About SEAF
Utilizing an ESG+ investment approach, SEAF provides growth capital and operational support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets to build climate resilience, food security, and inclusion. SEAF’s global reach, on-the-ground local presence, and proactive business model enable entrepreneurs to accelerate their businesses’ growth and profitability while achieving meaningful and measurable impact. With over 32 years’ experience, SEAF has shown that impact investing and maximizing performance complement each other—we can do good and realize strong financial returns.
Our Vision
SEAF envisions a sustainable and inclusive world where entrepreneurs everywhere have the capital, tools, and support they need to transform their businesses and increase the shared prosperity of their communities.
Founded in 1989 as the private equity investment subsidiary of the international development organization CARE, SEAF (“Small Enterprise Assistance Funds”) evolved in 1995 into an independent organization specializing in the sponsorship and management of investment funds targeting growth-oriented, emerging enterprises located in countries underserved by traditional sources of capital. SEAF pursues high impact economic development through the investment of risk capital in entrepreneurs, coupled with active business partnership and the transfer of knowledge and networks developed over 32 years of operation.
SEAF has an extensive track record of establishing local fund management capacity, and in investing in SMEs in emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Over the past three decades, SEAF has managed more than 40 funds and founded 14 Centers for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED) across 33 countries. SEAF has made more than 430 risk capital investments in entrepreneurs whose products and services create more equitable, sustainable, and financially stable communities, while generating positive returns for our investors, creating the efficiency, accountability, and sustainability of our process.
SEAF’s Approach to Impact
Traditional Funds
The core SEAF product is the traditional Private Equity Impact fund. Through these vehicles, SEAF seeks double bottom line impact – market rate financial returns coupled with social and environmental impact. With a global network of more than twenty offices staffed with experienced investment professionals and supported by a US-based back office team, SEAF is leader in the PE Impact Fund space.
Mission Funds
SEAF is a pioneer in leading mission-driven fund solutions for global partners. Working on an ad hoc basis with leading development finance institutions, social organizations, and diaspora groups, SEAF has developed and managed investment vehicles that help organizations achieve their mandates on a local level, providing partners with professional management and impact results in the their target regions and sectors.
Entrepreneur Development
Through targeted grant programs, SEAF has worked with various organizations to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems across the globe. From our renowned Centers for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED) programs, to work with various US and Global agencies, SEAF is a reliable partner for organizations seeking entrepreneur-focused development solutions.
Our Story
For over two decades, SEAF has been investing in growth-oriented SMEs in emerging markets. Launched in Central and Eastern Europe, we have since expanded our operations to Africa, Latin America and Asia and have invested in more than 33 countries to date.
Our Team
Our team of professionals represents over 20 nationalities around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, our investment management teams and CEED entrepreneurship programs operate in more than 14 offices in emerging markets.