October 22, 2018
LONDON – The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, today signed a $125 million commitment with Greater Pacific Capital (GPC) to support growth capital to medium-sized companies in India. OPIC Counselor to the President Frank Dunlevy and Greater Pacific Capital Chief Executive Officer Ketan Patel signed the agreement in London.
Access to risk capital remains limited for small- and medium-sized enterprises in India, restricting their ability to grow, hire, and contribute to overall economic growth. OPIC will contribute to a $700 million fund established by GPC to expand access to financing for growing companies in India operating in the healthcare, energy, technology, agricultural, and services sectors. By providing greater access to expansion capital, the OPIC-supported fund will help narrow the capital shortage that entrepreneurs and business owners face across India.
“Despite rapid growth in India’s financial services industry, small- and medium-sized business owners continue to face a shortage of financing options,” said OPIC President and Chief Executive Officer Ray W. Washburne. “By responding to unmet demands for capital, this fund will help promising Indian companies reach their full potential, fueling economic growth and development throughout the country.”
“GPC is delighted to have the strong support of OPIC and appreciates its role in backing investments in the exciting opportunity presented by India’s rise at such an important time for the region and the world,” said GPC Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ketan Patel.
GPC, an investing institution established in 2005, focuses on providing capital to Indian companies with international growth ambitions. The firm’s investment strategy focuses on investing in high growth businesses mainly in the healthcare, technology, and services sectors. Since its inception, the firm has helped mobilize and invest over $1 billion of capital to high-growth companies in these core sectors of the Indian economy.
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The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a self-sustaining U.S. Government agency that helps American businesses invest in emerging markets. Established in 1971, OPIC provides businesses with the tools to manage the risks associated with foreign direct investment, fosters economic development in emerging market countries, and advances U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. OPIC helps American businesses gain footholds in new markets, catalyzes new revenues and contributes to jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC fulfills its mission by providing businesses with financing, political risk insurance, advocacy and by partnering with private equity investment fund managers.
OPIC services are available to new and expanding businesses planning to invest in more than 160 countries worldwide. Because OPIC charges market-based fees for its products, it operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to taxpayers. All OPIC projects must adhere to best international practices and cannot cause job loss in the United States.