Mission

Our mission is to provide capital, networks, and strategic support to small and medium sized businesses in developing markets. The aim is to achieve transformative growth for socially responsible entrepreneurs and provide competitive financial returns for philanthropic capital.

Philanthropic Capital

“Give someone a fish and you feed them for today.
Teach them how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.”

Philanthropy has evolved considerably over the years. Today the world’s poor need much more than basic skill-building. They need capital to harness the true potential of their innovative spirit, and strategic advice to guide them through the next critical steps in the expansion of their business.

CDF provides these ambitious entrepreneurs with the skills and the capital they need to grow their small- and medium-sized businesses into world class suppliers of just about everything, including enlightened labor standards, environmental sustainability, and responsible business acumen.

Why CDF?

SMEs are the engines of growth in every open economy on the planet. In developed markets, these businesses have access to easy capital and progressive knowledge systems, and represent 90-99% of all private companies.

In developing markets where capital is scarce and access unavailable to all but the wealthiest citizens, entrepreneurs are isolated, businesses are underfunded, and long-term investment is virtually non-existent. Not surprisingly, these orphaned businesses generate less than 25% of national income, far less than their potential.

CDF invests exclusively in these fledgling entrepreneurs, with the benefit of international capital markets experience, local market expertise, and a philanthropic spirit that combines competitive investment returns with innovative social enterprise.

Welcome to Capitalism 2.0.