
IFU
Description
IFU, the Investment Fund for Developing Countries, is an independent, government-owned fund based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Its primary mission is to provide advisory services and risk capital to Danish companies seeking to establish or expand business operations in developing countries and emerging markets. IFU's overarching objective is to contribute to sustainable economic development, foster the green transition, and promote just and inclusive societies in these regions, aligning commercial interests with global development goals.
IFU's investment approach is flexible, offering various forms of risk capital, including equity, loans, guarantees, and mezzanine finance. The fund targets a diverse range of sectors, such as green transition initiatives, food and agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and financial institutions. Since its establishment in 1967, IFU has played a significant role in co-financing over 1,300 projects across more than 100 developing countries and emerging markets, demonstrating its extensive global reach and long-standing commitment to its mandate.
Financially, IFU typically commits between DKK 10 million (approximately USD 1.45 million) and DKK 200 million (approximately USD 29 million) per project, though it has the capacity to invest higher amounts for larger-scale initiatives. Cumulatively, the total investments mobilized by IFU and its Danish company partners have reached an impressive DKK 228 billion. This substantial capital deployment underscores IFU's critical role in facilitating sustainable business development, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities in some of the world's most dynamic and challenging markets.
Investor Profile
IFU has backed more than 20 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 13 rounds, about 65% of its total and boasts 5 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Debt Financing, Undisclosed rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in India, France, Brazil.
- Strong thematic focus on Energy, Solar, Financial Services.
- Led 4 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1.4M – $29M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (45%)
- Debt Financing (15%)
- Undisclosed (10%)
- Series C (10%)
- Private Equity (5%)
- Pre Seed (5%)
- Post Ipo Equity (5%)
- Series B (5%)
Country Focus
- India (50%)
- France (10%)
- Brazil (5%)
- Denmark (5%)
- United States (5%)
- Chile (5%)
- Mauritius (5%)
- South Africa (5%)
- Bangladesh (5%)
- Kenya (5%)
Industry Focus
- Energy
- Solar
- Financial Services
- Renewable Energy
- Finance
- Health Care
- Fintech
- Manufacturing
- Lending
- Medical
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.