AuRA Program Launches to Boost Impact Investment in Colombia

A $700,000 co-financing vehicle has been launched by the Bolívar Davivienda Foundation and BID Lab through its new AuRA program. This initiative aims to strengthen the impact investment ecosystem in Colombia and Latin America by connecting investors with innovative, scalable companies that generate social and environmental value.

The Challenge

Colombia is the third most active venture capital ecosystem in Latin America, having attracted $4.791 billion in recent investments. However, structural flaws hinder efficient capital allocation. 73% of risk capital targets growth and late-stage phases, leaving early and intermediate stages underfunded. Additionally, 59.5% of investment concentrates on fintech, proptech, and logistics, neglecting high-impact sectors like cleantech (2.7%) and healthtech (3.2%). Of the $473.2 million managed by Colombian funds, only $167.1 million meet rigorous ESG standards aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Solution

AuRA addresses these gaps by providing a portfolio of 185 pre-selected impact companies evaluated on environmental, social, and governance criteria. The program offers:

• A catalytic capital vehicle of $700,000 to co-finance at least 10 strategic operations, mobilizing approximately $2 million from third parties.
• Free specialized training and networking opportunities for investors.
• Access to a network of 21 support entities assisting entrepreneurs.

The program targets angel investors, family offices, venture capital funds, and corporate vehicles. It currently has 80 registered investors, with space for up to 140 participants. Fernando Cortés, CEO of the Bolívar Davivienda Foundation, stated: “With AuRA we want capital to be at the service of real solutions for social and environmental challenges.”

Source: La República Source: Portafolio