Quick Chat: Medea Nocentini on Global Ventures’ Agenda
In the dynamic landscape of emerging markets, opportunities for financial returns and meaningful impact are abundant, particularly in sectors that align with resilience, innovation, and sustainability imperatives.
Our portfolio companies, with their innovative solutions, have played a significant role in shaping the future of these markets. To date, they have provided healthcare access to 6.8 million patients and financially included 64 million people. But their impact extends beyond numbers, as they often build solutions for challenges they have lived through, creating markets where none existed before.
Technology remains a megadeal focus globally, including in emerging markets, as companies pursue digital transformation, innovation, and talent acquisition. Digital talent scarcity stimulates growth in these regions, with tech hubs offering strong ecosystems.
The energy sector, especially clean and renewable energy infrastructure, is another critical area attracting large investments. With climate change as a long-term challenge, emerging markets present opportunities to build resilient power systems and sustainable utilities that offer impact alongside returns.
Financial services, including digital payments and capital markets improvements, are also hotspots for investment. These sectors have the potential for deep social impact by enhancing financial inclusion and economic participation.
Building resilient, inclusive, and locally-aligned supply chains drives long-term growth in emerging markets. Strategic partnerships, upskilling, and technology adoption in manufacturing help address geopolitical risks and talent bottlenecks, creating a strong impact while also improving efficiency and returns.
Sectors focused on resource efficiency, such as agriculture, supply chains, and energy, are seeing strong momentum. Core verticals like fintech, healthtech, and edtech remain equally vital. Our portfolio companies have created over 14,500 jobs, contributing significantly to the local economies.
However, delivering real, long-term impact requires a coordinated effort between startups, governments, investors, and ecosystem enablers. When the right people are at the table, and founders are supported by a community that understands both the local context and the larger ambition, the chances of success grow exponentially.
We, as catalysts, see our role in connecting these different players and creating the conditions for collaboration. By doing so, we aim to unlock the full potential of emerging markets, fostering sustainable growth and social impact.
Sources: [1] World Economic Forum, 2021 [2] McKinsey & Company, 2020 [3] International Finance Corporation, 2021 [4] United Nations Development Programme, 2021
In the context of emerging markets, our portfolio companies, with their technology-driven innovative solutions, have led to financial inclusion of 64 million people and improved healthcare access for 6.8 million patients. In addition, there is a pressing need for blended finance in sectors such as biodiversity conservation, where venture capital could play a crucial role in fostering sustainable and impactful development.
