For the sixth consecutive year, Media Development Investment Fund has been selected for the ImpactAssets 50 (IA 50), an annual showcase of private debt and equity impact investment fund managers. Published for the sixth time, IA 50 is the only free, public, searchable database for investors and their financial advisors, offering an easy way to explore the landscape of potential investment options.
“We are pleased to have been included in the IA 50 for six straight years,” said Harlan Mandel, CEO of MDIF. “Being listed among 50 other outstanding impact investment funds is crucial in drawing attention to the financial and the social impact of investing in independent media in countries where access to free and reliable news is under threat.”
MDIF offers debt and equity financing, alongside intensive technical assistance, to independent media around the world providing the news, information and debate that people need to build free, thriving societies. Since 1996, MDIF has provided more than $160 million in affordable to over 110 businesses in 39 countries, with clients ranging from small local newspapers to national multi-platform broadcasters. The organization ended 2016 with a portfolio of almost $60 million in outstanding loans and investments.
The ImpactAssets 50 is updated annually and lists outstanding impact investing fund managers with demonstrated and compelling social and environmental impact. It includes a range of funds based in the United States, Africa, Europe and Latin America that represent a breadth of asset classes and diverse issue areas. Fund managers included in the IA 50 2016 manage an estimated $10.6B in assets devoted to creating positive social and environmental impact.
The IA 50 selection committee is chaired by ImpactAssets’ Chief Impact Strategist, Jed Emerson, and brings together experts from Align Impact, Toniic, UBS, Bain Capital, Blue Haven Initiative, U.S. Impact Investing Alliance of Ford, and The CAPROCK Group.
ImpactAssets is a nonprofit financial services firm that works to increase the flow of capital into investments with optimal social, environmental and financial impact. Additional details on the IA50 and the selection process can be found here.