Mercy Corps Ventures

Mercy Corps Ventures (MCV) serves as the impact investing arm of Mercy Corps, a prominent global humanitarian organization. Based in Portland, United States, MCV is dedicated to investing in and scaling early-stage, high-impact enterprises that address critical challenges such as poverty and climate change in fragile and emerging markets. Their strategic approach is designed to build resilience within vulnerable communities by supporting innovative, market-based solutions that can achieve both significant social impact and financial sustainability.

MCV's investment thesis is sharply focused on three core themes: climate resilience, inclusive finance, and resilient food systems. They actively seek out tech-enabled solutions that demonstrate the potential for broad reach and deep impact, particularly those that can empower marginalized populations and foster economic inclusion. The firm is committed to backing diverse founders and strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems in the regions where they operate, leveraging Mercy Corps' extensive on-the-ground presence and expertise.

Typically, Mercy Corps Ventures provides seed to Series A funding, with initial investment checks generally ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. As of early 2024, they have built a robust portfolio of over 40 companies across more than 15 countries, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Beyond capital, MCV offers strategic support, technical assistance, and access to Mercy Corps' global network, which helps portfolio companies navigate complex markets and scale their operations. Their catalytic investments have also been instrumental in mobilizing substantial follow-on capital, with over $100 million attracted for their portfolio companies from other investors, underscoring their ability to de-risk ventures and attract further funding.