Impact investing in Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America

Cultivating Inclusive Growth

About US

AV Ventures is ACDI/VOCA’s for-profit impact investment subsidiary.

We provide innovative, catalytic financing to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and financial institutions (FIs) with strong potential for growth and impact in Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America. Such investments contribute to more competitive, resilient, and inclusive market systems and provide better economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

By building off the strong foundations and deep networks developed by ACDI/VOCA through 60+ years of work in target markets, we strive to create systemic change through our investments. As a result, we can go beyond traditional impact investing to create returns and impact where traditional investors stop short – at early and growth stages – in lower income countries and underfunded sectors.

At AV Ventures, financial innovation is part of our DNA. This is why we offer custom-based financial products (such as revenue-based loans and other mezzanine structures) to better support the funding needs of our portfolio companies.

Our Presence

Let's Talk Numbers

Portfolio companies

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Clients served by portfolio companies

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Capital raised

portfolio companies

It All Starts With An Idea

CHECK OUT THE COMPANIES ALREADY TRANSFORMING MARKETS.

AV Ventures’ investee companies across our investment funds are high-growth, high-impact companies with dynamic, entrepreneurial leadership. AV Ventures’ portfolio partners benefit from innovative, risk-sharing financial products, and a growth-enhancing approach to portfolio management driven by our aligned incentives.

01.

Impact for Kenya (INK) Fund

The Impact for Kenya (INK) Fund expands lending in underserved northern counties of Kenya.

02.

AV Ventures Ghana (AVVG) Fund

With AV Ventures Ghana (AVVG) Fund, we have built a successful pilot fund which creates a viable path towards our long-term vision of a “bridge to investability” and a regional West Africa Fund.

03.

SELEVER Impact Fund

The SELEVER Impact Fund is a pilot fund in Burkina Faso that provides financing to MFIs and SMEs active in the poultry market.

04.

Central Asia Impact Fund (CAIF)

Central Asia Impact Fund (CAIF) is managed by AV Ventures and AV Frontiers, an investment management firm based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

PARTNERS

How to Partner

AV Ventures welcomes partnerships that align with our mission of catalyzing inclusive growth in emerging markets. We work with two primary groups of partners:

Investors in AV Ventures Funds

We invite institutional investors, development finance institutions, impact investors, and other accredited investors to invest in our family of AV Ventures funds. Through these funds, partners gain access to curated investment opportunities that combine financial returns with measurable development impact.

High-Growth Enterprises

We also partner with high-growth entrepreneurial ventures operating in our focus sectors, including agribusiness, financial services, manufacturing, and technology. Businesses seeking growth capital are encouraged to contact us and should clearly indicate the country in which they are located. This enables us to direct inquiries to our in-country investment professionals for appropriate follow-up.

At AV Ventures, we value collaboration with both investors and enterprises to create sustainable, market-driven solutions. To explore partnership opportunities, please contact us with relevant details so that we can guide you to the appropriate team.

Testimonials

What Our Partners Are Saying

“This partnership marks a transformative step in our journey to expand affordable, reliable, and locally-driven solutions for smallholder farmers and rural communities. The capital and technical support from AV Ventures not only strengthen our operational capacity but also empower us to reach more underserved markets with climate-smart products.”

Nancy Kinyanjui

CEO, Centenary Microenterprises Limited

“Our partnership with AV Frontiers shows the power of blended finance to drive social impact. Because of this investment, thousands of students now have access to high-quality education and training that will shape their careers and communities.”

Aselia Kupueva

Co-founder of Kupuev Academy

“AV Ventures’ support has multiplied our impact. With their investment, we have expanded access to solar-powered irrigation and water systems, helping thousands of families grow food, increase incomes, and build resilience in some of the driest parts ”

Abubakar Aidarus

CEO of Solargen Technologies Ltd

“AV Ventures has enabled us to expand the reach of our platforms to farmers who need them most. Through this partnership, thousands of farmers—many of them young people and women are now connected to markets, finance, and knowledge that were previously out of reach.”