated debt, filling a critical financing gap in emerging markets.
- Targets sectors like SMEs, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, healthcare, education, financial services, and agribusiness.
- Aligns investments directly with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring social and environmental impact.
- Combines strong risk-adjusted financial returns with measurable social impact.
- Leverages partnerships with development finance institutions like IDB Invest to attract private capital.
Origins Rooted in Global Development Finance
The fund’s story begins in 2015 with a landmark report titled “From Billions to Trillions: Transforming Development Finance.” This report, led by Bertrand Badré—one of Blue like an Orange’s founders—highlighted the urgent need to shift from billions in official aid to trillions in private investment to meet the SDGs. That year was pivotal, marked by major global events like the Financing for Development Conference in Addis Ababa, the UN General Assembly, and the Paris Climate Agreement (COP21). These milestones laid the groundwork for Blue like an Orange’s mission and structure.
Strategic Approach to Sustainable Investing
Blue like an Orange doesn’t just invest—it manages investments with a clear focus on social and environmental impact. The fund’s strategy is designed to support inclusive growth and reduce risk by working hand-in-hand with local partners. By providing mezzanine debt, it offers companies a financing option that’s less dilutive than equity and more flexible than senior debt. This unique positioning allows emerging market businesses to grow sustainably while aligning with global sustainability goals.
Meet the Team Behind the Vision
The team at Blue like an Orange brings deep institutional experience in transactions, deal structuring, and impact measurement. They’re committed to making sustainable investing at scale a reality, especially in emerging markets where the need is greatest. Their expertise ensures that every investment is not just financially sound but also socially and environmentally responsible. It’s a conscious choice to dedicate energy toward meaningful progress—because sustainable growth isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity.
Impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Purpose and Vision for the Future
At its core, Blue like an Orange Sustainable Capital aims to prove that it’s possible to achieve significant financial returns while making a positive impact. As Bertrand Badré, Founder and Managing Partner, puts it: the fund’s objective is to show that impact and profit can go hand in hand. By proactively orienting every investment toward social purpose, the fund supports inclusive growth and enhances portfolio performance. Managing for social, economic, and environmental impact isn’t just ethical—it’s smart risk management. This forward-thinking approach is what sets Blue like an Orange apart in the world of sustainable finance.
