IFC Disruptive Tech, VC & Funds

🌍 Exciting News for Africa's Tech Ecosystem! 🌍 IFC - International Finance Corporation has invested in LoftyInc Capital Management's Alpha Fund, which just reached its first close. This strategic investment will fuel the growth of Africa's brightest tech startups, spanning key regions like Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Francophone Africa. LoftyInc, known for its successful early investments in innovative startups, will use the funding to focus on sectors like financial services, retail enablement, logistics, healthcare, climate tech, and artificial intelligence, promoting growth and innovation across Africa. IFC’s investment is part of #IFCStartupCatalyst, which helps address funding gaps in underserved venture capital ecosystems by supporting and investing in accelerators and seed funds focused on emerging markets. It will also be supported by #IFCScaleX, which promotes female founders, and the accelerators and investors focused on supporting them. 📲 Read more about Alpha Fund’s first close on TechCrunch: https://lnkd.in/g9wtxvuY 📲 Read more about #IFCStartupCatalyst: https://lnkd.in/gF8vXPtR 📲 Read more about #IFCScaleX: https://lnkd.in/dDayiuXU #IFCDisruptiveTech #IFCfund #TechInnovation #AfricanStartups #VC #VentureCapital #StartupGrowth #ImpactInvestment #WomenEntrepreneurs IFC Africa

Investing in the growth of a strong #startup ecosystem is essential for promoting #innovation and creating new #jobs. IFC - International Finance Corporation is investing $20 million in Revo Capital Fund III to support early-stage technology companies in #Türkiye and Central Eastern #Europe. This investment will help bridge early-stage funding gaps and boost AI-driven innovation. This marks IFC’s third investment with Revo Capital, reaffirming our commitment to fostering tech entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. Find out more here: http://wrld.bg/mwVx50VaOto IFC Europe; #IFCfunds #VCfund #VentureCapital #VC #DisruptiveTech #Startups #DigitalEconomy #Innovation

NEW REPORT by The World Bank: "Global Trends in AI Governance: Evolving Country Approaches," explores the transformative potential of #AI and the need for robust governance frameworks. Here are some key highlights: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗜:  •Education: In Sub-Saharan Africa, AI-powered chatbots like Kenya's Somanasi help bridge learning gaps. • Healthcare: AI enables accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments. • Disaster Prediction: AI forecasts natural disasters, allowing timely interventions. 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: • Data Privacy and Security: Protecting sensitive information is crucial. • Bias and Fairness: Inclusive data practices ensure fair AI models. • Transparency: Transparent AI systems are vital for accountability. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: • Effective regulation builds trust and fosters innovation. Policymakers must balance safeguarding against risks and promoting advancement. 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀: • The report outlines governance tools—industry self-governance, soft law, regulatory sandboxes, and hard law—tailored to unique contexts. Download the report to explore how we can unlock AI's full potential while addressing its complexities. Let's ensure AI benefits everyone and drives positive change globally. http://wrld.bg/stq050V9GWL #AI #ArticialIntelligence #AI4Dev #Innovation

📅Mark your calendar! The World Bank Group’s Global Digital Summit returns for its 2nd edition! Join us online on March 18-19 as we explore “Digital Pathways for All”, bringing together global leaders to shape the future of digital development. More info here: https://lnkd.in/dX7FM8d2 #WBGDigitalSummit #DigitalEconomy #DigitalTransformation #Digitalinfrastructure #DigitalConnectivity #DisruptiveTechnology IFC - International Finance Corporation IFC Infrastructure

💡 From Idea to Impact: Only 1 in 36,800 young firms in developing economies attracts outside investment, but accelerated startups grow sales 2.7 times faster than their peers. Success is not just about financing. Recent evidence suggests their main value also lies in the advice, mentorship and networks they offer. 🎓 🤝 This new IFC Emerging Market Insights explores how business accelerators are bridging the gap for startups in emerging markets, as well as the key role that programs like #IFCStartupCatalyst play in the ecosystem by supporting accelerators and seed funds through capital, training, and access to networks 👉 http://wrld.bg/5yWU50V5S1A #Entrepreneurship #IFCEconomics #EMInsights #VC #Startups #Acceleration #BusinessAccelerators IFC Economics IFC - International Finance Corporation

📊 Private equity in emerging markets has been a quiet powerhouse, delivering substantial returns for those who know where to look. Our latest research reveals that IFC - International Finance Corporation's private equity investments have outperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets Index by an average of 16% over the period 1990-2023. This success is driven by a small percentage of high-growth deals, or "home runs," which significantly boost overall portfolio performance. By focusing on firm-specific factors and diversifying investments, savvy investors can achieve competitive returns while supporting economic growth in emerging markets. Explore our findings to understand the dynamics of private equity returns and the importance of diversification in these vibrant economies ⤵️ http://wrld.bg/ZUAn50V4qYV #IFCResearch #PrivateEquity #PE #EmergingMarkets #IFCEconomics Florian Mölders, Edgar Salgado Chavez

I recently conducted an inspiring visit to India, where I witnessed the incredible dynamism and innovation driving the country's growth. Here are three key takeaways from my trip: 1️⃣   A Vibrant VC and PE Ecosystem: I met several entrepreneurs and founders shaping India's thriving startup ecosystem, which boasts over 150,000 businesses. Access to capital, networks, and market expertise provided by venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) fund managers is crucial for their growth and the development of the country’s private sector. Backed by IFC, these funds are supporting high-impact companies in sectors like housing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthtech, and finance. Their growth is transforming industries, creating jobs, and scaling innovations that enhance access, quality, and affordability of essential goods and services. 2️⃣   India’s Key Role in Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: The country is emerging as a center for medtech innovation and a key player in global supply chains, with projections that its medtech market will reach $50 billion by 2030. IFC is actively investing in local manufacturing, expanding healthcare access, and fostering South-South collaborations to build more resilient health systems across emerging markets. One of the highlights of this visit was meeting with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, whose mission centers on access, affordability, and patient-centric innovation—addressing unmet medical needs in areas like oncology, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. Their Global Health Access vision, aligned with IFC’s, aims to reach 1.5 billion patients by 2030, supported by collaborations with manufacturing partners across Sub-Saharan Africa.  3️⃣   Growing Opportunities in Real Estate and Hospitality: India’s real estate and hospitality markets are experiencing a remarkable surge in demand, driven by economic growth and rapid urbanization. Since 2022, IFC has been working with one of India’s leading real estate groups K Raheja Corp to support hospitality and commercial real estate ventures. I was proud to see The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City, India’s first all-women-managed hotel—a testament to our shared commitment to gender equity. Additionally, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are unlocking new potential for India’s commercial real estate sector. In December 2024, IFC made its first equity investment in a REIT in South Asia with Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable urban growth and innovation. By supporting REITs, we are boosting investor confidence in this asset class, mobilizing capital, and helping to build resilient, greener cities of tomorrow. 🌱 As India sets new benchmarks in technology, innovation, and inclusive development, IFC remains engaged—supporting transformative businesses and strengthening global connections for a prosperous future for all. 🌍 IFC Disruptive Tech, VC & Funds, IFC Health, IFC Asia Pacific  

Great #job opportunity: The World Bank Group's Digital Vice Presidency is looking for an #AI specialist. Apply by March 10, 2025. All info here📲https://lnkd.in/g-H7vCrG

💬"Bridging Africa’s digital divide requires affordable technology, robust infrastructure, and digital skills to enhance firms' productivity," says IFC - International Finance Corporation's economist Samuel Edet, PhD.   A new article co-authored by Edet and IFC economists Marcio Cruz, and Maty Konte explores ‘𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢’, from high technology costs to severe infrastructure gaps. 🔌📶Based on IFC’s recent book, Digital Opportunities in African Businesses, the authors show that machinery, equipment, and software—as well as the cost of internet connectivity—are much more expensive in #Africa than elsewhere, leading to incomplete digitalization and significantly slower progress. Find out what needs to be done.   🔗 Read the full article here ➡https://lnkd.in/giEPHJ9c   #DigitalAfrica #IFCResearch #IFCEconomics 

🌟 Exciting #Internship Opportunity! 🌟 Are you ready to make a global impact and kickstart your career in #VentureCapital and #PrivateEquity? Join the IFC - International Finance Corporation Global Internship Program! 📍 Location: Washington, DC, United States 📅 Duration: 5 months ⏰ Application Deadline: March 2, 2025 💼 Key Responsibilities: Join the IFC Disruptive Tech, VC & Funds team, engaging in strategy deep dives, supporting transactions, mapping, and data analytics initiatives. 🎓 Selection Criteria: Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program (MBA or Finance preferred); minimum of 2 years of work experience; strong financial modelling, market research, and data analytics skills. Ready to make a difference? Apply now and take the first step towards a transformative career! All info here: https://lnkd.in/exFRPqTq #InternshipOpportunity #VentureCapital #PrivateEquity #VC #PE #CareerGrowth #CareerswithImpact #Hiring #FinanceInternship