MOD launches unique ‘Grass to Glass’ investment fund for dairy sector
This one-of-a-kind investment fund for thedairy sector in Sri Lanka is managed by SEAF, aglobal investment management group
Market-Oriented Dairy (MOD) launched the Dairy Investment Fund at the Market-Oriented Dairy Investment Forum in the presence of industry leaders of the dairy value chain.
The Forum also offered an opportunity for the business and finance stakeholders in the industry to discuss investment opportunities and constraints.
Commenting on the rationale for setting up such a fund, Mr. Matthew Krause – Project Director of MOD said that “While the Project’s primary focus is on building capacity holistically across the dairy value chain, it was evident that lack of capital (debt or equity) is a constraint. We have several avenues for facilitating financing for the smaller farms, input retailers, fodder cultivators and silage makers through the traditional banking system, but this Fund was set up purposefully for projects exceeding LKR 87.5 million or USD 500,000.”
Launching the Fund, Mr. David Mathewson – Senior Managing Director of SEAF said, “Typically we manage growth capital and provide business assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging and transition markets underserved by traditional sources of capital.
Our goal is to invest in entrepreneurs who seek to build successful businesses, hoping to realize both attractive returns for our investors and a measurable development impact in local communities.” SEAF’s services go beyond capital, with the organization providing support through the growth phases, strategic and operational support, scale-up support, networking support, long-term vision formulation and process management.