First Australians Capital

Overview

First Australians Capital (FAC) is an Australian impact investment firm dedicated to supporting businesses that deliver positive social and environmental outcomes. The firm focuses on investing in Indigenous-led enterprises and organizations, aiming to drive economic empowerment and self-determination within Indigenous communities. FAC's investment strategy emphasizes sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, education, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, retail, manufacturing, transport, construction, media, telecommunications, and real estate. The firm provides flexible debt and patient finance, investing in a diversified portfolio of small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses and community organizations across Australia. FAC's approach is guided by a culturally informed investment framework that upholds First Nations rights to self-determination under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The firm seeks to bridge the financial gap between traditional banking and investment markets and the Indigenous economy, offering accessible and affordable financing solutions to support the growth and sustainability of Indigenous enterprises. FAC's commitment to impact investing is reflected in its focus on sectors that contribute to the economic empowerment and self-determination of Indigenous communities, aligning with its mission to create lasting positive change through strategic investments. In June 2024, FAC announced the successful first close of its Catalytic Impact Fund, securing nearly $20 million in investment from a range of global and domestic investors. This fund aims to support Indigenous businesses and drive economic empowerment within Indigenous communities. The fund received commitments from various investors, including the Paul Ramsay Foundation, an anonymous Melbourne-based trust, the Cages Foundation, the VISA Foundation, and Block through its Australian subsidiary, Square. Additionally, Australian foundations and family offices such as The Snow Foundation, Wyatt Trust, Tripple, Salt Catalyst, Small Giants, and the AMP Foundation have confirmed their financial commitment to support Indigenous businesses and promote economic empowerment and self-determination within Indigenous communities. FAC's approach to impact investing is characterized by its focus on sectors that contribute to the economic empowerment and self-determination of Indigenous communities, aligning with its mission to create lasting positive change through strategic investments. FAC's investment philosophy is rooted in the belief that investing in Indigenous-led enterprises not only delivers financial returns but also generates significant social and environmental impact. By providing capital to businesses that are often overlooked by traditional investors, FAC aims to foster innovation, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable development within Indigenous communities. The firm's commitment to impact investing is reflected in its focus on sectors that contribute to the economic empowerment and self-determination of Indigenous communities, aligning with its mission to create lasting positive change through strategic investments. FAC's approach is guided by a culturally informed investment framework that upholds First Nations rights to self-determination under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).