NEW YORK—The Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF), the impact investment arm of the Open Society Foundations, is investing $7.5 million in EcoEnterprises Fund IV.  

This investment is part of SEDF’s $35 million commitment to date for nature-based solutions to climate change and inclusive development in Latin America, with additional investments planned. 

EcoEnterprises Fund IV, which targets a total of $150 million, backs bioeconomy companies that preserve natural capital, combat climate change, and promote inclusive, sustainable development. Managed by a women-owned and women-led fund manager, the fund targets key sectors including non-timber forest products, circular economy, regenerative agriculture, organic foods, and climate technology.  

Operating across Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru, EcoEnterprises provides growth capital—mezzanine, debt-like instruments, and equity—to fill critical financing gaps for growth-stage companies in Latin America’s “missing middle.” 

EcoEnterprises’ previous funds have protected 17 million acres of land, benefitted over 400,000 local community members, supported 50,000+ suppliers, reached $2.5 billion in sales and leveraged $600 million in additional capital. Fund IV seeks to catalyze significantly greater impact at scale.  

“Investing in the Amazon’s bioeconomy is the key to a future where thriving communities and resilient ecosystems go hand-in-hand,” said Tammy Newmark, CEO and managing partner of EcoEnterprises. “Partnering with the Soros Economic Development Fund enables EcoEnterprises to accelerate businesses that uplift local livelihoods, deliver climate solutions, and create lasting impact for people and planet.” 

Georgia Levenson Keohane, CEO of the Soros Economic Development Fund said, “SEDF is proud to invest in EcoEnterprises, which has a pioneering track record of growing local bioeconomy businesses in Latin America, advancing climate action, and social and economic inclusion.”   

In making this investment, SEDF has partnered with a strong coalition of investors, including FinDev Canada, FMO, IDB Invest, International Finance Corporation, Proparco, JICA, SIFEM, Visa Foundation, and Wire Group.