Over the past ten years, we have not just invested capital in promising companies or projects; we have invested in people, dreams, and the future of Nepal.
September 14, 2024, marked the official 10-year anniversary of Dolma Impact Fund. Today, as we look back on our journey, we are filled with immense pride. Our decade’s pursuit embodies hope, purpose, and perseverance that came together to deliver measurable impact repeatedly.
Strategic Investments Lead to Empowered Communities
What began in 2014 with a vision to blend impact with profit has transformed into a movement— one that has touched lives, uplifted communities, and set Nepal on a path of resilience and sustainability.
When Dolma launched its first fund, DIF I, raising USD 21 million, we were fueled by one simple idea: impact can go hand in hand with growth. By 2016, we increased DIF I to USD 36 million, and in 2021, DIF II reached a remarkable USD 72 million. Altogether, Dolma’s two funds have injected over USD 108 million into Nepal, a number that speaks not just to our financial success but to the deep, lasting change we’ve ignited.
Every investment we made carries a story — of hope restored, of businesses that found a way to flourish, of families whose futures now look brighter. Over these ten years, we’ve seen, firsthand, how much potential resides within Nepal.
Upaya City Cargo, which won the “Best Startup of the Year 2021” award at the NewBiz Startup Summit and Awards. It’s more than just a company. It’s a lifeline for small businesses and communities across Nepal, a spark of innovation that is changing how goods move, creating jobs, and uplifting thousands.
Fusemachines Inc.,which is preparing for its NASDAQ listing, demonstrates the heights Nepali entrepreneurs can reach with the right support. All the while, creating a dependable talent pool in an emerging field like AI.
In the vast, mountainous regions of Nepal, where connectivity can mean the difference between opportunity and isolation, our investment in WorldLink Communications, together with British International Investment (BII), has been a game-changer. The partnership represents one of the largest investments in Nepal’s internet sector, empowering millions with the digital tools they need to connect, learn and thrive.
But beyond the success stories, we are acutely aware of the responsibility we carry. Our work is about creating a better future – not just for businesses but for people, families and entire communities.
Nepal’s Climate Crisis: A Heartfelt Call to Action
In every corner of Nepal, we feel the urgency of the climate crisis. Ranked the fourth most climate-affected country globally, Nepal faces a reality that is deeply personal and painfully real. We see it in the faces of farmers as floods wash away their crops, in the stories of families forced to rebuild their homes, in the fragile ecosystems that once stood strong but now hang by a thread.
Our glaciers, the lifeblood of this nation, are melting at an alarming rate. The towering Himalayas, a symbol of Nepal’s resilience and strength, are under threat. And with them, so are the livelihoods of millions. Imagine losing one third of these glaciers, even in the most optimistic scenario. Now imagine losing up to 80% of them, if the temperatures continue to rise! These numbers stand to squander the very future of our people – adults and children alike. These numbers are the very reason Dolma is stepping forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
Dolma Climate Fund: Our Promise to Future Generations
As we celebrate a decade of transformative investments, we cannot turn to the urgency of addressing the severe climate risks we face.
Dolma Impact Fund has now launched the Dolma Climate Fund (DCF)- because for us, the fight against climate change is not optional. It is essential.
Through Dolma Climate Fund, we aim to harness the power of Nepal’s abundant natural resources to fuel the future. We will invest in clean energy- solar power, hydropower, and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure- to not only reduce Nepal’s carbon footprint but to build a future where clean energy powers every home, every business and every community.
Our vision is rooted in belief and determination. We envision a Nepal that is not just surviving, but flourishing – a country that stands strong in the face of the climate crisis, a beacon of hope for sustainable development. We will not stop until we have built a country that leads the world in climate resilience and sustainability through action.
As we look ahead, we invite you to join us in our commitment to the people of Nepal, to the global community, and to future generations. Whether you are an investor, a partner or an entrepreneur, your passion and commitment are needed in this fight. Together, we can make Nepal a leader in green economy.
Together, we can ensure that the next 10 years bring not only financial growth but a legacy of hope, action and transformation.
The journey continues. And we walk this path, bravely, and with purpose, and with an unwavering belief in a brighter future for all.