BluePeak Private Capital (BluePeak) has reached final closing at $156m for its inaugural private capital fund, BluePeak Private Capital Fund SCSp.

BluePeak is an alternative asset manager firm supporting the growth of scalable businesses in Africa through privately negotiated and structured debt like instruments.

The closing signifies the emergence of private debt as an attractive asset class, offering superior risk adjusted and a compelling alternative for African SMEs.  

As a gateway to investing in homegrown businesses poised for sustainable growth at scale, the Fund attracted investors and development finance institutions (DFIs) mandated to maximize social impact and generate attractive returns. 

Despite the persistent challenges in attracting capital to emerging markets, BluePeak has secured backing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), British International Investment (BII) – the UK’s development finance institution, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC), FMO – the Dutch entrepreneurial investment bank, SwedFund – Sweden’s development finance institution, and the “Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations” CDC Tunisia.

The African Development Bank and South Africa-based private investor Sango Capital are the most recent investors to back the Fund, marking their first ever commitments to a private debt fund.

Less than three years from initial closing, the Fund successfully built a diversified portfolio of six pioneering businesses operating in more than 30 countries across Africa, employing over 7,500 people and impacting the lives of millions of Africans. 

The rapid deployment of conscious capital in several industries demonstrates the range of growth opportunities available in the region.

With an estimated funding gap of $421bn for African SMEs, BluePeak is primarily seeking to bridge the financing shortfall that growing companies face, while enhancing operational longevity. 

BluePeak works closely with its partners to encourage growth, employment, and opportunities to balance gender equality, consolidating the Fund’s commitment to the 2X Challenge initiative.

At the heart of BluePeak’s mission lies sustainability. Substantial strides were made in implementing best-in-class ESG & Impact frameworks aligned with the highest industry standards and ingrained across the investment process, maximizing positive and long-lasting impact.