Fido and SUSI Partners: Two Titans of Transformation in Emerging Markets

September 16, 2024, 11:07 pm
Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank
Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank
BusinessDevelopmentEnergyTechFinTechFoodTechFutureGrowthInvestmentITWaterTech
Location: Netherlands, South Holland, The Hague
Employees: 501-1000
Founded date: 1970
In the world of finance and renewable energy, two stories stand out. Fido, a digital financial services platform from Ghana, has just secured $30 million in funding. Meanwhile, SUSI Partners, a Swiss investment manager, is making waves in Vietnam by acquiring a 39 MW wind farm. Both ventures illustrate the power of innovation and investment in transforming emerging markets.

Fido, founded in 2015, is a beacon of hope for the unbanked. It offers immediate credit through a smartphone app. The app employs unique credit scores generated by proprietary AI algorithms. This technology allows Fido to provide loans to individuals and businesses that traditional banks often overlook. The recent funding consists of $20 million in equity and $10 million in debt. The equity comes from notable investors like the BlueOrchard-managed InsuResilience Investment Fund and FMO, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank.

This investment is not just a financial boost. It’s a validation of Fido’s mission. The company aims to drive financial inclusion across Africa. With this new capital, Fido plans to expand its reach and enhance its product offerings. The funding will enable them to tap into new markets and improve services like savings, bill payments, and smartphone financing.

Fido’s growth trajectory is impressive. It started with loans via mobile phones and has evolved into a comprehensive financial services provider. The team behind Fido is experienced in technology and scaling startups. Their expertise aligns with the mission of their investors, who see the potential in Fido’s innovative approach.

The CEO of Fido emphasizes the strength of their business model. The investment signifies confidence in their ability to navigate the complexities of the African market. Fido’s AI-driven credit scoring is a game changer. It allows them to serve a segment of the population that has been historically neglected.

On the other side of the globe, SUSI Partners is making strides in renewable energy. The acquisition of the Dam Nai wind farm in Vietnam marks a significant milestone for the firm. This 39 MW project will serve as a cornerstone for their Sustainable Asia Renewable Assets (SARA) platform. SARA aims to consolidate ownership of grid-scale renewable energy projects across Southeast Asia.

SUSI Partners is not just another investment firm. They manage €1.9 billion on behalf of institutional investors. Their focus is on sustainable energy infrastructure. The Dam Nai wind farm is the first operating project under SARA. This acquisition is expected to anchor further utility-scale renewable energy projects in Vietnam.

The wind farm acquisition aligns with SUSI’s strategy to invest in emerging markets. The firm’s portfolio already includes seven investments across Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia. Their focus is clear: utility-scale renewable energy and distributed generation projects.

The partnership with FMO, which has proposed to invest up to $30 million in SARA, further strengthens SUSI’s position. This collaboration will help fund ready-to-build wind and solar assets in Vietnam and the Philippines. The synergy between SUSI and FMO highlights the growing interest in sustainable investments in Southeast Asia.

Both Fido and SUSI Partners are reshaping their respective industries. Fido is democratizing access to financial services in Africa. SUSI is paving the way for renewable energy in Southeast Asia. Their stories reflect a broader trend: the rise of innovative solutions in emerging markets.

Investment in these sectors is not just about profit. It’s about creating opportunities. Fido’s mission to serve the unbanked is a testament to the power of technology. It shows how digital solutions can bridge gaps in financial access.

Similarly, SUSI’s focus on renewable energy is crucial for sustainable development. The world is shifting towards greener solutions. Investments in wind and solar energy are essential for combating climate change.

The success of Fido and SUSI Partners is a call to action. Investors are increasingly looking for opportunities that align with their values. The demand for financial inclusion and sustainable energy is growing.

As these companies expand, they will face challenges. Competition will intensify. Regulatory hurdles may arise. However, their innovative approaches position them well for the future.

Fido’s AI-driven credit scoring and SUSI’s focus on utility-scale projects are just the beginning. These companies are setting the stage for a new era of investment in emerging markets. They are not just participants; they are leaders.

In conclusion, Fido and SUSI Partners exemplify the transformative power of innovation and investment. They are changing lives and landscapes. Their journeys remind us that with the right tools and vision, the future can be bright. The world is watching, and the potential is limitless.