online-learning

### Examinons le Financement Mixte

L’aide traditionnelle au développement provenant de sources publiques et philanthropiques n’est pas suffisante pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable (ODD). Nous devons attirer davantage de fonds privés dans les pays en développement. Il y’a assez d’argent, mais actuellement, il n’est pas mobilisé. Le financement mixte est un outil de structuration financière qui mobilise le capital commercial vers les Objectifs de développement durable. 

Dans ce cours d’apprentissage en ligne, vous explorerez : 

1. Qu’est-ce que le financement mixte?
2. Pourquoi le financement mixte est-il nécessaire?
3. Archétypes de financement mixte
4. Tendances du marché et de l’investisseur

Le cours prendra 60 à 90 minutes et comprend de courtes vidéos, des activités, des quiz et du matériel de lecture supplémentaire. Il est disponible en anglais, français et espagnol.  

Téléchargez le glossaire des termes du financement mixte pour consulter les termes financiers utilisés dans le cours.

[Glossaire des termes du financement mixte](//assets.ctfassets.net/4cgqlwde6qy0/5qd1TO8wDgZ9zk3ioHpicX/ef615f817641e0983d96a15fef227835/FRE_Glossary-of-Blended-Finance-Terms_Draft-3.pdf)

CLIQUEZ SUR “OPEN” CI-DESSUS POUR COMMENCER LE COURS 

Ce cours a été financé par le gouvernement du Canada.


Examinons le Financement Mixte

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### Public E-learning Course – Demystifying Blended Finance

Traditional development aid from public and philanthropic sources is just not enough to realize the Sustainable Development Goals. At Convergence we believe that blended finance can disrupt traditional development finance as we know it, by attracting private sector funds to developing countries in volumes never seen before. Therefore, we’ve developed this course to improve access to knowledge on blended finance.

In this public e-learning course, you will explore:

1. What is blended finance?
2. Why is blended finance required?
3. Market and investor trends

The course will take 50-60 minutes to complete and includes short videos, activities, quizzes, and additional reading materials. It is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Download the Glossary of Blended Finance Terms below to complement the course.

[Glossary of Blended Finance Terms](//assets.ctfassets.net/4cgqlwde6qy0/1rF1wsLNIE4lwKbGrGzNIM/adf6d8f9e91986ae94eefa35e00f545a/ENG_Glossary-of-Blended-Finance-Terms_Draft-262.pdf)

CLICK “OPEN” AT THE TOP TO START THE ENGLISH COURSE.

🇫🇷 Take the course in French

🇪🇸 Take the course in Spanish

This course was funded by the Government of Canada

If your organization is a member of Convergence’s network, access the longer, member-only courses [here](https://www.convergence.finance/login?redirect=/capacity-building).


Demystifying Blended Finance (public)

### Examinons le Financement Mixte

L’aide traditionnelle au développement provenant de sources publiques et philanthropiques n’est pas suffisante pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable (ODD). Nous devons attirer davantage de fonds privés dans les pays en développement. Il y’a assez d’argent, mais actuellement, il n’est pas mobilisé. Le financement mixte est un outil de structuration financière qui mobilise le capital commercial vers les Objectifs de développement durable.

Dans ce cours d’apprentissage en ligne, vous explorerez :

1. Qu’est-ce que le financement mixte?
2. Pourquoi le financement mixte est-il nécessaire?
3. Tendances du marché et de l’investisseur

Le cours prendra 50-60 minutes et comprend de courtes vidéos, des activités, des quiz et du matériel de lecture supplémentaire. Il est disponible en anglais, français et espagnol.

Téléchargez le glossaire des termes du financement mixte pour consulter les termes financiers utilisés dans le cours.

[Glossaire des termes du financement mixte](//assets.ctfassets.net/4cgqlwde6qy0/5qd1TO8wDgZ9zk3ioHpicX/ef615f817641e0983d96a15fef227835/FRE_Glossary-of-Blended-Finance-Terms_Draft-3.pdf)

Ce cours a été financé par le gouvernement du Canada.

Si votre organisation est membre de Convergence, veuillez suivre le cours d’apprentissage enligne plus long, réservé aux members. [Cliquez ici](https://www.convergence.finance/login?redirect=/capacity-building).

Examinons le Financement Mixte (public)

### Cursos de e-learning – Explorando el Financiamiento Mixto

La ayuda tradicional al desarrollo que proviene de fuentes públicas y filantrópicas no es suficiente para lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). Necesitamos atraer más fondos del sector privado a los países en desarrollo.  Los recursos están allí, pero actualmente no están movilizados. El financiamiento mixto es una herramienta de estructuración financiera que moviliza el capital comercial hacia los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. 

En este curso, explorará: 

1. ¿Qué es el financiamiento mixto?
2. ¿Por qué se requiere el financiamiento mixto?
3. Arquetipos de financiamiento mixto
4. Tendencias del mercado e inversores

Completar el curso tomará de 60 a 90 minutos e incluye videos cortos, actividades, cuestionarios y materiales de lectura adicionales. Está disponible en inglés, francés y español.  

Descargue el Glosario de Términos de Financiación Mixta mixta para complementar el curso.

[Glosario de Términos de Financiación Mixta](//assets.ctfassets.net/4cgqlwde6qy0/78PEBRwUWqIVQUnNgH5Hzw/f556f3fab158e60fff79d5e0432800ca/ESP_Glossary-of-Blended-Finance-Terms-ES.pdf)

HAGA CLIC EN “OPEN” PARA COMENZAR CURSO

Este curso fue financiado por el Gobierno de Canadá.


Explorando el Financiamiento Mixto

E-learning Course – Demystifying Blended Finance
Traditional development aid from public and philanthropic sources is just not enough to realize the Sustainable Development Goals. At Convergence we believe that blended finance can disrupt traditional development finance as we know it, by attracting private sector funds to developing countries in volumes never seen before. Therefore, we’ve developed this course to improve access to knowledge on blended finance.

In this e-learning course, you will explore:

What is blended finance?
Why is blended finance required?
Blended finance archetypes
Market and investor trends
The course will take 60-90 minutes to complete and includes short videos, activities, quizzes, and additional reading materials. It is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Download the Glossary of Blended Finance Terms below to complement the course.

[Glossary of Blended Finance Terms](//assets.ctfassets.net/4cgqlwde6qy0/1rF1wsLNIE4lwKbGrGzNIM/adf6d8f9e91986ae94eefa35e00f545a/ENG_Glossary-of-Blended-Finance-Terms_Draft-262.pdf)

CLICK “START” AT THE TOP RIGHT TO START THE ENGLISH COURSE.

🇫🇷 Take the course in French

🇪🇸 Take the course in Spanish

This course was funded by the Government of Canada

Demystifying Blended Finance

### Cursos de e-learning – Explorando el Financiamiento Mixto

La ayuda tradicional al desarrollo que proviene de fuentes públicas y filantrópicas no es suficiente para lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). Necesitamos atraer más fondos del sector privado a los países en desarrollo.  Los recursos están allí, pero actualmente no están movilizados. El financiamiento mixto es una herramienta de estructuración financiera que moviliza el capital comercial hacia los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible.

En este curso, explorará:

1. ¿Qué es el financiamiento mixto?
2. ¿Por qué se requiere el financiamiento mixto?
3. Tendencias del mercado e inversores

Completar el curso tomará de 50 a 60 minutos e incluye videos cortos, actividades, cuestionarios y materiales de lectura adicionales. Está disponible en inglés, francés y español.

Descargue el Glosario de Términos de Financiación Mixta mixta para complementar el curso.

[Glosario de Términos de Financiación Mixta](//assets.ctfassets.net/4cgqlwde6qy0/78PEBRwUWqIVQUnNgH5Hzw/f556f3fab158e60fff79d5e0432800ca/ESP_Glossary-of-Blended-Finance-Terms-ES.pdf)

Este curso fue financiado por el Gobierno de Canadá.

Si su organización es miembro de Convergence, puede tomar el curso más largosolo para miembros. [Haga clic aquí](https://www.convergence.finance/login?redirect=/capacity-building).


Explorando el Financiamiento Mixto (público)

Convergence Logo

__Member Training: How Philanthropic Organizations Blend, January 9, 2025__

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More details to come.

Member Training: How Philanthropic Organizations Blend

Join us as we explore how philanthropic organizations blend

How Philanthropic Organizations Blend

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__Inside the Deal: Climate Investor 2, December 4, 2024, 9:00AM - 10:00AM ET__

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Explore the inner workings of real blended finance transactions through Convergence's "Inside the Deal" webinar series. Each quarter, we delve into a successful deal, inviting the deal sponsor and key stakeholders to offer candid insights on structuring these intricate transactions.

In our next webinar, we will feature Climate Fund Managers' Climate Investor 2 (CI2). CI2 is a blended finance facility delivering water, sanitation, and oceans infrastructure projects in emerging markets.

During this hour-long webinar, the Climate Fund Managers team will provide an overview of the facility’s structure and their fundraising journey. We will also conduct in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in the transaction, uncovering invaluable lessons learned along the way. The webinar will conclude with an open Q&A session.

*This webinar is open to Convergence members only.*

Inside the Deal: Climate Investor 2

Join us to learn about Climate Fund Manager’s Climate Investor 2 (CI2).

AGES-Convergence-WEBINAR-1200X628-1

__Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 4:00PM-5:00PM EAT__

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Blended finance has emerged as a key tool for mobilizing private capital to address development and climate challenges, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. As climate risks intensify, the need for sustainable investment in sectors like energy, agriculture, and financial services becomes more critical.

Convergence’s recently published [State of Blended Finance 2024: Climate Edition](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/state-of-blended-finance-2024-climate-edition/view) provides fresh insights into the state of blended finance globally, with a special focus on climate-related investments. The report highlights that Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 41% of climate-blended finance transactions, driven by the continent's investment opportunities and urgent climate needs. Despite significant progress, barriers such as perceived risks and relatively small transaction sizes continue to hinder private sector participation in the region.

Join us, alongside Africa's Green Economy Summit, for this webinar as we present key findings from the report, discuss the successes and challenges in mobilizing climate finance in Africa, and explore strategies to unlock more private capital with a climate lens.

The State of Blended Finance 2024 (Climate Edition): Spotlight on Africa

Join us, alongside Africa's Green Economy Summit, for this webinar exploring the State of Blended Finance 2024: Climate Edition, with specific focus on Africa.

The State of Blended Finance 2024 (Climate Edition): Africa

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__Innovative Finance for Climate: The Role of Blended Bonds, November 25, 2024, 10:00AM - 11:30AM ET__

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Join us for a webinar on the innovative use of blended bonds to address the climate financing gap. As global climate commitments continue to grow, the need for effective financing solutions has become paramount. This webinar will explore how blended bonds are emerging as a critical tool to mobilize capital for climate adaptation and mitigation projects worldwide.

The session will begin with presentations from leading organizations in the field: Convergence and the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). Convergence, a global network for blended finance, will provide an overview of how blended finance climate bond structures are effectively attracting both public and private capital. CBI, a pioneer in the green and sustainable bond space, will present on how certification and standardization of climate bonds are enhancing transparency, lowering risk, and improving market credibility and on the role of policy makers in supporting this process.

Following the presentations, a dynamic panel discussion will delve into the practical aspects of structuring and deploying blended bonds for climate action. Panelists will address the challenges and opportunities in scaling up the use of blended bonds.

The final agenda and panelists will be shared closer to the event date.

Innovative Finance for Climate: The Role of Blended Bonds

Join us to learn about the innovative use of blended bonds to address the climate financing gap.

State of Blended Finance Climate Edition – Spotlight on Asian Trends

__Member Training: State of Blended Finance (Climate Edition) – Spotlight on Asian Trends, November 21, 2024, 10:30AM-11:45AM SGT__

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Convergence just launched [the State of Blended Finance 2024 report](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/state-of-blended-finance-2024-climate-edition/view) with a focus on climate, which offers an updated analysis on climate blended finance in emerging markets, covering sector, region, and investor trends.

This session will focus on the the Asia-Pacific region, exploring the challenges and opportunities to mobilizing private sector finance into climate projects at scale in Asia.

__Featured Speakers:__
- Tristan Knowles, Unit Head, Blended Finance, Asian Development Bank
- Nandini Chaudhury, Managing Director, Head of APAC Advisory, CrossBoundary
- Eric Arndt, Director, Asia Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation
- Ritesh Thakkar, Senior Advisor and Head of Asia Pacific, Convergence Blended Finance (Moderator)

Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training. Non-members can register for a fee of USD75.

Member Training: State of Blended Finance (Climate Edition) – Spotlight on Asian Trends

Join us as we explore climate blended finance in Asia-Pacific region.

State of Blended Finance Climate Edition – Asian Trends

latimpacto masterclass web

__Masterclass: An Introduction to Blended Finance for Nature Based Solutions, November 14, 2024, 9:00AM - 10:00AM ET__

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Interested in innovative financing for nature-based solutions? Join Latimpacto and Convergence for an engaging masterclass designed to demystify blended finance in the environmental context. Explore how public and private resources can work together to drive sustainable impact and gain insights from industry experts.

Masterclass: An Introduction to Blended Finance for Nature Based Solutions

Join us to learn about blended finance for nature-based solutions.

Blended Finance for Nature Based Solutions

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Join us virtually for the launch of the 9th edition of our flagship State of Blended Finance report on __Wednesday, October 30 at 9:00AM ET__, where we will share data, trends, insights, and recommendations from the report.

This year, for the first time, we are releasing two State of Blended Finance reports. This second report, with a focus on climate, complements our 2024 State of Blended Finance which covered the overall blended finance market and was released earlier this year.

Explore the 2024 State of Blended Finance [here](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/state-of-blended-finance-2024/view).

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Detailed agenda to follow.

2024 State of Blended Finance (Climate Edition) Virtual Launch

Convergence is launching the State of Blended Finance (Climate Edition) on Wednesday, October 30 at 9:00AM ET. This year, for the first time, we are releasing two State of Blended Finance reports. This second report, with a focus on climate, complements our 2024 State of Blended Finance which covered the overall blended finance market and was released earlier this year.

2024 State of Blended Finance (Climate Edition) Launch

westafrica training social v2

__Member Training: How blended finance supports project finance transactions in West Africa, October 3, 2024, 9:00AM - 10:00AM ET__

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Project financing is critical for the delivery of crucial utility-scale services that enable development in low and middle-income countries. However, the underlying demand and supply-side risks, such as uncertain off-take/distribution capacity, affordability of infrastructure services to end users, and currency devaluation, among others can impact the project’s cash flows and viability. Blended finance offers a financial structuring approach that can leverage concessional capital to manage these risks, helping transactions get off the ground and mobilize private capital.
 
This webinar will feature two Convergence members, West African Development Bank and InfraCredit Nigeria and one partner organization, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund. These three organizations have successfully supported various infrastructure projects in West Africa using a variety of concessional and commercial instruments. The session will begin with a brief overview from each organization, followed by a panel discussion with the representatives.

 __Featured speakers:__
- Joseph Diabate Djigui, Head of Financial Planning, West African Development Bank
- Chidi Mike-Eneh, Head of Credit Risk, InfraCredit Nigeria
- Kwadwo Kwakwe Gyan, Head, Risk Management and Sustainability, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund
 

*Registration is complimentary for members, please register using the code shared via email. Non-members can register for a fee of $75.*

Member Training: How blended finance supports project finance transactions in West Africa

Project financing is critical for the delivery of crucial utility-scale services that enable development in low and middle-income countries. However, the underlying demand and supply-side risks, such as uncertain off-take/distribution capacity, affordability of infrastructure services to end users, and currency devaluation, among others can impact the project’s cash flows and viability. Blended finance offers a financial structuring approach that can leverage concessional capital to manage these risks, helping transactions get off the ground and mobilize private capital.

This webinar featured two Convergence members, West African Development Bank and InfraCredit Nigeria and one partner organization, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund. These three organizations have successfully supported various infrastructure projects in West Africa using a variety of concessional and commercial instruments. The session began with a brief overview from each organization, followed by a panel discussion with the representatives.

__Featured speakers:__
- Joseph Diabate Djigui, Head of Financial Planning, West African Development Bank
- Chidi Mike-Eneh, Head of Credit Risk, InfraCredit Nigeria
- Kwadwo Kwakwe Gyan, Head, Risk Management and Sustainability, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund

Join us as we explore blended finance for project finance in West Africa.

Blended finance for project finance in West Africa

Deal Connect

Join us for an engaging and insightful webinar where we will connect you to early-stage blended finance investment opportunities in emerging markets. This interactive session will feature presentations from two Convergence grantees, showcasing investment opportunities currently listed on our live deals database. This is a great opportunity to explore unique transactions and learn about new developments in the broader blended finance ecosystem.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the space, this webinar will uncover promising new ventures in emerging markets.

Save the date: __October 1, 2024 at 9:00AM - 10:00AM ET__. During the session we will present two compelling deals from our live deals database:

- The __Climate Collateral Alliance, by Opportunity International__, is an investment vehicle promoting climate adaptation and regenerative agriculture across five African countries. It incentivizes Financial Institutions (FIs) to lend to smallholder farmers, particularly women, fostering resilience in the face of climate change.

- The __Microleasing Fund, by AdOpes__, is a Kenyan evergreen debt fund that provides capital for asset finance to farmers and enterprises in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. It operates through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) and Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs), fuelling growth and financial inclusion across the region.

*This webinar series is exclusive to investors registered on the Convergence platform.*

Deal Connect: October 2024

Join us for an informative webinar that will connect you to relevant blended finance investment opportunities in emerging markets.

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__Member Training: An Introduction to Blended Finance, September 6, 2024, 9:30AM - 3:00PM CST, Mexico City__

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Join public, private, and philanthropic actors in Mexico City for an inspiring, interactive, and practice-driven training on blended finance. This beginner-level session will combine insights from Convergence experts, notable speakers from major organizations, and technical experts in the field. This training is an opportunity for Convergence members and non-members to gather in-person to share insights and experiences and tackle difficult questions around innovative approaches to mobilize private capital for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaker details and agenda to follow.

The training is complimentary for members (one seat for Standard Membership, two seats for Market Builder Membership), USD 100 for additional member seats, and USD 150 for non-members. Please contact your relationship manager for more details or questions on your membership type.

*Registration is on a first come, first served basis and capacity is limited. We encourage registering early to reserve your seat.*

Member Training: An Introduction to Blended Finance

Don't miss this training bringing together public, private, and philanthropic actors interested in blended finance in Mexico City for an inspiring, interactive, and practice-driven half-day of learning and knowledge sharing.

An Introduction to Blended Finance - Mexico City

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__July 30, 2024, from 10:00 AM EDT__

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The [Catalytic Climate Finance Facility](https://www.ccfacility.org/) will host a webinar on July 30th to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to bridge the gap between gender, energy, and climate blended finance. This comprehensive webinar will achieve this by:

- Providing a landscape view of the intersections between gender, energy, and climate blended finance.
- Offering practicable and candid guidance for incorporating gender equality considerations into climate blended finance instruments, specifically targeting the gender & energy nexus.
- Showcasing and amplifying successful examples of gender integration within climate blended finance vehicles that target the energy sector. 
 

__Format__ 
This 90-minute webinar includes a presentation summarizing key findings from the Convergence and [Climate Policy Initiative](https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/) report on the Gender and energy nexus within climate blended finance and practical advice on integrating gender considerations into climate blended finance instruments. Following this, a panel discussion will feature investors discussing their gender assessment approaches and monitoring, with examples from two case studies. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A segment. 

__Agenda__ 
- 10:00 – Opening Remarks from Arjan de Haan, Senior Program Specialist, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

- 10:05 – Report Findings: Gender and Energy Nexus within Climate Blended Finance
- 10:20 – Practical Advice on Integrating Gender Considerations into Climate Blended Finance
- 10:30 – Perspectives and Lessons from Investors & Practitioners on Gender in Climate Blended Finance

__Moderator__: Demetrio Innocenti, Climate Lead, 2X Global

__Panelists__: 
Anne-Marie Lévesque, Director, Impact Strategies & Thought Leadership, Development Finance Institute Canada (FinDev Canada)

Jeannette Gurung, PhD, Founder & Executive Director, Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management (WOCAN)

Lasitha Perera, CEO, Green Guarantee Company (GGC)

Maud Savary-Mornet Founder & CEO, Beyond Finance Consulting

- 11:00 – Q&A

Webinar: Gender and Energy Nexus within Climate Blended Finance

Join our FREE webinar on July 30th to learn about the tools to bridge the gap between gender, energy, and climate blended finance.

Gender & Energy Nexus within Climate Blended Finance Webinar

Join us for an informative webinar that will connect you to relevant blended finance investment opportunities in emerging markets. During this interactive session, Convergence members will share details about their investment opportunities that are listed on our live deals database. This is a great opportunity to explore new and unique transactions and learn from developments in the broader blended finance ecosystem.  

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this webinar is tailored to everyone interested in discovering promising new ventures in emerging markets.

Mark your calendar for __July 24, 2024, from 9:00AM to 9:45AM EDT__, as we present two compelling deals from our live deals database:

- __Smallholder Agroforestry Finance (SAF), by Rabobank__, is a blended finance facility that provides funding to smallholder farmers to support their transition to agroforestry, enabling access to carbon markets, additional income streams, and innovative funding sources.

- __Girls First Finance (GFF), by Girls First Finance Loans LLC__, is a company seeking to empower and protect vulnerable girls in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa through access to finance, education, community, and opportunity. Their strategy is multifaceted, centred around a mobile app providing access to small loans and professional empowerment tools for career advancement and ensuring holistic safeguarding.

*This webinar series is exclusive to investors registered on the Convergence platform.*

Deal Connect: July 2024

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__Member Training: Blended Finance for Agriculture and Forestry in Latin America and the Caribbean, June 25, 2024, 9:00AM - 10:00AM EDT__

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The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is one of the most biodiverse on the planet and plays a critical role in global agriculture. Agriculture and forestry are key sectors for the region, economically, socially, and environmentally. Blended finance can play a key role in helping catalyze financing toward LAC’s agriculture and forestry sectors. 

This training will explore trends from our [Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean: Agriculture and Forestry Data Brief](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/blended-finance-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-agriculture-and-forestry/view) and feature innovative blended finance structures from leading practitioners and investors at this nexus. 

Join us as we discuss the trends, opportunities, and challenges of blended finance for agriculture and forestry in LAC.

Featured speakers:
- Leslie Durschinger, Founder, CEO, CIO, Terra Global Capital
- Federico Sinisterra Tenorio, Senior Manager, Investment Management Debt, Colombia, Finance in Motion
- Pajani Singah, Co-Founder/ Investment Director, Amazonia Impact Ventures
- Steven Ripley, Director, Investor Engagement, Sustainable Investment Management
- Marcelo Cwerner, Head of Impact Finance, Conexsus
 

*Registration is complimentary for members, please register using the code shared via email. Non-members can register for a fee of $75.*

Member Training: Blended Finance for Agriculture and Forestry in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is one of the most biodiverse on the planet and plays a critical role in global agriculture. Agriculture and forestry are key sectors for the region, economically, socially, and environmentally. Blended finance can play a key role in helping catalyze financing toward LAC’s agriculture and forestry sectors. 

This training explored trends from our [Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean: Agriculture and Forestry Data Brief](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/blended-finance-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-agriculture-and-forestry/view) and featured innovative blended finance structures from leading practitioners and investors at this nexus. 

Featured speakers:
- Leslie Durschinger, Founder, CEO, CIO, Terra Global Capital
- Federico Sinisterra Tenorio, Senior Manager, Investment Management Debt, Colombia, Finance in Motion
- Pajani Singah, Co-Founder/ Investment Director, Amazonia Impact Ventures
- Steven Ripley, Director, Investor Engagement, Sustainable Investment Management
- Marcelo Cwerner, Head of Impact Finance, Conexsus

Join us as we explore blended finance for agriculture and forestry in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean

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__Inside the Deal: MSME Fintech Credit Fund, June 18, 2024, 9:00AM - 10:00AM EDT__

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Explore the inner workings of real blended finance transactions through Convergence's "Inside the Deal" webinar series. Each quarter, we delve into a successful deal, inviting the deal sponsor and key stakeholders to share candid insights on structuring these intricate transactions.

In our next webinar, we will feature Lendable’s MSME Fintech Credit Fund. This is a private debt fund which provides on- and off-balance sheet debt to fintechs that support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the digital business ecosystem across Africa and Southeast Asia. 

During this hour-long webinar, the Lendable team will provide an overview of the fund's structure and their fundraising journey. We will also conduct in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in the transaction, uncovering invaluable lessons learned along the way. The webinar will conclude with an open Q&A session.

*This webinar is open to Convergence members only.*

Inside the Deal: MSME Fintech Credit Fund

Explore the inner workings of real blended finance transactions through Convergence's "Inside the Deal" webinar series. Each quarter, we delve into a successful deal, inviting the deal sponsor and key stakeholders to share candid insights on structuring these intricate transactions.

In this webinar, we featured Lendable’s MSME Fintech Credit Fund. This is a private debt fund which provides on- and off-balance sheet debt to fintechs that support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the digital business ecosystem across Africa and Southeast Asia. 

During this hour-long webinar, the Lendable team provided an overview of the fund's structure and their fundraising journey. We also conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in the transaction, uncovering invaluable lessons learned along the way. The session concluded with an open Q&A session.

Join us to learn about Lendable’s MSME Fintech Credit Fund.

Join us for an informative webinar that will connect you to relevant blended finance investment opportunities in emerging markets. During this interactive session, Convergence members will share details about their investment opportunities that are listed on our live deals database. This is a great opportunity to explore new and unique transactions and learn from developments in the broader blended finance ecosystem.  

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this webinar is tailored to everyone interested in discovering promising new ventures in emerging markets.

Mark your calendar for __May 28, 2024, from 9:00am to 9:45am EDT__, as we present two compelling deals from our live deals database:

- __SANAD Equity Sub Fund III (SANAD ESF III), by Finance in Motion__, integrates financial inclusion, gender empowerment, and tech innovation for both financial returns and social impact in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regions. The investment strategy of ESF I & II will be continued with more focus on innovation and gender equality. The Fund targets investments in early stage and growth companies in the MENA and SSA regions.

- __Placemakers Mlolongo Affordable Housing, by Placemakers__, seeks to develop 1,148 units of affordable housing in Nairobi, Kenya, catering to low and middle-income households. With secured land and approvals in place, the project is constructing low-rise apartments ranging from bedsitters to 3-bedroom units, all built to Edge Green Certification standards. The rent-to-own model offers families a clear path to ownership, supported by a purchase agreement from a respected Kenyan Property Fund.

*This webinar series is exclusive to investors registered on the Convergence platform.*

Deal Connect: May 2024

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__Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm EDT__

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Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities, and must rapidly accelerate their transition to sustainable economies. Many SIDS are exploring innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, for this transition. Blended finance will be an essential tool in supporting the regional blue economy transition, scaling investment opportunities, and financing nature-based solutions. 

This virtual panel discussion will explore the trends, opportunities, and challenges for blended finance in the Caribbean, and discuss successful examples of blended finance structures and instruments deployed to-date. The session will conclude with an open Q&A. 

Featured speakers:
- __Eduardo Carrera__, CEO, Platform for Social Impact
- __Shenique Albury-Smith__, Deputy Director, Caribbean Division, The Nature Conservancy
- __Kiesha Farnum__, Director, Public Sector Projects, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator
- __Dana Nau François__, Program Officer, Haïti, W.K. Kellogg Foundation


Blended Finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Caribbean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz2ta302fbI

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities, and must rapidly accelerate their transition to sustainable economies. Many SIDS are exploring innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, for this transition. Blended finance will be an essential tool in supporting the regional blue economy transition, scaling investment opportunities, and financing nature-based solutions. 

This virtual panel discussion explored the trends, opportunities, and challenges for blended finance in the Caribbean, and discuss successful examples of blended finance structures and instruments deployed to-date. The session will concluded with an open Q&A.

Featured speakers:
- __Eduardo Carrera__, CEO, Platform for Social Impact
- __Shenique Albury-Smith__, Deputy Director, Caribbean Division, The Nature Conservancy
- __Kiesha Farnum__, Director, Public Sector Projects, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator
- __Dana Nau François__, Program Officer, Haïti, W.K. Kellogg Foundation


Join us for for an update on Blended Finance in the Caribbean.

Blended Finance for SIDS: Caribbean

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__Member Training: Innovative Blended Capital Structures within African Financial Institutions, May 9, 2024, 4:00pm EAT__

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African commercial and development banks have adopted innovative blended structures at the corporate/balance sheet level that have mobilized non-traditional pools of capital to increase their ability to support various thematics including climate, small and medium-sized enterprises, and gender. Examples include Trade and Development Bank and African Guarantee Fund's tiered or varied capital structures. 

Join Convergence for a webinar exploring the nuances of how these organizations have implemented these innovative blended structures from a financial structuring perspective, and the opportunities and challenges they've encountered. The session will begin with a brief overview from each organization followed by panel discussion to delve into the details.

Featured speakers:
- __Mary Kamari__, Executive Director, Trade and Development Fund & Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Trade and Development Bank Group
- __Nishdeep Sethi__, Group Director of Structured Finance at African Guarantee Fund

*Registration is complimentary for members, please register using the code shared via email. Non-members can register for a fee of USD 75.*

Member Training: Innovative Blended Capital Structures within African Financial Institutions

African commercial and development banks have adopted innovative blended structures at the corporate/balance sheet level that have mobilized non-traditional pools of capital to increase their ability to support various thematics including climate, small and medium-sized enterprises, and gender. Examples include Trade and Development Bank and African Guarantee Fund's tiered or varied capital structures. 

This webinar explored the nuances of how these organizations have implemented these innovative blended structures from a financial structuring perspective, and the opportunities and challenges they've encountered. The session began with a brief overview from each organization followed by panel discussion to delve into the details.

Featured speakers:
- __Mary Kamari__, Executive Director, Trade and Development Fund & Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Trade and Development Bank Group
- __Nishdeep Sethi__, Group Director of Structured Finance at African Guarantee Fund

Join us for a Spotlight on Innovative Blended Capital Structures within African Financial Institutions

Innovative Blended Capital Structures in Africa

dc training eb

__Thursday May 2, 2024, 10:00am - 5:00pm EDT, Washington D.C.__

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This training will bring together blended finance practitioners in the Washington D.C. area for an inspiring, interactive, and practice-driven day of learning and knowledge sharing. As an intermediate-level programme, the session will combine insights from Convergence experts, notable speakers from major organizations, and technical experts in the field. This training is an opportunity for Convergence members and non-members to gather in-person to share insights and experiences and tackle difficult questions around innovative approaches to mobilize more private capital for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. More speaker details to follow.

This training is complimentary for members (one seat for Standard Membership, two seats for Market Builder Membership), USD 500 for additional member seats, and USD 750 for non-members. Please contact your relationship manager for more details or questions on your membership type.

Register by April 19th to reserve your seat.

__Session Agenda__

10:00am: Welcome & Introduction
- Joan Larrea, CEO, Convergence

10:15am: State of Blended Finance 2024: Deeper Insights
- Ayesha Bery, Manager, Convergence; Andrew Apampa, Manager, Convergence
- Convergence to present thematic insights and recommendations from the newly-released report.

10:45am: Panel Discussion: Balancing Scalability and Innovation: A look at Large Scale Transactions
- Moderator: Joan Larrea, CEO, Convergence
- Esteban Brenes, Senior Director Conservation Finance, WWF; Dia Martin, Managing Director, DFC; Stephanie von Friedeburg, Managing Director, Citi

11:45am: Group Exercise: Key Themes in Blended Finance
- Facilitator: Joan Larrea, CEO, Convergence
- Participants will discuss their responses to pre-work activities provided by Convergence on topics relating to their experience in blended finance transactions. 

12:45pm: Networking Lunch

1:30pm: Anatomy of a Blended Finance Transaction: The Central Asia Fund
- Geoffrey Chalmers, Senior Vice President, ACDI/VOCA

2:10pm: Expert Presentation: The Financials of Carbon, Biodiversity and Other Credits and Their Use in Blended Finance

2:40pm: Networking Coffee/Tea Break

3:00pm: Group Exercise: Analyzing a Blended Finance Transaction
- Facilitator: Leah Pedersen, Senior Director, Convergence
- Participants will review a specific blended finance transaction in detail and work together in small teams to analyze the feasibility of the structure and determine key opportunities for innovation and/or challenges to its success.

4:00pm: Blended Finance Marketplace
- Girls First Finance: Ryan Burgess, Managing Principal, Whole Child Advisors
- Azure Source Capital: John Simon, Managing Director, Total Impact Capital

5:00pm: End

In-Person Convergence Training for Blended Finance Practitioners

Join us as we bring together blended finance practitioners in the Washington D.C. area for an inspiring, interactive, and practice-driven day of learning and knowledge sharing.

Blended Finance Training in Washington D.C.

SOBF newsletter

Join us virtually for the launch of the 8th edition of our flagship State of Blended Finance report on __Tuesday, April 30 at 9:00am EDT__, where we will guide through the report’s data, trends, insights, and recommendations.

This year, for the first time, we will release two State of Blended Finance reports. This first report will cover the overall blended finance market and the second, to be released in Fall 2024, will focus on climate.

Explore last year's report [here](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/state-of-blended-finance-2023/view).

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__AGENDA__

9:00am - Welcome Remarks, __Joan M. Larrea__, CEO, Convergence

9:05am - Key Findings: The State of Blended Finance 2024
- __Nick Zelenczuk__, Manager, Convergence
- __Andrew Apampa__, Manager, Convergence
- __Ayesha Bery__, Manager, Convergence

9:25am - Q&A, Content Team, Convergence

9:35am - Panel Discussion: The Role of Regulators and Central Banks in Blended Finance

Moderated by __Joan M. Larrea__, CEO, Convergence, featuring:
- __Babak Abbaszadeh__, President & CEO, Toronto Centre
- __Isabelle Tiems__, Sustainable Finance Expert, Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS)
- __Michael Ryland__, Director, Centre for Social Finance Law
- __Ben Weisman__, Executive Director, Capital Mobilization at Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)

10:05am - Q&A with Panelists

10:25am - Closing Remarks, __Joan M. Larrea__, CEO, Convergence

2024 State of Blended Finance Virtual Launch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWJrwylXCQY

Watch the replay of our virtual launch of the 8th edition of our flagship State of Blended Finance report guiding through the report’s data, trends, insights, and recommendations.

This year, for the first time, we will release two State of Blended Finance reports. This first report covers the overall blended finance market and the second, to be released in Fall 2024, will focus on climate.

Explore this year's report [here](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/state-of-blended-finance-2024/view).

Convergence is launching the 8th edition of the State of Blended Finance Report on Tuesday, April 30 at 9:00 am EDT. The State of Blended Finance is Convergence’s annual report on blended finance trends, opportunities, and challenges. This year, for the first time, we will release two State of Blended Finance reports.

2024 State of Blended Finance Launch

sids webinar oceania social v2

__Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 10:00pm-11:00pm EDT__.

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Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities, and must rapidly accelerate their transition to sustainable economies. Many SIDS are exploring innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, for this transition. Blended finance will be an essential tool in supporting the regional blue economy transition, scaling investment opportunities, and financing nature-based solutions. 

This virtual panel discussion will explore the trends, opportunities, and challenges for blended finance in the Oceania region, and discuss successful examples of blended finance structures and instruments deployed to-date. The session will conclude with an open Q&A. 

Featured panelists:
- Marko van Waveren Hogervorst, PFAN Programme Manager, UNIDO
- Andy Isbister, A/g Director, Blended Finance and Investor Engagement Unit, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Paul Makumbe, Regional Director, Pacific, Camco

Blended Finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Oceania

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pcRfXFNqgY

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities, and must rapidly accelerate their transition to sustainable economies. Many SIDS are exploring innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, for this transition. Blended finance will be an essential tool in supporting the regional blue economy transition, scaling investment opportunities, and financing nature-based solutions. 

This webinar explored the trends, opportunities, and challenges for blended finance in the Oceania region, and discussed successful examples of blended finance structures and instruments deployed to-date. The session concluded with an open Q&A. 

Featured panelists:
- __Marko van Waveren Hogervorst__, PFAN Programme Manager, UNIDO
- __Andy Isbister__, A/g Director, Blended Finance and Investor Engagement Unit, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- __Paul Makumbe__, Regional Director, Pacific, Camco

Join us for for an update on Blended Finance in the Oceania region.

Blended Finance for SIDS: Oceania

W2AF V3

__Inside the Deal: Water Access Acceleration Fund (W2AF), March 26, 2024, 9:00am - 10:00am EST__

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Explore the inner workings of real blended finance transactions through Convergence's "Inside the Deal" webinar series. Each quarter, we delve into a successful deal, inviting the deal sponsor and key stakeholders to share candid insights on structuring these intricate transactions.

In our next webinar we will feature the Water Access Acceleration Fund (W2AF), the first ‘water-focused’ blended finance impact fund. This innovative private equity fund is focused on financing sustainable and scalable solutions that improve access to clean and affordable drinking water for underserved populations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

During the hour-long session, the Incofin and Danone team will provide an overview of the fund's structure and fundraising journey. We will also conduct in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in the transaction, uncovering invaluable lessons learned along the way. The webinar will conclude with an open Q&A session.

*This webinar is open to Convergence members only.*

Inside the Deal: Water Access Acceleration Fund (W2AF)

This webinar featured the Water Access Acceleration Fund (W2AF), the first ‘water-focused’ blended finance impact fund. This innovative private equity fund is focused on financing sustainable and scalable solutions that improve access to clean and affordable drinking water for underserved populations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

During the hour-long session, the Incofin and Danone team provided an overview of the fund's structure and fundraising journey. We also conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in the transaction, uncovering invaluable lessons learned along the way. The webinar concluded with an open Q&A session.


Join us to learn about the Water Access Acceleration Fund (W2AF)

asiatraining banner v4

__Member Training: Blended Finance for Climate Adaptation across Asia, March 26th, 2024, 11:00am SGT/March 25th, 2024, 11:00pm EDT__

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The Asia-Pacific is a widely diverse grouping of countries with distinct cultural, political and environmental realities, facing the same threat of climate change. As increasingly severe weather patterns affect critical sectors such as agriculture, water, coastal farming and forestry, the most vulnerable bear the brunt.

In order to build resilience across the region, adaptation strategies need to be implemented. A challenge to the pivot from mitigation to adaptation is the pressing need for climate adaptation finance. In this session we will explore this topic through the lens of blended finance by inviting the perspectives of conventional finance, social investors and innovators working on the ground.

Featured speakers:
- __Shruti Srivastava__, Investment Director, Avaana Capital
- __Srishti Parikh__, Impact Investment and Partnerships Lead, Avaana Capital
- __Mary Grace Catapang__, Communications and Science Coordinator, Blue Alliance
- __Tristan Ace__, Chief Product Officer, AVPN

*Registration is complimentary for members, please register using the code shared via email. Non-members can register for a fee of $100.*

Member Training: Blended Finance for Climate Adaptation across Asia

The Asia-Pacific is a widely diverse grouping of countries with distinct cultural, political and environmental realities, facing the same threat of climate change. As increasingly severe weather patterns affect critical sectors such as agriculture, water, coastal farming and forestry, the most vulnerable bear the brunt.

In order to build resilience across the region, adaptation strategies need to be implemented. A challenge to the pivot from mitigation to adaptation is the pressing need for climate adaptation finance. This session explored this topic through the lens of blended finance by inviting the perspectives of conventional finance, social investors and innovators working on the ground.

Featured speakers:
- __Shruti Srivastava__, Investment Director, Avaana Capital
- __Srishti Parikh__, Impact Investment and Partnerships Lead, Avaana Capital
- __Mary Grace Catapang__, Communications and Science Coordinator, Blue Alliance
- __Tristan Ace__, Chief Product Officer, AVPN

Join us for a Spotlight on Blended Finance in the Asia-Pacific

Blended Finance for Climate Adaptation across Asia

Join us for an informative webinar that will connect you to relevant blended finance investment opportunities in emerging markets. During this interactive session, Convergence members will share details about their investment opportunities that are listed on our live deals database. This is a great opportunity to explore new and unique transactions and learn from developments in the broader blended finance ecosystem.  

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this webinar is tailored to everyone interested in discovering promising new ventures in emerging markets.

Mark your calendar for __February 21, 2024, from 9:00am to 9:45am ET__, as we present two compelling deals from our live deals database:

- __Terra Bella – Nature Based Solutions Carbon Fund, by Terra Global:__ The Terra Bella Nature Based Solutions Carbon Fund (TB-NBS) seeks to finance sustainable landscape management across Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. The fund will invest in projects that reduce emissions from deforestation/degradation, increase tree cover, and promote climate-smart agriculture to produce verified emission reductions and removals (VERRs).
- __Save the Children Australia Impact Investment Fund II, by Save the Children Global Ventures:__ Save the Children Australia Impact Investment Fund II will invest in child-focused social enterprises in Asia to develop and scale innovative concepts that benefit children while making a financial return. The Fund will leverage Save the Children’s vast global network to access a pipeline of entrepreneurs and enterprises bridging the gap in funding available to creative and impactful approaches that are improving the lives of children and their communities.

*This webinar series is exclusive to investors registered on the Convergence platform.*


Deal Connect: February 2024

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__Member Training: How can early-stage and SME financing in Africa accelerate sustainable development? January 31st, 2024, 9:00am-10:00am EST__

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This session will look at how innovative early-stage and SME companies tackling development challenges are being financed in Africa and the role the private sector can play in supporting them through the growth stage. Join us for this engaging discussion exploring regional investment trends, blended approaches, and pipeline opportunities across energy, agri-food and financial inclusion, amongst others.

Featured speakers:
- Paulina Sokolova, COO, Offgrid.Finance
- Philip Gasaatura, Managing Director, Katapult Africa
- Laura Davis, Managing Partner, Renew Capital

Member Training: How can early-stage and SME financing in Africa accelerate sustainable development?

This session explored how innovative early-stage and SME companies tackling development challenges are being financed in Africa and the role the private sector can play in supporting them through the growth stage. The discussion touched on regional investment trends, blended approaches, and pipeline opportunities across energy, agri-food and financial inclusion, amongst others.

Featured speakers:
- Paulina Sokolova, COO, Offgrid.Finance
- Philip Gasaatura, Managing Director, Katapult Africa
- Laura Davis, Managing Partner, Renew Capital

Join us to learn how early-stage and SME financing is accelerating sustainable development in Africa

Blended Finance in Africa: early-stage and SME financing

Training

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwtLBOWBARk

The State of Blended Finance is Convergence's flagship annual report that provides an updated analysis of the blended finance market, including blending approaches, sectors, regions, and investor trends. The launch event included a presentation of report highlights and key findings followed by a panel discussion featuring speakers from Citi, The Lightsmith Group, the International Energy Agency and Rwanda's Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

This year’s edition once again focuses on climate. Drawing from our Historical Deals Database, the report presents new data and analyses on the global market for blended finance for both climate mitigation and adaptation, including insights on deal and investor trends. The report also illustrates the present blended finance landscape with expert commentary from Climate Policy Initiative, International Monetary Fund, International Energy Agency, and many more.

Read the full report [here](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/state-of-blended-finance-2023/view).

The State of Blended Finance is Convergence's flagship annual report that provides an updated analysis of the blended finance market, including blending approaches, sectors, regions, and investor trends.

The State of Blended Finance 2023 Launch Recording

[https://prod-convergence-public.s3.amazonaws.com/webinars//joan_mas_full.mp4](https://prod-convergence-public.s3.amazonaws.com/webinars//joan_mas_full.mp4)

On October 4, 2022 Convergence participated in the Transition Finance towards Net Zero: Scaling Blended Finance conference. The conference, which took place in Singapore, was organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore with knowledge partners McKinsey & Company and Convergence. Watch Convergence CEO Joan Larrea's presentation on the basics of blended finance.

The power of blended finance lies in its ability to pool capital from public, private and philanthropic sectors to achieve superior development outcomes and contribute to the SDGs in developing countries. This session introduced the concept of blended finance and demonstrated how, where and when this approach is best deployed. It also provided an overview of the blended finance landscape and covered the role of the various stakeholders in the space. 

How does blended finance mobilize commercial capital by altering the risk and return paradigm? How can various stakeholders support a transaction whilst concurrently achieving their organizational objectives?

Watch more videos on blended finance [here](https://www.youtube.com/@ConvergenceBlendedFinance).

Watch Convergence CEO Joan Larrea's presentation on the basics of blended finance at the Transition Finance towards Net Zero: Scaling Blended Finance conference in Singapore.

Blended Finance: What is it and how does it work?

An Overview of Blended Finance: What is it and how does it work?

[https://prod-convergence-public.s3.amazonaws.com/webinars//edited_State+of+Blended+Finance+2022+launch.mp4](https://prod-convergence-public.s3.amazonaws.com/webinars//edited_State+of+Blended+Finance+2022+launch.mp4)

The State of Blended Finance is Convergence's flagship annual report that provides an updated analysis of the blended finance market, including blending approaches, sectors, regions, and investor trends. The launch event included a presentation of report highlights and key findings followed by a panel discussion featuring speakers from Allianz, The Nature Conservancy, IFC, and The Shell Foundation.

For the first time, this year’s report focuses on climate and provides an overview of the state of the market for both blended finance for mitigation and adaptation, including insights on deal and investor trends. The report also includes includes expert commentary from Swiss Re, the Nature Conservancy, Shell Foundation, and more.

Read the full report [here](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/state-of-blended-finance-2022/view).

Past Events