KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 11
Dolma Impact Fund (Dolma), Nepal's pioneering international private equity fund, celebrated its 10th anniversary at Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu, on Tuesday. During the event it also announced the launch of Dolma Climate Fund which will focus on hydropower, solar and the green transition.
The event was inaugurated by Finland Ambassador to Nepal Riina-Riikka Heikka and Dolma CEO and Founder Tim Gocher.
The anniversary celebrations marked Dolma's decade-long pursuit to pave the way for innovative investment vehicles and help Nepal's entrepreneur ecosystem thrive financially, while generating lasting socio-economic impact, according to the press release issued by the fund.
Siddhant Raj Pandey, Chairperson of the Nepal Private Equity Association, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the evolution of private equity in Nepal over the past decade. He discussed the industrialization of the private equity sector and its role in Nepal's promising economic growth.
Dolma's Investment Director Shabda Gyawali, Head of ESG and Impact Minakshi Rokka Chhetri, and Managing Director Bidhyabaridhi Sigdel, shared about Dolma's decade-long journey, key milestones, lessons learned along the way, and the company's ESG and climate focus. Sigdel also announced the launch of Dolma Climate Fund, marking a new chapter in Dolma's commitment. The fund will help Nepal participate in global climate finance by attracting private capital to the country.
Nikita Bajracharya, Senior Investment Manager at Dolma, moderated an informative session with panelists Aditya Dugar, Director of the Century Group of Companies, Anup Acharya, Founder of Setikhola Hydropower, Sabrina Adhikari, Manager of NPEA, and Suman Rayamajhi, Managing Director of Upaya City Cargo. The panel explored how private equity funds work, institutional investments' role in fostering cross-sector collaborations, and driving impact while enforcing climate resilience.
UK Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn also delivered a video message, celebrating Nepal's robust entrepreneurship landscape. He highlighted how the right investment partner for growth-stage companies can help reap benefits that extend beyond financial gains. He shed light on the importance of conducive tax policies for foreign investors.
Dolma's launch event in 2014 was held at the British Embassy, so the Ambassador's address served as a symbolic continuation of Dolma's journey, the fund added.
The event concluded with a special recognition of employees who have been with Dolma for over 10 years. .
"In our journey from an initial £300,000 DFID grant, to becoming a significant player in Nepal's private equity landscape, we have tried to always lead by example," said Tim Gocher, OBE DL, CEO and Founder, Dolma Impact Fund. "It gives me immense pleasure in knowing that, today, we have inspired a culture of diversity, social inclusivity, and ESG awareness within our firm and across our portfolio companies. As we enter the new decade of our journey, we want to focus on creating tangible impact in climate resilience by empowering industries across technology, healthcare, and renewable energy to innovate and cross-collaborate for environmental, social and economic impact."
