Asia’s impressive growth has not translated to inclusive development patterns across the countries. Despite the progress, Asian countries are still coping with a wide range of social, environmental and economic challenges. Capital 4 Development Partners (C4D) believes that SMEs can play an important role in developing countries in an inclusive manner. Asian SMEs, however, still struggle to grow, one of the reasons being the lack of access to and availability of affordable finance. C4D is built to tackle this challenge and is geared to bridge the finance gap. 

Arvind Agarwal is the co-founder and CEO of C4D, an impact investment fund manager that invests in promising, scalable, impactful SMEs while aiming for social as well as financial return optimization. Through the Capital 4 Development Asia Fund alone, C4D has from 2018, invested USD 20+ million in social enterprises. Through its portfolio companies, it has contributed to sustaining 8k+ jobs, disbursed loans of USD 191+ million, and made payments of USD 79+ million to farmers and suppliers.

Arvind was only a teenager when he realised his ultimate career goal was to be a private equity investor. In his journey, Arvind has been associated with landmark companies such as Goldman Sachs, Abu Dhabi Capital Management, and E-valueserve India Pvt. Ltd and has successfully managed funds with an AUM of USD 30 million to USD 5 billion. Today, Arvind is a seasoned impact investor with 15+ years of experience. Adept at alternative investments and social impact investing, Arvind has a keen eye for identifying socially driven investment opportunities that show the promise of making a difference to society. His expertise lies in strategic decision making, financial planning, fund and portfolio management and private equity investments. He serves as a director and advisor on the board of 10 portfolio companies and provides them with strategic guidance on several matters.

At C4D Partners, Arvind heads the overall operations of the company and is a member of the investment committee of the USD 30.3 million Asia Fund. He strongly believes in the concept of ‘impact investing’ and enjoys building initiatives and conversations around social impact, sustainability, and ways of nurturing social enterprises.