Edge Growth Ventures – ASISA ESD Fund (Green Outcomes Fund)

The ASISA ESD Fund is an industry-wide Enterprise and Supplier Development fund managed by Edge Growth Ventures. It supports SMEs that are existing or potential suppliers to the insurance and investment industries (ASISA members include Old Mutual, Discovery, Sanlam, Coronation, Allan Gray, etc.). For the Green Outcomes Fund (GOF), the ASISA ESD Fund also considers select SMEs that do not meet the supply-chain criteria but fulfil all other criteria. SMEs must meet GreenCape's Green SMME definition and operate in Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Waste Management, Water Conservation and Management, Sustainable Agriculture, or Clean Oceans. Investment instruments include Debt, Mezzanine (incl. Convertible Debt), and Equity. Investment required: R15m–R50m preferred (will consider >=R5m). Investment horizon: >=5 years. Uses of funds include Capex, Working Capital, operating expenses, and buy-out/buy-in for transformation deals.

Must be at least 51% black owned post-investment (B-BBEE; fund can assist with transformation). Must be an existing or potential supplier to the insurance/investment industries (ASISA members), OR for GOF, select SMEs not meeting this criterion but exceeding all other criteria. Must meet GreenCape's Green SMME definition. Must operate in: Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Waste Management, Water Conservation and Management, Sustainable Agriculture, or Clean Oceans. Business stage: early-stage (at least 1 year in operation with evidence of sales) considered but more established SMEs preferred. Revenue: strong preference for >=R10m and cash flow positive. Investment required: R15m–R50m preferred (will consider >=R5m). Investment horizon: >=5 years. High growth potential, high job creation, and high environmental/social impact required.

Apply via the online application form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEHhcNFsgnPG3cAnvTT1rhrGv8RhOc2h89sMA46VlIpsveyA/viewform?c=0&w=1. Candidates should receive a response within 7 days of application (either requesting additional information or notifying of an unsuccessful application). A successful application typically takes 12–16 weeks. Contact: Shrivar Mohan – Investment Principal, Phone: +27 21 671 2658, Email: shrivar@edgegrowth.com. CPT Office: Slade House, Boundary Terraces, 1 Mariendahl Lane, Newlands.