BOGOTÁ — IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), together with Fundación Bolívar Davivienda, announced the launch of an initiative to expand investment opportunities in companies generating social and environmental impact in Colombia.
The new program, called AuRA – Impact Investment Ecosystem Accelerator, aims to strengthen the impact investing ecosystem by connecting investors with companies ready to receive capital, while providing capacity building, strategic connections, and innovative tools.
To that end, AuRA has opened its first call for applications, targeting angel, institutional, and international investors, investment funds, corporations, and public sector actors across the country interested in channeling capital into the Colombian market. The call will remain open until July 31.
The global impact investing market currently exceeds US$1.57 trillion in assets under management, according to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), reflecting growing interest in investments that combine financial returns with social and environmental outcomes.
“Impact investing is not a passing trend; it represents a structural transformation of capital markets. AuRA provides a platform for investors across Colombia—and internationally, with a focus on the country—to incorporate impact criteria without sacrificing competitive returns, taking advantage of the current expansion of this global ecosystem,” said Ramiro López-Ghio, IDB Group Representative in Colombia.
“Investing with purpose is now both a strategic and profitable decision. With AuRA, we aim to ensure that capital supports real solutions to social and environmental challenges by connecting investors with strong companies that combine impact with financial performance,” said Fernando Cortés, Executive Director of Fundación Bolívar Davivienda.
One of the program’s components is a co-investment matching fund of up to $700,000, designed to complement capital invested by participating investors and facilitate new investments in impact-driven companies.
In addition to enabling co-investment opportunities, AuRA will connect investors with a network of key actors in Colombia’s entrepreneurial and impact investing ecosystem.
Over the next three years, the program expects to strengthen the capabilities of 140 investors, support at least 110 participants in incorporating impact criteria into their investment theses, and facilitate at least 30 investments in impact companies, leveraging resources from the matching fund.
Interested parties can learn more and apply through Fundación Bolívar Davivienda’s website: https://www.fundacionbolivardavivienda.org/convocatorias/
About IDB Lab
IDB Lab is the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. We focus on entrepreneurship and technology to co-create solutions to development challenges and activate new industries for growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB Lab supports high-impact startups and the innovation ecosystems they need to thrive through flexible financing, practical knowledge, and global connections.
https://bidlab.org/es
About Fundación Bolívar Davivienda
Fundación Bolívar Davivienda reflects Grupo Bolívar’s social commitment and aims to develop talent to help build the country. Through its work, it supports and strengthens high-impact, transformative projects that build capacities in individuals, communities, and organizations, contributing to a more just, equitable, and innovative society. Through programs focused on sustainable economic development and the strengthening of young talent, the Foundation promotes initiatives that create opportunities, foster business growth, encourage social leadership, and expand access to new opportunities for thousands of people in Colombia.
https://www.fundacionbolivardavivienda.org/