Community Investment Management

Community Investment Management (CIM), headquartered in San Francisco, stands out as a pioneering impact investment firm uniquely focused on the marketplace lending sector. Established with a clear mission, CIM provides crucial debt capital to responsible non-bank lenders operating globally. Their strategic approach aims to foster financial inclusion by empowering these lenders to serve individuals and businesses in underserved communities, addressing critical gaps in traditional financial systems.

CIM's investment thesis centers on supporting platforms that demonstrate both strong financial viability and a profound social impact. They target a diverse range of lending areas, including small business finance, consumer lending, education finance, sustainable agriculture, and affordable housing. To date, CIM has made a significant mark, having deployed over $1.5 billion in capital to more than 60 non-bank lenders across 30 countries, showcasing their extensive global reach and commitment to scaling impactful financial services.

The firm's capital deployment typically takes the form of credit facilities, which serve as vital funding lines for their partner lenders. These facilities enable the lenders to expand their loan portfolios and reach a broader base of underserved borrowers. CIM recently underscored its robust financial backing by closing its third fund, CIM Fund III, with $330 million in commitments, further solidifying its capacity to provide substantial capital. While specific check sizes vary based on the maturity and needs of the partner lender, initial credit facilities typically range from approximately $5 million for promising emerging platforms to around $75 million for more established and larger-scale operations.

CIM's model emphasizes a dual bottom line, meticulously tracking both financial returns and measurable social and environmental outcomes. This rigorous approach ensures that their capital contributes to tangible improvements in financial access and economic opportunity worldwide, positioning CIM as a leading force in the intersection of fintech innovation and impact investing.