Participated · Debt Financing · Jan 2026

Varthana Finance operates as an NBFC dedicated to the affordable education sector, underwriting loans that help low- and middle-fee private schools improve facilities, purchase assets, and expand capacity. The firm’s core offering is long-term, tailored financing that enables schools—especially those in peri-urban and rural areas—to invest in classrooms, technology, and critical water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. By targeting this underserved segment, Varthana aims to raise overall learning standards and attendance, with a particular emphasis on improving outcomes for girls. International impact investors have consistently backed the model for its blend of social returns and prudent lending practices. In its latest transaction, the company secured about USD 16.5 million in debt, underscoring healthy lender confidence and giving Varthana fresh capacity to grow its loan book. Management believes the added capital will translate into safer, healthier learning environments and support millions of students nationwide. Although the company keeps its operating metrics private, the scale of its recent raise indicates continued momentum in both reach and balance-sheet strength.

Led · Equity · Sep 2025

Founded in 2013 by Samir Ibrahim and Charlie Nichols, SunCulture designs, manufactures, and distributes solar-powered water pumps that replace costly diesel and manual irrigation methods for smallholder farmers. The company couples its hardware with a pay-as-you-grow financing model, lowering the upfront cost barrier and making the technology accessible to low-income users. To date, more than 45,000 smallholder farmers have adopted SunCulture’s solutions, improving crop yields while gaining reliable access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Revenue and user figures beyond this adoption metric were not disclosed, but the firm positions itself at the intersection of climate resilience, agriculture, and clean energy. With fresh capital, SunCulture plans to strengthen manufacturing and distribution operations and to expand into additional African markets, including Uganda, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Togo. The company also intends to refine its financing products to make solar irrigation even more affordable, aligning its growth with broader goals of water security and food sustainability across the region.