The Danish development finance institution has also introduced a new private-public initiative, the Danish SDGII Fund. It wants its new branding to reflect its international outlook and global partnerships.
Denmark’s government-backed Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) has changed its name to Impact Fund Denmark. The Danish government also doubled its capital to more than DKK36bn (€4.8bn) by 2030.
Impact Fund Denmark has also introduced a new private-public initiative, the Danish SDGII Fund, which is planning investments in 13 countries: India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Up to half of those investments will be made in Asia, up to 40% in Africa and up to 20% in Latin America.
The main aim of the rebranding, which also includes a revamped website and new visual identity, is to boost engagement as the Danish impact investor doubles its capital base.
“In a world affected by geopolitical uncertainty, our role is more important than ever. Our investments create solid economic structures and contribute to stability. With our new name, Impact Fund Denmark, our core task becomes even clearer: to invest in lasting change and global development,” said Lars Bo Bertram, CEO of Impact Fund Denmark.
Blended finance
The Danish development finance institution, which was founded in 1967, offers a wide range of blended finance products with reduced risk, which are designed to enable private investors to take part in high-impact investments in emerging markets.
“Partnerships between public and private actors are key to unlocking huge potential. Through innovative financial solutions, we can reduce risks and thus mobilise capital for markets that would otherwise be overlooked – creating real impact where the need is greatest,” said Michael Rasmussen, chairman of Impact Fund Denmark.
Under the old IFU name, the group’s mission and core product primarily resonated with those who speak Danish or are aware of its meaning, according to Bertram.
“The fund’s new name clearly reflects that we are a Danish fund with an international outlook and global partnerships. Without ‘Denmark’ in the name and with an abbreviation, this is less apparent,” Bertram told Impact Investor.
He went on to say the institution will continue to focus on four key areas: green energy and infrastructure, health, food systems and financial services.
