Obviam AG

Overview

Obviam AG is an independent investment advisor based in Bern, Switzerland, specializing in long-term investments in emerging and frontier markets. The firm offers investment advisory services to public, institutional, and private clients, including the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM), the Development Finance Institution of the Swiss Confederation. Obviam's focus is on generating sustainable positive impact alongside attractive financial returns. The firm's investment strategy encompasses private equity and impact investing, targeting growth, late-stage, and buyout opportunities across various sectors. Obviam's geographical focus spans Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, with investments in industries such as financial services, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, education, technology, consumer goods, telecommunications, real estate, transportation, manufacturing, media, tourism, and retail. Obviam has a track record of managing significant assets, with investment sizes ranging from $5 million to $50 million. The firm emphasizes responsible investment approaches, aiming to create sustainable employment and promote economic development in the regions where it operates. As of March 2023, Obviam transitioned the portfolio management of SIFEM to responsAbility Investments AG, continuing to collaborate closely for the hand-over of the mandate. Obviam's team has been together since 1999, having invested over USD 800 million in more than 70 funds and 800 underlying small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging and frontier markets. The firm's expertise lies in mobilizing private capital to invest alongside public institutions into impact investments in developing countries, contributing to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. In January 2023, Obviam's portfolio management mandate for SIFEM was transferred to responsAbility Investments AG, marking a significant development in the firm's strategic direction. Despite this transition, Obviam continues to operate as an independent investment advisor, focusing on its core mission of generating sustainable positive impact through responsible investment practices. Obviam's commitment to impact investing is further demonstrated by its strategic tie-up with Asteria Investment Managers, the impact investing affiliate of REYL Group. This partnership aims to create a unique and prominent player within the impact investing ecosystem, combining Obviam's private equity expertise with Asteria's focus on liquid markets and private debt. Overall, Obviam AG remains a key player in the field of impact investing, leveraging its extensive experience and strategic partnerships to drive positive change in emerging and frontier markets.

Investment Focus

• Focus on emerging and frontier markets
• Emphasis on sustainable positive impact
• Alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles
• Interest in private equity and impact investing opportunities
• Willingness to invest in growth, late-stage, and buyout stages
• Commitment to responsible investment approaches

Portfolio Companies