Western NIS Enterprise Fund (“WNISEF”) has committed $30 million to Emerging Europe Growth Fund III, LP (“EEGF III”), a fund with a target size of $150 million, managed by leading regional private equity firm, Horizon Capital

“We are delighted to invest through EEGF III in fast-growing, export-oriented companies with roots in Ukraine and Moldova, while generating revenues globally”, said Jaroslawa Z. Johnson, WNISEF President and Chief Executive Officer. “Ukraine is in the midst of an economic revival led by the efforts of innovative young men and women, who are competing internationally, entering new markets, championing best business practices and inspiring others to follow their path.  They are the leaders, alongside whom EEGF III expects to invest, in sectors including information technology, light manufacturing and food and agriculture.”

“The EEGF III strategy is compelling from our perspective, seeking to capitalize on a surge in exports to the European Union and other countries, investing in companies that derive the largest part of their revenues in hard currency from foreign markets, while benefitting from an attractive local cost structure and the tailwind of trade reorientation to the EU.  Ukraine and Moldova have demonstrated impressive exports growth of 29% and 27%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2017, which is expected to provide attractive investment opportunities for this new fund.  We truly see these export champions sought out by EEGF III as offering a unique combination of value and fast growth”, Ms. Johnson concluded.

Western NIS Enterprise Fund is proud of its over 23 year history in Ukraine and Moldova and its legacy of $168 million invested in 118 companies, employing over 25,000 people and unlocking $1.5 billion of total capital over its tenure for Ukrainian and Moldovan companies. 

“Our mission has always been both to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine and Moldova, as well as to attract additional private capital to the region”, stated WNISEF Chairman of the Board, Dennis A. Johnson (not related to Jaroslawa Johnson). “We are thrilled to be investing alongside prominent financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dutch development bank FMO and German investment corporation DEG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KfW, and other esteemed investors”.

 CONTACT INFORMATION:

LIUDMYLA MARKITAN, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Tel: +380 44 490 5580

E-mail: lmarkitan@wnisef.org

Western NIS Enterprise Fund

Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF) is a $150 million regional fund, a pioneer in Ukraine and Moldova with more than two decades of successful experience in investing in small and medium-sized companies. WNISEF was funded by the U.S. government via the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  In 2006, Horizon Capital was spun out from WNISEF, following the path forged by other Enterprise Funds, raising three funds with over $700 million under management.  In 2015, WNISEF launched a $35 million legacy program focused on export promotion, local economic development, impact investing and economic leadership. WNISEF is funding innovative, high-impact, reform focused programs and aims to support Ukraine and Moldova during this critical period by developing sound economic policy and leadership. Visit www.wnisef.org

LINK: http://wnisef.org/media/press-releases/western-nis-enterprise-fund-invests-30-million-in-horizon-capitals-emerging-europe-growth-fund-iii-lp