PEO Venture Capital

Vision

To contribute to the diamond dream.

Mission

To empower Botswana citizens through the development of sustainable businesses.

Introduction

Peo is a venture capital fund owned by De Beers and Debswana Diamond Company. It was established in 1997. The shareholders are committed to promoting and facilitating the development of commercially viable businesses in Botswana.

Why a Venture Capital Fund?

The shareholders realized the need to support the development of businesses in Botswana through funding in the form of equity and debt finance. Finance through equity gives Peo the opportunity to be more involved in the running of the business with the view to mentor the entrepreneurs.

What are the objectives of the fund?

Enhance reputation of shareholders,
Creation of sustainable employment,
Facilitate impartment of business skills,

Polymex Industries (Pty) Ltd financed by Peo

How does the fund assist businesses?

Peo provides financial assistance in the form of equity and loan finance, Equity funding is provided in return for minority shareholding in the business, Loans are provided at competitive rates to supplement equity funding

Who is eligible for assistance?

Citizen companies and individuals who want to start up, expand or acquire businesses are all eligible for assistance

What criterion is used to appraise applications?

Commercial viability of the business idea,
Entrepreneur’s commitment and ability to manage the business,
Sound credit and trade references,
Entrepreneur’s contribution relative to the size of the investment and own resources.

Veterinary and Agricultural Consultants financed by Peo

What businesses will PEO not assist?

As a matter of practice PEO does not exclude any proposal subject to it being commercially viable. However, Peo focus in the following areas;

Markets that are not overtraded,
Projects that do not require re-financing,
Projects that are sustainable.

What contribution is the entrepreneur required to make towards the investment?

An entrepreneur is required to contribute either financial or other unencumbered assets to the business. The entrepreneur must be available to manage the business.

Highlights to Date

P40m investment by De Beers and Debswana Diamond Company, P36.2m investment in Projects,P8.4m equity investment,P 27.8m in debt finance,60 projects funded,60% profitable businesses,58% successful businesses,1 321 jobs created.