The international development industry in Europe focuses on enhancing social, economic, and environmental progress in developing regions. Various types of organizations, including non-profits, investment firms, and corporate entities, offer solutions such as financing, consultancy, and project management. This industry is trending towards sustainability, with a growing emphasis on clean energy, education, and health access. Collaboration between public and private sectors is becoming increasingly important, as investors are recognizing the potential for impact through well-structured initiatives. With the urgency for sustainable development more pressing than ever, innovative funding models are on the rise, aiming to create lasting change.


The list features 15 international development investors operating in Europe, showcasing a mixture of corporate entities, private equity firms, and venture capitalists. These investors, headquartered in cities like Dublin, Berlin, and Paris, vary in size from small teams to major firms with thousands of employees. Established between 1870 and 2014, they completed a total of 307 investments in 2024 alone. This collection illustrates a strong commitment to advancing economic and social development, indicating a healthy appetite for impactful investments that drive change in challenging markets.


Top 15 International Development Investors in Europe


1. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals worldwide, offering a diverse range of solutions to businesses across various industries. Accenture's expertise spans cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics, helping organizations innovate and improve efficiency. Notably, Accenture has participated in several transactions relevant to international development, including a $6 million grant to Youth Business International in 2018, aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship and employment. Additionally, in 2020, Accenture provided an $842,041 grant to ACCES Employment, an organization focused on helping newcomers to Canada find employment. These transactions highlight Accenture's involvement in initiatives that promote social and economic development, aligning with the objectives of international development.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. The EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, catering to both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In recent years, the EIB has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to international development, such as providing $10 million in junior debt for Spark Energy Services, which aims to enhance energy access and sustainability. Additionally, the EIB participated in significant debt financing for the Africa Finance Corporation, raising $750 million, and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, which secured $103.8 million. These transactions highlight the EIB's active role in financing projects that contribute to economic development and sustainability in emerging markets.


3. BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries


BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries is a not-for-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2001. It focuses on providing investment support and development financing to private sector companies in developing countries. By facilitating access to growth and sustainable development resources, BIO aims to empower these businesses to thrive and contribute to their local economies. In recent years, BIO has been involved in several significant transactions that highlight its commitment to international development. For instance, in May 2020, BIO provided debt financing of approximately $11.4 million to Pact, an organization dedicated to improving lives in the developing world. Additionally, in September 2020, BIM raised around $6 million in debt financing, and earlier in August 2020, it secured nearly $4 million in a venture round. Furthermore, BIO has also supported the EDFI Management Company with debt financing totaling over $6 million in December 2020. These transactions illustrate BIO's active engagement in fostering sustainable development through financial support to private sector initiatives in developing countries.


4. LGT Venture Philanthropy

  • Website: lgtvp.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: lgtvp

LGT Venture Philanthropy is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for disadvantaged communities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. They provide funding, business expertise, and access to networks to support local organizations in health, education, and environmental sectors. Their initiatives aim to create lasting systemic change through collaborative partnerships. Notably, LGT Venture Philanthropy has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to international development, including grants to The/Nudge Foundation, Financing Alliance for Health, Maasai Mara Conservancies, and Last Mile Health. These transactions demonstrate their commitment to supporting organizations that address critical issues in health and education, which are essential components of international development efforts.


5. Proparco

  • Website: proparco.fr
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: proparco

Proparco, founded in 1977 and based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, is a not-for-profit development finance institution dedicated to supporting economic growth in developing countries. With a focus on enhancing private sector contributions to sustainable development, Proparco provides a range of financial tools, investment funds, and technical assistance to businesses and financial institutions. Their investment strategy spans various sectors, including agriculture, health, and infrastructure. Notably, Proparco has been involved in significant transactions that reflect its commitment to international development. For instance, they participated in the funding of Enko Education, which raised $2.2 million in a Series A round in 2018 and later secured additional funding in 2016 to support the establishment of schools targeting the African middle class. Furthermore, Proparco's investment in Maris Africa, which raised $12 million in 2022, showcases their engagement in ventures that aim to drive economic growth and development in the region. Through these initiatives, Proparco plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable development in emerging markets.


6. Global Innovation Fund


The Global Innovation Fund is a not-for-profit organization based in London, England, founded in 2014. It focuses on social innovation by providing grants and risk capital to support entrepreneurs and innovators in developing countries. The Fund aims to improve the lives of individuals living on less than $5 a day by addressing critical development challenges through scalable solutions. Notable transactions include grants to organizations such as Simprints, which raised $385,397 to enhance healthcare access, and ideas42, which secured $2,200,000 to tackle behavioral challenges in development. Other significant grants were awarded to Educate! ($303,922), Valid Nutrition ($169,421), and Development Media International ($2,170,874), all of which contribute to impactful initiatives in education, nutrition, and media for development. These investments highlight the Fund's commitment to fostering impactful change in the international development sector.


7. EEP Africa

  • Website: eepafrica.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: eepafrica

EEP Africa is a not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2010. It specializes in clean energy financing, providing early-stage grants and support for innovative clean energy projects in Southern and Eastern Africa. The organization collaborates with various funding partners to facilitate sustainable development in the region. Notably, EEP Africa has been involved in several transactions that reflect its commitment to fostering clean energy solutions. For instance, in 2019, EEP Africa supported East African Power, Microenergy Credits, Empower New Energy, and Zonful Energy, all of which raised undisclosed amounts in venture rounds. Additionally, in 2020, EEP Africa was involved with Villageboom, further emphasizing its role in promoting innovative energy solutions that enhance energy access and contribute to sustainable development in Africa.


8. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1870. The bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In recent years, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several notable transactions that reflect its engagement in sectors relevant to international development. For instance, it participated in debt financing for Dimension Renewable Energy, raising $150 million in both 2024 and 2025, which underscores its support for renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, the bank was involved in financing Aukera, which raised approximately $171.9 million in 2025. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's role in facilitating funding for projects that can have a positive impact on sustainable development and energy transition.


9. SLR Consulting

  • Website: slrconsulting.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Aylesbury, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: slr-consulting

SLR Consulting is a corporate consulting firm based in Aylesbury, England, specializing in sustainability solutions. Founded in 1994, SLR provides a range of services including ESG strategy, environmental consulting, and project delivery across various sectors. Their expertise is sought by businesses and organizations to tackle complex sustainability challenges. Notably, SLR has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the international development context. For instance, their acquisition of Synergistics Environmental Services in Johannesburg, South Africa, strengthens their position in the energy and mining sectors, which are often pivotal in development projects. Similarly, the acquisition of KDC in Australia and Milone & MacBroom in the U.S. reflects their strategy to expand their environmental planning and management capabilities globally. These transactions highlight SLR's commitment to sustainability and their role in supporting international development initiatives.


10. TotalEnergies


TotalEnergies is a leading energy company based in France, founded in 1924, that focuses on producing and marketing a diverse range of energy solutions, including oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and serves both businesses and consumers with sustainable and reliable energy sources. Notably, TotalEnergies has been involved in significant transactions that align with international development goals. For instance, their acquisition of SN Power AS includes a 100% stake in a subsidiary that operates the Bujagali hydropower plant in Uganda, which is crucial for enhancing energy access in the region. Additionally, their involvement in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and investments in liquefied natural gas through ECA LNG indicate a broader strategy to expand their energy portfolio, which can have implications for energy infrastructure development in emerging markets. Overall, TotalEnergies' focus on renewable energy and infrastructure projects positions them as a relevant player in the international development sector.


11. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. In recent years, Partners Group has engaged in significant transactions that align with international development goals. For instance, their acquisition of Dimension Renewable Energy in June 2021 highlights their focus on renewable energy, a critical area for sustainable development. Additionally, their agreement to acquire the District Heating Platform in the Baltics aims to transform energy solutions, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainable infrastructure. These investments reflect a strategic alignment with the principles of international development, particularly in promoting sustainable energy and infrastructure solutions.


12. Afry

  • Website: afry.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1895
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: afry

AFRY AB is a consulting and engineering firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1895. The company provides a wide range of services, including sustainability consulting, digital solutions, and project management across various industries. Recently, Afry has made significant strides in the renewable energy sector, acquiring companies such as a Dutch renewables consultancy and BLIX Consultancy, which enhances its capabilities in the global offshore and onshore wind energy market. These acquisitions aim to strengthen Afry's competence in covering the entire project life-cycle of wind farms, which is crucial for sustainable development and energy transition initiatives. Additionally, Afry's focus on enhancing its digital offerings through acquisitions like ProTAK further supports its commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability in operations, making it a relevant player in the context of international development.


13. Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa Sanpaolo


The Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa Sanpaolo is part of a major banking and financial services provider based in Turin, Italy, with a focus on offering a wide range of financial products including loans, accounts, and investment management services. In 2024, the office was involved in 31 investments, showcasing an active engagement in the financial market. Notably, they participated in significant debt financing transactions, such as the $740 million raised by BNZ Energy and the $6.9 million raised by Chiron Energy. Additionally, they were part of a substantial EUR 1 billion construction facility for Aquila Clean Energy, which aims to develop a renewable energy pipeline in Spain and Portugal, highlighting their commitment to financing projects that support sustainable development and energy transition.


14. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo provides tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has been involved in several transactions that align with international development objectives. For instance, their investment in Anywr, which raised 80 million euros to support its international ambitions and digital acceleration, highlights their commitment to fostering global business growth. Furthermore, their acquisitions of Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches International School of Hotel Management demonstrate a focus on enhancing educational opportunities, which is a key component of international development. These strategic investments reflect Eurazeo's broader mission to support businesses that contribute to economic and social development.


15. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a diverse range of services, including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital caters to institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs, providing tailored financing solutions aimed at supporting growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau has been involved in significant transactions that align with international development goals. For instance, their acquisition of Star America in 2020 enhances their capabilities in the U.S. infrastructure market, a critical area for development. Additionally, their investment in Amarenco Group, which focuses on energy transition, underscores their commitment to sustainable energy solutions. These transactions reflect Tikehau Capital's strategic focus on sectors that contribute to economic development and sustainability.



International Development Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing CountriesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-20020014
LGT Venture PhilanthropyZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020070
ProparcoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500197719
Global Innovation FundLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020141
EEP AfricaHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland11-5020100
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
SLR ConsultingAylesbury, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019946
TotalEnergiesFrance10001+192411
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
AfryStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+18951
Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa SanpaoloTurin, Piedmont, Italy10001+200731
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046


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