Latest news with #blendedfinance
National Post
7 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Boann Social Impact Contributes $617K to Catalytic Capital Lab's Loan Guarantee Pool
Article content TORONTO — Boann Social Impact is proud to contribute $617,000 to support developing a pan-Canadian loan guarantee pool, designed to diversify risk, attract investment, and strengthen the resilience of Canada's social finance market. Article content Funded through the Government of Canada's Social Finance Fund, Boann's contribution reflects a strategic focus on blended finance tools that lower risk, unlock private capital, and build a stronger social finance ecosystem. 'This is more than a financial commitment – it's an investment in building a diverse, inclusive economy where everyone in Canada can participate and prosper,' says Brian Smith, Managing Director of Engagement and Market Development at Boann. 'Loan guarantees remain an underused but powerful tool to help capital reach people and places often overlooked by traditional finance. We see strong potential for growth and impact.' Article content The Catalytic Capital Lab helps social finance intermediaries (SFIs) in launching and scaling their operations, unlocking more capital, and driving deeper community impact. Over the next two years, Boann's investment is supporting the project team to design, develop, and implement a durable $50 million loan guarantee pool that will back 30-40 community loan providers across Canada. This contribution also funds robust financial modelling, rigorous oversight, risk mitigation strategies, legal structuring, and investor engagement – all key to ensuring long-term sustainability and impact. Article content 'This kind of catalytic support helps de-risk new models and ultimately allows more capital to flow to the communities that need it most,' says Kristi Rivait, Board Chair at Thrive Impact Fund. 'It's exciting to see Boann leaning in to grow the tools and infrastructure that are essential for a more inclusive and resilient social finance market.' Article content Boann joins partners including 10C Shared Space's Harvest Impact Fund, Definity Insurance Foundation, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Scale Institute and Thrive Impact Fund, in advancing access to capital for community organizations across Canada. 'Collaborative approaches like the loan guarantee pool are critical to unlocking capital that meets the needs of local communities,' adds Julia Grady, Principal of Harvest Impact Fund. 'With partners like Boann at the table, we can help community loan providers build their local economy across the country.' Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contacts Article content Article content Boann Social Impact Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
National Post
21-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
500 Global Taps UN SDG Architect, Dr. Alaa Murabit, to Launch Firm's New Offerings in Sustainable Growth
Article content Dr. Alaa Murabit, TIME100 honoree, Gates Foundation Alum, and global security leader, will lead 500 Global's Sustainable Growth practice in emerging markets, advancing the firm's commitment to increase blended finance and public-private investment models that unlock innovation and inclusive economic development. Article content SAN FRANCISCO — 500 Global, one of the world's most active venture capital firms 1, today announced the appointment of Dr. Alaa Murabit as Managing Partner of Sustainable Growth. She will oversee the firm's Sustainable Growth practice created to accelerate economic resilience by mobilizing capital and capabilities across climate, health and human development in frontier and emerging markets. Article content 'Too often, global capital reaches communities late — or not at all. We need to redesign financing systems that prioritize local innovation, share risk more equitably, and align investment with sustainable, inclusive outcomes.' 500 Global's Sustainable Growth practice aims to create financing strategies, educational programs, advisory platforms, and catalytic initiatives that bring together public, private, and philanthropic capital to deliver sustainable economic results. Article content A globally recognized expert in health, climate, sustainable development, and inclusive security, Dr. Alaa Murabit has shaped policies and financing that have impacted 193+ countries, played a pivotal role in the creation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and mobilized over $25 billion in financing for global health, sustainability, and security. Dr. Alaa Murabit led Phase Minus 1, was CEO of IMPACT2030, and, most recently, created two innovative financing platforms and directed a $300M/year global portfolio at the Gates Foundation, leading maternal and child health, climate and health security, and innovation. Article content 'Economic development has always been an impact of the investments 500 Global has made, and we're delighted that Dr. Alaa Murabit has joined us to multiply that impact. Her appointment reinforces the growing global consensus that venture capital, when aligned with national priorities and de-risked through blended finance and public-private partnerships, can serve as a catalytic engine for inclusive growth and long-term development impact.' – Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner, 500 Global In an era marked by climate shocks, geopolitical volatility, and rising inequality, the need for resilient, inclusive economic systems has never been greater. Dr. Alaa Murabit's appointment signals a strategic shift in emerging markets: from fragmented, short-cycle investments to long-term value creation through blended finance, public-private alignment, and co-created national innovation infrastructure. Her leadership will expand 500 Global's ability to work with sovereign funds, governments, development finance institutions, and philanthropies to scale inclusive economic growth by de-risking investment and innovation. She will be based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Article content 500 Global has been committed to ecosystem development since 2010. Working closely with national allocators like Georgia's Information and Technology Agency and Sanabil Investments (a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund), the firm has embedded and developed its investment thesis by co-creating localized venture capital infrastructure to address local challenges and scale solutions globally. Article content In 2023, they launched the Rise Report, which highlighted 30 rise economies – the 30 largest, fast growing economies outside of the US and China – inclusive of Mexico, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, South Korea and more where 500 has had an ongoing presence. This report examined potential venture funding gaps; inviting allocators and policymakers to join forces toward the goal of accelerating global venture ecosystems that drive national development, economic growth and resilience. Article content With Dr. Alaa Murabit's appointment, 500 Global is doubling down, replacing fragmented development efforts with scalable public-private finance strategies, and building the enabling environment for sustainable economic transformation. Article content 'Too often, global capital reaches communities late — or not at all. We need to redesign financing systems that prioritize local innovation, share risk more equitably, and align investment with sustainable, inclusive outcomes. 500 Global is showing what's possible when we reimagine how capital serves both people and planet. I'm excited to lead and advance that vision globally.' – Dr. Alaa Murabit, Managing Partner, Sustainable Growth, 500 Global About 500 Global 500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.1B in assets under management 2 that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth and development. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic development in emerging markets. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000 companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in more than 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 150+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies) 3. Article content THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 500 GLOBAL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OR INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND WHILE 500 GLOBAL HAS TAKEN REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE, NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSIONS. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE, ANY PREDICTIONS, FORECASTS, CONCLUSIONS, VIEWS OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE CURRENT VIEW AND THINKING OF 500 GLOBAL WITH REGARD TO THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREIN BASED ON INTERNAL DATA AGGREGATED ACROSS ALL 500 GLOBAL FUNDS AS OF MARCH 31, 2025 AND/OR ANALYSIS WHICH HAS NOT BEEN INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED, AND WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. Article content UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY OF THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL, TAX OR INVESTMENT ADVICE FROM 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES. 500 GLOBAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY FUTURE RESULTS FOR ANY DECISIONS MADE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON THE CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ALL READERS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANT OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PRESS RELEASE. Article content UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY INFORMATION OR CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE, BE CONSIDERED AS AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF INTEREST TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES ADVISED BY 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES. FURTHER, NO CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS OR IS INTENDED AS AN OFFER TO PROVIDE ANY INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OR FINANCIAL ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYTHING HEREIN BE CONSTRUED AS FUND MARKETING MATERIALS BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY CONTENT BE INTERPRETED AS TESTIMONIALS OR ENDORSEMENT OF THE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF ANY 500 GLOBAL FUND BY A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL FUND. Article content Article content Article content Article content Media Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Associated Press
12-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Papanicolaou outlines Intesa Sanpaolo's commitment to rebuilding Ukraine
Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo's International Banks Division ROME, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo's International Banks Division, explained the Group's concrete commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction, highlighting the role of Italy's only banking group operating in the country in supporting recovery efforts through blended finance, ESG principles, and long-term investment. Key takeaways: Contact: [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Globe and Mail
12-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Papanicolaou outlines Intesa Sanpaolo's commitment to rebuilding Ukraine
Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo's International Banks Division ROME, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo's International Banks Division, explained the Group's concrete commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction, highlighting the role of Italy's only banking group operating in the country in supporting recovery efforts through blended finance, ESG principles, and long-term investment. Key takeaways: Intesa Sanpaolo, through its subsidiary Pravex Bank – part of the International Banks Division – is the only Italian banking group with an operational presence in Ukraine. In today's complex geopolitical landscape, prudence is a strategic choice. Intesa Sanpaolo acts responsibly, avoiding excessive risk exposure while remaining ready to support reconstruction with concrete projects as soon as conditions allow. The Group actively collaborates with supranational institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), contributing to development projects aimed at rebuilding Ukraine. Rebuilding and revitalizing Ukraine's economy requires both private capital and support from supranational financial institutions, through blended finance mechanisms. In both areas, strong international groups like Intesa Sanpaolo play a key role. Stability and local development are essential. Long-term investors—like Intesa Sanpaolo—invest where conditions allow for sustained presence and growth. Across the nearly 40 countries where Intesa Sanpaolo operates—including 12 countries with commercial banking branch networks—the Group works to create conditions that attract investment and foster economic resilience. Wherever present, the Group promotes inclusive growth, financial education, and ESG-aligned financing. In Ukraine too, the goal is to support not only economic reconstruction but also the long-term sustainable development of local communities. As one of Europe's leading players in the transition to a low-carbon economy, Intesa Sanpaolo offers dedicated green credit lines for households and businesses, along with a growing portfolio of sustainable products—a model that can also support Ukraine's future rebuilding efforts.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Papanicolaou outlines Intesa Sanpaolo's commitment to rebuilding Ukraine
Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo's International Banks Division ROME, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo's International Banks Division, explained the Group's concrete commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction, highlighting the role of Italy's only banking group operating in the country in supporting recovery efforts through blended finance, ESG principles, and long-term investment. Key takeaways: Intesa Sanpaolo, through its subsidiary Pravex Bank – part of the International Banks Division – is the only Italian banking group with an operational presence in Ukraine. In today's complex geopolitical landscape, prudence is a strategic choice. Intesa Sanpaolo acts responsibly, avoiding excessive risk exposure while remaining ready to support reconstruction with concrete projects as soon as conditions allow. The Group actively collaborates with supranational institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), contributing to development projects aimed at rebuilding Ukraine. Rebuilding and revitalizing Ukraine's economy requires both private capital and support from supranational financial institutions, through blended finance mechanisms. In both areas, strong international groups like Intesa Sanpaolo play a key role. Stability and local development are essential. Long-term investors—like Intesa Sanpaolo—invest where conditions allow for sustained presence and growth. Across the nearly 40 countries where Intesa Sanpaolo operates—including 12 countries with commercial banking branch networks—the Group works to create conditions that attract investment and foster economic resilience. Wherever present, the Group promotes inclusive growth, financial education, and ESG-aligned financing. In Ukraine too, the goal is to support not only economic reconstruction but also the long-term sustainable development of local communities. As one of Europe's leading players in the transition to a low-carbon economy, Intesa Sanpaolo offers dedicated green credit lines for households and businesses, along with a growing portfolio of sustainable products—a model that can also support Ukraine's future rebuilding efforts. Contact: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
