What is iGravity?
iGravity is an impact investment management and advisory firm that designs and manages impact investment mandates. Their mission? To provide access to unique investment opportunities and support high-impact enterprises. They focus on building and managing financial solutions that create tangible impact for philanthropic partners and institutional investors alike. Simply put, iGravity channels capital where it can do the most good, especially in emerging markets.
Main Benefits of iGravity’s Approach
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes iGravity stand out:
- FINMA-licensed portfolio manager, ensuring regulatory compliance and trust.
- Manages private debt portfolios targeting local businesses in emerging markets.
- Focus on social and environmental progress through direct debt mandates and liquid portfolios.
- Investment strategies that balance competitive financial returns with meaningful impact outcomes.
- Use of blended finance structures with capital protection features tailored to diverse investor preferences.
- Collaborations like the Green Rice Bond, aiming to raise USD 50 million for Sub-Saharan Africa’s rice production value chain.
Investment Strategies and Portfolios
iGravity offers a variety of investment mandates designed to meet different impact and financial goals. Their direct investment mandates include initiatives like BALIM Investments, the Impact-Linked Finance Fund, the Refugee Investment Facility (RIF), and the SECO Startup Fund. These focus on providing loans and capital to local SMEs and high-impact enterprises, fueling growth and sustainability.
Multi-Manager Portfolios for Diversification
For investors looking for diversified exposure, iGravity manages multi-manager portfolios such as the Emerging Market Impact Debt Strategy and the Impact Yield Strategy. The Emerging Impact Debt Opportunities portfolio is actively managed and diversified across countries and impact themes, focusing on private credit opportunities that promote sustainable economic growth and job creation. Meanwhile, the Impact Yield Certificate invests primarily in listed social and green bonds, with satellite allocations to funds and trusts, all across emerging markets.
Innovative Financial Instruments: The Green Rice Bond
One of iGravity’s standout projects is the Green Rice Bond, developed in partnership with Helvetas. This is the world’s first financial market instrument specifically designed to mobilize investment capital for the rice production value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa. The bond aims to raise USD 50 million, providing indirect financing through local micro- and SME finance institutions. This innovative approach supports key stakeholders throughout the rice production chain, empowering communities and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – by supporting local SMEs and communities.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – through financing sustainable agriculture like the Green Rice Bond.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by promoting job creation and economic development.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – via innovative finance structures and impact management systems.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – through investments in green bonds and environmentally focused enterprises.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with development partners and financial institutions.
Advisory Services and Collaborative Impact
Beyond investments, iGravity offers advisory services that help development partners explore, design, implement, and evaluate innovative finance structures and impact management systems. This means they don’t just put money to work—they also help shape the frameworks that ensure investments deliver real, measurable impact. It’s a holistic approach that supports sustainable progress and empowers partners to tackle global challenges effectively.
