Our dedicated private equity team has actively managed positions in impactful companies since 2009.
We actively partner with company management to drive value through improved performance, accelerated growth, customer-centric innovation, and industry leadership. Where needed, we effect reforms to improve governance and broad stakeholder impact. And we bring resources: capital, strategic and/or operational advice and access to our global network of impact, operational and technical partners.
“Our brand of equity impact investing is resource-intensive, yes. But in the right cases, it is exactly the way to help a company move further, and faster, and with very profound impact.”
Aleem Remtula, Partner, Private Equity
“Our brand of equity impact investing is resource-intensive, yes. But in the right cases, it is exactly the way to help a company move further, and faster, and with very profound impact.”
–Aleem Remtula, Partner, Private Equity
Active operational partnership
Via majority and meaningful minority stakes and active board participation, we work to drive value across five key pillars: governance and control, management capacity, technology and operations, balance sheet and integrated impact management.
A focus on impact as a driver of return
We believe that in a properly selected and managed investment, impact and investment return are mutually reinforcing. In the financial sector, for example, we invest in companies providing relevant and affordable financial services to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and/or individuals in low-income and underserved communities. Through good management, responsible oversight and customer-centered design, often including digital outreach and servicing channels, these enterprises can be impactful and profitable.
Flexibility in size, stage and structuring
DWM is open to exploring majority and substantial minority positions alongside like-minded stakeholders. We believe that creating an active and liquid secondary market will unlock impact capital at scale, benefiting all, and therefore we will consider direct primary investments and secondary stakes purchased from early-stage investors. We bring support across the capital structure that continues across subsequent rounds to spur growth and market leadership in our portfolio companies.
14 markets
Emerging & frontier markets where DWM has originated and managed direct equity positions
$20 - $200m
Typical size range of target company (total assets) for DWM equity investment
$5 - $15m
Typical DWM equity investment
Impact spotlight
Impact spotlight
India
Suryoday Small Finance Bank began as a microfinance lender with five branches in Navi Mumbai, India, in 2009. Today, Suryoday has nearly 500 branches across 11 Indian states and union territories. Initially offering joint-liability group loans to women, the bank now also offers deposit accounts, home and commercial vehicle loans, and other loans.
In 2019, DWM commissioned a survey to review impact outcomes of Suryoday’s activities, and results were subsequently used to enhance not only product offerings, but also outreach strategies, including regular calls to customers to address their financial concerns throughout India’s first Covid lockdowns in 2020. More than 60% of the client base was reached by these calls, digital service enhancements were offered, and considerations such as enhanced overdraft protection were implemented. DWM made an initial equity investment in Suryoday in 2015 and has made three follow-on investments to support the bank’s growth.
Suryoday Small Finance Bank began as a microfinance lender with 5 branches in Navi Mumbai, India, in 2009. Today, Suryoday has nearly 500 branches across 11 Indian states and union territories. Initially offering joint-liability group loans to women, the bank now also offers deposit accounts, home and commercial vehicle loans, and other loans.
In 2019, DWM commissioned a survey to review impact outcomes of Suryoday’s activities, and results were subsequently used to enhance not only product offerings, but also outreach strategies, including regular calls to customers to address their financial concerns throughout India’s first Covid lockdowns in 2020. More than 60% of the client base was reached by these calls, digital service enhancements were offered, and considerations such as enhanced overdraft protection were implemented. DWM made an initial equity investment in Suryoday in 2015 and has made three follow-on investments to support the bank’s growth.
