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§ Venture Capital · Indonesia
private equity impact investing firm providing capital to SMEs in emerging markets, focused on climate action and gender equity.
Based in Bengaluru, India, C4D Partners is a private equity impact investing firm that provides capital to small and medium-sized enterprises operating across emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The independent investment manager focuses on businesses addressing climate action, gender equity, and financial inclusion to generate measurable social impact alongside market-rate financial returns. During its initial three-year period, the firm deployed $15 million across more than 30 portfolio companies. C4D Partners collaborates with entities like the Interchurch Organisation for Development Cooperation, Private Equity Wire, and Investing in Women, which supported the firm's Asia Fund in dedicating at least 30% of its capital to women-led enterprises. The firm was originally founded in 2013 before transitioning to an independent entity following a 2018 management buyout led by founder and Chief Executive Officer Arvind Agarwal.
Key people at C4D Partners.
Key people at C4D Partners.
C4D Partners has 5 tracked investments across 5 companies. The latest tracked deal is $6.0M Series A in Our Food in January 2022.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2022 | Our Food | $6.0M Series A | — | 3lines |
| Aug 1, 2021 | 1BRIDGE | $3.0M Seed | — | 3lines |
| Apr 1, 2021 | Freyr Energy | $2.0M Series U | — | TotalEnergies Ventures |
| Aug 1, 2019 | Aviom India Housing Finance | $8.0M Series B | — | — |
| May 1, 2019 | Saahas Zero Waste | $860K Series U | — | — |
C4D Partners is an impact investment firm specializing in early-stage private equity investments in emerging markets, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that drive inclusive economic development. Their mission centers on generating meaningful social and environmental impact alongside market-rate financial returns, particularly by supporting enterprises aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowering marginalized communities. Key sectors include climate action, livelihood enhancement, gender equity, and clean technology. C4D Partners actively supports portfolio companies to balance impact creation with financial growth, contributing significantly to the startup ecosystem in Latin America, Africa, and Asia through capital infusion and strategic guidance[1][2][3].
Founded in 2013 as a spin-out from ICCO Investments B.V. (now Cordaid Investment Management B.V.), C4D Partners emerged with a focus on SME financing in emerging markets. The firm’s founding team comprises dedicated investment professionals passionate about impact investing. Over the years, C4D has evolved from managing an evergreen fund investing USD 15 million across 30+ SMEs to launching region-specific funds such as the C4D Asia Fund and the C4D Bharat Shubharambh Fund in India. Their evolution reflects a deepening commitment to gender-smart investing and climate-conscious ventures, supported by institutional investors like the Dutch Good Growth Fund and Finn Church Aid[1][2][4].
C4D Partners rides the global trend of impact investing, particularly in emerging markets where SMEs are critical drivers of inclusive growth and sustainable development. The timing is favorable due to increasing institutional interest in ESG and gender-smart investments, alongside growing recognition of SMEs’ role in climate resilience and social equity. By channeling capital into purpose-driven businesses, C4D influences the broader ecosystem by enabling scalable solutions to environmental and social challenges, fostering entrepreneurship in underserved regions, and promoting gender diversity in leadership[1][3].
Looking ahead, C4D Partners is poised to expand its impact footprint by scaling investments in climate-smart and gender-inclusive enterprises across Asia and beyond. Trends such as increased global focus on ESG metrics, digital transformation in emerging markets, and growing demand for sustainable livelihoods will shape their journey. Their influence is likely to deepen as they leverage their network and operational expertise to nurture high-impact SMEs, potentially setting new standards for impact investing in emerging economies. This trajectory aligns with their founding vision of creating inclusive economies that benefit people and the planet while delivering competitive financial returns[1][2][3].
