IDB Lab Joins AIV Fund to Tackle Financing Gap in the Amazon
Tuesday, 22nd September 2026
By Paula Perrelli dos Anjos
Amazonia Impact Ventures (AIV) welcomes IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as a new partner: an endorsement from one of Latin America's most influential development institutions of AIV's mission to close the Amazon's financing gap.
The investment of US$1 million will form part of the catalytic tranche of AIV's blended debt fund, drawing on resources from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), which sits within the Climate Investment Funds (CIF). AIV will provide match funding of US$1.26 million. Through this investment, IDB Lab intends to help expand access to finance and encourage the use of impact-linked financing models across the Amazon in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
The opportunity is significant: producers' organisations across the Amazon operate in markets with considerable potential for growth but often face limited infrastructure, high transaction costs, and restricted access to markets and credit. These constraints can make it difficult for small businesses and producers to invest in technology, scale up their operations, and access new commercial opportunities.
Over a three-year period, the initiative is expected to enable 24 impact-linked loans for community-based and Indigenous companies, SMEs and cooperatives operating in Amazonian value chains. In practice, this could indirectly benefit around 3,720 producers, with women representing roughly 40% and Indigenous producers 20% of the total.
This strategy is designed to accelerate the adoption of technologies and business practices that can enhance sustainability and competitiveness, including regenerative agriculture, circular economy solutions and renewable energy. In parallel, IDB Lab will also provide AIV with technical assistance to strengthen the Impact Management and Measurement (IMM) framework, supporting the development of data collection tools, verification processes and impact reporting.
AIV's co-founders point to the strategic value of partnering with IDB Lab.
"This investment boosts our capacity to invest in the Amazon bioeconomy, investing in entrepreneurs and promoting innovation and clean technologies through instruments tailored to their realities and designed with incentives to protect nature and empower women and Indigenous peoples," notes AIV's Managing Director, Aldo Soto.
The Investment Director, Pajani Singah, adds that AIV's role within the Amazonia Finance Network (AFN) reinforces the company's position as one of the few impact funds working exclusively in the area:
"Our focus on the region allows us to work closely with Indigenous and community-based enterprises, tailoring financial solutions to their needs and providing ongoing support to develop the bioeconomy."
This approach has demonstrated traction. Since 2020, AIV has deployed US$15.1 million in impact-linked investments, reaching over 6,000 producers and supporting enterprises across agroforestry, regenerative agriculture and sustainable non-timber forest product value chains. AIV's operational model and regional specialisation enable it to serve the "missing middle" of Amazonian SMEs and connect locally rooted enterprises with funding tailored to their needs.
"Expanding access to finance for businesses and producers in the Amazon creates an opportunity to test innovative financing models tailored to the realities of these markets. Through this initiative, we aim to help enterprises adopt new technologies, strengthen their businesses, and demonstrate approaches that can attract additional investment to the region," said César Buenadicha, Chief of Ecosystem Building and Acceleration Division at IDB Lab.
IDB Lab's investment adds to the Amazonia Impact Fund I's capital base, which AIV continues to grow alongside family offices, foundations and other impact investors committed to the businesses, producers and value chains of the Amazon basin.
ABOUT IDB LAB
IDB Lab is the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group). It focuses on entrepreneurship and technology to co-create solutions for development challenges and spark 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. As of 31st December 2025, IDB Lab's active portfolio totalled 423 operations for an approved amount of US$580.9 million.
KEY FACTS
US$1 million IDB Lab's investment in AIV's blended debt fund
US$1.26 million AIV's match funding
24 impact-linked loans expected over three years
~3,720 producers expected to benefit, across Peru, Ecuador and Colombia
40% / 20% share of women / Indigenous producers among those reached
US$15.1 million deployed by AIV in impact-linked investments since 2020, reaching 6,000+ producers in the Amazon rainforest
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