Swedfund, the Swedish government’s development finance institution, has invested $15 million in the Excelsior Capital Vietnam Fund II, a new initiative supporting the growth of medium-sized businesses in Vietnam. The fund targets sectors including healthcare, education, consumer goods, and technology, aiming to strengthen companies that have high growth potential.
This investment forms part of a broader effort to raise $200 million for the fund, which is expected to provide financial backing to around a dozen Vietnamese companies, helping them expand operations and create new jobs. Switzerland’s SIFEM fund has also contributed $20 million to the initiative, highlighting growing international support for Vietnam’s business sector.
Swedfund emphasized that the fund will improve access to long-term financing for Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up nearly all registered companies in the country but often struggle to secure investment for growth.
In addition to business expansion, the fund seeks to promote women’s participation in leadership and formal employment. It is aligned with the global 2X Challenge, which aims to increase economic opportunities for women in developing countries, ensuring that growth benefits are inclusive and equitable.