Who We Are

Page Tools

The Soros Economic Development Fund is the impact investment arm of the Open Society Foundations. Founded in 1997, we have committed over $550 million in debt, equity, and guarantees to businesses, funds, platforms, and nonprofits across geographies and sectors that advance the mission of the Foundations.
Overhead view of solar panels near a street intersection
Solar panels deployed at a busy intersection in Lagos, Nigeria. SEDF supports sustainable economic solutions that protect both people and planet. © Sunday Alamba/AP

Impact

A man and woman standing in front of a store
A refugee couple in Uganda in front of their store, which received a microfinance loan from the SEDF-supported Kiva Refugee Investment Fund. Photo courtesy Kiva
Through its investments, SEDF aims to support direct, measurable impact and longer-term systemic change—for example, to positively influence the behavior or practices of public and private sector actors, shape policy, or strengthen local market infrastructure. We look to demonstrate the viability of investments and sectors to attract additional capital to under-resourced areas.

Our Approach

SEDF pursues impact in different ways. We make debt, equity and guarantee investments in businesses, funds, platforms, and nonprofits across geographies and sectors that advance the mission of the Open Society Foundations. We engage in policy advocacy, innovative finance, and market shaping work, sometimes through modest grant support; we host convenings, and leverage thought leadership in ways that advance our strategies.
Learn more

Our Team

Meet the SEDF team.
Meet our team