In a city built on 17th-century merchant wealth, an investment firm has been reshaping Africa’s business landscape since 2006. While Amsterdam’s historic traders dealt in spices and silks, Goodwell Investments puts money into something far more impactful: inclusive growth.
“We invest in locally-led, tech-driven businesses across Africa to improve access to vital services like banking, food, and energy,” explains Wim van der Beek, Founder and Managing Partner of Goodwell Investments. After nearly two decades of smart investments, their portfolio’s impact speaks volumes.
The Numbers That Make Bankers Sweat
Check out these stats that’ll make even the savviest investors pause mid-sip of their morning coffee:
- €271 million invested in 36 companies
- 39+ million households reached
- 35,000+ jobs created
- 45 African countries and counting
And what else makes it extraordinary? These investments deliver competitive financial returns while solving real problems. When you back the right local businesses, both investors and communities win.
When Fintech Meets Farmers
Here’s a perfect example of their investment strategy: While 66% of sub-Saharan adults have no access to banking (that’s 350 million people), Goodwell invests in companies that bring financial services right to people’s phones. Instead of farmers traveling hours to reach a bank, Goodwell’s portfolio companies bring banking to them through mobile apps. And these aren’t just any farmers – they’re the ones who produce 80% of Africa’s food!
The Leapfrog Effect
Fun fact: Europe spent centuries figuring out banking. First came basic banks, then credit cards, then clunky websites, and finally decent apps. But Africa? Africa took one look at that timeline and said “nope, we’re doing this our way.” With Goodwell’s backing, millions are jumping straight to having a bank in their pocket. No marble columns or fancy lobbies needed – just a smartphone and some seriously smart investing. Now that’s what we call a shortcut!
Not Your Grandfather’s Colonial Company
Speaking of doing things differently – let’s talk about how Goodwell flips the old investment model on its head. Sure, they’re based in Amsterdam, but forget any outdated ideas about European companies “knowing what’s best” for Africa. The real magic happens in their Kenya and South Africa offices, where local teams call the shots and pick the winners. Why? Because who better to spot Africa’s next game-changing business than the people who actually live and work there?
And they don’t just write checks and wave goodbye. “Beyond financing” at Goodwell is like having that super-connected friend who’s all in on your success. You know the type – they help polish your pitch, introduce you to all the right people, and stick around to make sure you’re crushing it. First-time founders don’t just get money; they get a whole support system that would make Silicon Valley jealous. This isn’t speed dating – it’s a long-term relationship.
Impact That Actually Means Something
Their approach is refreshingly simple: no one gets left behind. Period. Instead of a fancy mission statement gathering dust in some conference room, Goodwell puts this idea to work every day. They pick companies that share these values, help them build strong foundations, and watch real change happen in communities.
And they’re serious about measuring that change. With €271 million invested across 36 companies, you might think they’d just sit back and watch. Nope. Goodwell tracks their impact with the same precision their Dutch ancestors used to build the world’s first stock exchange. They use professional frameworks like GRI Standards and IRIS+ to measure every detail. But here’s what makes them different – they don’t obsess over hitting specific impact targets. Instead, they focus on sustainable, long-term progress. Because real change? It doesn’t happen overnight.
Climate Action, Not Just Talk
While everyone else is adding “climate-friendly” to their PowerPoint decks, Goodwell is putting their money where it matters. Every investment they make has to answer one crucial question: how will this help communities deal with climate change? Because here’s the truth – when extreme weather hits, it’s those same underserved communities that get hit hardest. That’s why Goodwell isn’t just investing in business growth; they’re investing in climate resilience.
The Bottom Line
This is what real impact investing looks like: In sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional banks see obstacles, Goodwell sees opportunity. Their portfolio companies aren’t just building businesses – they’re creating entire markets from the ground up. It’s proof that when you invest in local solutions, both communities and investors win.
Want to be part of this transformation? At GICA, we’re building a community who believes in this approach. It’s what the UN calls SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals), but we call it common sense. Ready for more? Join us at gica.community and check out our other impact citizens.
The future of finance is inclusive, and thanks to companies like Goodwell, it’s already happening.
Wim on LinkedIn? Here!
