IGNITE Fund invests in small and growing businesses (SGBs) in fragile and conflict-affected states. Through their rigorous investment process, they identify and invest in market leaders or potential market leaders in their respective industries which are managed by exceptional entrepreneurs. They pay special attention to those businesses operating in agri-processing and light-manufacturing space with strong business fundamentals and secure cash flows. They place high priority on those businesses with great potentials to create jobs and tangible economic benefits to help stabilize their fragile society – which is the ultimate insurance against instability and conflict.

IGNITE Fund utilizes innovative equity investment tools to mitigate difficulties typically faced in valuations and investment exits for SGBs in frontier markets. IGNITE Fund taps into the local technical assistance infrastructure, developed by the asset manager, to support each portfolio clients to be operationally and financially successful. By marrying their innovative deal structuring with the tailored technical assistance, IGNITE Fund delivers unparalleled financial and social impact returns to their investors.

The IGNITE Fund is a €25 Million closed-ended investment vehicle. €11 Million has already been committed by Stichting SPARK and FCT Development Fund of Northern Ireland, with the goal of first close at the end of 2015.