FMO Funding: How the Dutch Development Bank Invests and How to Apply
61 matching capital sources on the ASFIP database · Last checked October 2026
FMO is the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. It invests in private companies, banks and projects in developing countries through loans, equity and guarantees, with a strong focus on renewable energy, agriculture and food, and financial institutions.
FMO also manages funds for the Dutch government — including the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development and Access to Energy funds — which can take on more risk than FMO's own balance sheet.
What FMO finances
Senior and subordinated loans, equity, mezzanine and guarantees, usually from a few million dollars upward. Direct investments are mostly $5–50 million. Earlier-stage or higher-risk projects may be funded from the government funds it manages.
How to approach FMO
Before making contact, have a one-page summary ready: what the project is, where it is, how much you need and in what form (loan, equity, grant), what you have already raised, and the climate or development impact you can measure.
Match your ask to the funder's real ticket size and instruments. Most rejections come from asking the wrong funder for the wrong thing — for example asking a lender for a small grant, or an equity investor for early feasibility money.
The funders
Each profile shows mandate, instruments and sector appetite. Verified contacts and application routes are available to members.
- FMO - Dutch Entrepreneurial Development BankDFI · NetherlandsDutch development bank focused on energy, agribusiness and financial institutions in Africa.DebtConcessional DebtEquity
- U.S. International Development Finance CorporationDFI · United StatesUS development finance institution mobilising private capital into emerging markets.DebtEquityPolitical Risk Insurance
- British International InvestmentDFI · United KingdomUK development finance institution investing in productive, sustainable and inclusive African businesses.DebtEquityMezzanine
- ProparcoDFI · FrancePrivate-sector arm of Agence Française de Développement, active across Francophone and Anglophone Africa.DebtConcessional DebtEquity
- DEG - Deutsche Investitions- und EntwicklungsgesellschaftDFI · GermanyGerman DFI providing long-term finance to private enterprises in Africa.DebtEquityMezzanine
- SwedfundDFI · SwedenSwedish DFI investing in sustainable businesses and energy access in Africa.DebtEquityFund Investments
- NorfundDFI · NorwayNorwegian investment fund for developing countries with a strong renewable energy focus.DebtEquityMezzanine
Showing 7 of 61 matching capital sources. The remaining 54 — including their verified routes and eligibility criteria — are reserved for members.
Common questions
- What is FMO?
- FMO is the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, which invests in private businesses and projects in developing and emerging countries.
- What is FMO's minimum investment?
- Most direct investments are several million dollars and above. Smaller businesses usually reach FMO money through banks and funds it backs.
- How do I apply to FMO?
- Submit a short investment summary through FMO's website or contact the relevant sector team.
Related guides
Official sources: FMO. Reviewed by the iSustain Global research team against funders' published criteria.