What it takes to reach financial close: lessons from our first Investment Catalyst Facility cohort
Access to affordable debt remains a challenge for many last mile distributors (LMDs) working to bring beneficial products and services to underserved communities. While these businesses play a critical role in expanding access to energy solutions, securing financing requires more than a compelling business model. It demands strong financial systems, reliable data and consistent operational management.
Our new publication shares practical lessons to help LMDs strengthen investment readiness and reach financial close – drawing on experiences of 15 energy-focused GDC members supported through our Investment Catalyst Facility (ICF) cohort one.
ICF was launched to help our community members professionalise and access the financing they need to grow. Of the 15 participating companies selected from 65 applicants across eight countries, four had successfully raised debt by September 2026, while nine were raising debt for the first time.
The publication identifies six key areas businesses should strengthen to improve their prospects of securing financing.
We encourage LMDs preparing to raise debt to use the publication’s practical recommendations and debt-readiness checklist to identify gaps and strengthen their businesses ahead of engaging potential investors.
Note: Applications for the next ICF cohort are opening soon. Stay tuned for updates.