🛠️ The $30M Bet That Built 1,600 Jobs, Empowered 100K Women & Slashed 2M Tons of CO₂

A Small Start That Triggered a Big Change

In 2019, the Zero Gap Fund began with just $30 million. While that may sound like a significant amount, it’s relatively small in the world of global finance. However, this fund didn’t stay small for long. Over the past six years, it has catalyzed more than $1 billion in investments focused on improving lives and solving global challenges.

The Zero Gap Fund didn’t just hand out money. Instead, it supported bold and innovative financial ideas that could grow over time. These ideas attracted larger investors, allowing more funding to flow into projects that tackle poverty, climate change, inequality, and more.

What made this possible was the fund’s approach. It used catalytic capital—money that is willing to take early risks and wait longer for returns. This kind of capital gives confidence to others. When the fund supports an idea, bigger investors feel more comfortable stepping in.

Moreover, the Zero Gap Fund aimed to boost progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 global goals focus on building a better, fairer world. The fund encouraged private investments in projects that create jobs, protect the environment, and empower communities.

Real Results That Matter

As the fund’s latest report shows, the results speak for themselves. It didn’t just move money around—it helped change lives and improve communities around the world. Here are some key achievements:

• Created over 1,600 jobs
• Enabled more than 100,000 women to access funding for their businesses
• Reduced 2 million tons of CO₂ emissions

To understand the fund’s impact, it helps to look at the projects it supported:

First, LeapFrog’s Emerging Consumer Fund III focused on low-income consumers in Africa and Asia. It supported over 161,000 jobs and, in 2024 alone, reached 323 million people with its services.

Next, Lightsmith’s CRAFT targeted climate adaptation. It funded companies that help communities prepare for and adapt to climate change. So far, it has created 615 new jobs and served over 500,000 people in developing countries.

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Meanwhile, Founders First Capital Partners (FFCP) backed underinvested small businesses. By using revenue-based financing, it distributed $14.1 million across 52 loans, leading to 201 new jobs.

Another project, Apis & Heritage’s Legacy Fund I, helped workers become business owners. It supported the conversion of businesses into employee-owned companies. Thanks to this, 442 workers became co-owners, and the fund helped create 110 new jobs.

In the tech startup space, Seedstars International Ventures II invested in early-stage companies across emerging markets. It committed $9.8 million to 45 companies, which led to 614 new jobs.

At the same time, Horizon Capital Growth Fund IV focused on export-oriented tech firms. These companies are more resilient in uncertain economies. So far, Horizon has invested over $100 million across just five companies, supporting 4,800 jobs.

Environmental efforts also played a big part. Blue Forest’s FRB Catalyst Facility funded forest restoration projects. These projects not only prevent wildfires but also help avoid over 127,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

Finally, Trailhead Capital Regeneration Fund I backed early-stage businesses in regenerative agriculture. These companies work on climate-friendly farming methods. So far, their efforts have reduced 68,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Each of these projects shows how smart, early investment can make a lasting difference. The Zero Gap Fund didn’t just invest in numbers—it invested in people, nature, and the future.

Unlocking Bigger Investments for a Better World

From the start, the Zero Gap Fund focused on unlocking larger sums of money through early, strategic support. With its initial $30 million, it managed to draw in over $1 billion from other investors. This approach of leveraging funding—getting more out of every dollar—proved highly effective.

The fund achieved this by taking early risks. It stepped in first, allowing others to follow. Like a trusted friend testing a new path, the fund cleared the way and inspired confidence. As a result, many investors joined forces to support these high-impact ideas.

Additionally, the fund worked across many regions and sectors. From clean energy and tech to healthcare, jobs, and farming, it backed projects that improved lives while delivering strong outcomes. It didn’t just focus on one problem—it tackled many, all at once.

This flexible, risk-tolerant strategy helped the fund adapt to tough market conditions and fill critical financing gaps. It supported bold ideas that traditional investors might avoid, and it proved that with the right push, these ideas could grow.

Now, thanks to the Zero Gap Fund, billions of dollars are flowing into projects that matter. People are getting jobs, businesses are growing, forests are being restored, and women are gaining financial power.

This is the power of catalytic capital in action. What began as a small initiative has turned into a global force for good—spreading opportunity, innovation, and hope in every direction.