BIO
Overview
BIO, the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries, is a development finance institution established in 2001 to support private sector growth in developing and emerging countries. Operating as an instrument of the Belgian Development Cooperation, BIO aims to promote sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The institution provides long-term financing to financial institutions, enterprises, and private infrastructure projects, offering tailored financial products such as equity, quasi-equity, debt, and guarantees at market conditions. Additionally, BIO finances technical assistance programs and feasibility studies to enhance the impact of its investments. BIO's investment strategy focuses on sectors including agribusiness, infrastructure, and financial services, with a commitment to supporting projects that balance return on investment with development impact. The institution operates in regions often overlooked by commercial banks due to high-risk factors, thereby playing a catalytic role in fostering economic growth and job creation. As of 2017, BIO's assets under management were valued at €887.2 million, reflecting its significant role in development finance. The institution is a member of the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI), collaborating with other European DFIs to strengthen their relationship with the European Union and international financial institutions.
Investment Focus
- Projects must align with BIO's mission to promote sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Investments should be in developing and emerging countries, focusing on sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, and financial services.
- Projects must demonstrate a balance between return on investment and development impact, with a commitment to environmental, social, and governance standards.
- BIO operates in regions often overlooked by commercial banks due to high-risk factors, aiming to support projects that foster economic growth and job creation.
Portfolio Companies
Reach BIO directly
Verified work email, phone and LinkedIn for the full team — one spreadsheet, one payment, yours to keep.
Unlock full contacts →Frequently asked questions about BIO
What sectors does BIO invest in?
BIO invests in Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Energy, Real Estate and Infrastructure, and is based in Brussels, Belgium. BIO is listed as a other in the ConnectSafely investor database.
What stage does BIO invest at?
BIO backs companies at Early Stage, Growth, Late Stage, Buyout, Turnaround and Distressed, writing cheques of 1M - 50M.
Which regions does BIO invest in?
BIO invests across Asia, Latin America and Africa.
What companies has BIO invested in?
BIO's portfolio includes Banque de Crédit de Bujumbura, Belfius Bank and Insurance and KBC Group N.V..
How do I contact BIO?
BIO's contact details — including LinkedIn — are listed in the ConnectSafely investor database, along with its website and the LinkedIn profiles of the team.
Last updated · Source: ConnectSafely investor database
