British International Investment
The UK's DFI — patient equity and debt for India's climate and infrastructure.
SK Insights
How to Win BII's Climate Capital in Asia
BII is quietly becoming one of the most actionable DFI partners for climate-tech founders in India and Southeast Asia — but most CXOs approach them wrong. BII doesn't just write equity cheques; they anchor blended finance structures that unlock commercial capital at scale. If you're in BESS, green hydrogen, or climate adaptation, position your ask around additionality and development impact first, returns second. That's the language that moves their investment committee.
2026-09-14
BII's Asia Pivot: Where Patient Capital Meets Urgency
British International Investment is quietly becoming one of the sharpest climate-finance players in South/Southeast Asia — blending concessional and commercial capital in ways most DFIs won't. For Indian founders in green infra, storage, or climate-tech: BII isn't just cheque-writing, they co-structure. Their £9B+ portfolio signals real conviction. If you're pre-Series B with viable offtake and impact metrics, BII deserves a serious look before your next funding round.
2026-09-08
BII's Asia Pivot: Where Patient Capital Meets Urgency
British International Investment quietly deployed £1.8B+ into climate-linked assets in 2023, with India and Southeast Asia absorbing a growing share. BII's blended-finance structures — often first-loss or mezzanine — are underutilised by Indian founders who chase only equity. If you're building in clean energy, storage, or climate adaptation with credible impact metrics, BII isn't just capital — it's a de-risking signal that unlocks commercial co-investors. Stop overlooking DFIs.
2026-09-02
Overview
Dive deeperBritish International Investment (BII) is the UK government's development finance institution and impact investor. Formerly CDC Group, it deploys capital into private-sector businesses across Africa and Asia to drive sustainable, inclusive growth. It plays a catalytic role in mobilising private climate and development finance where commercial capital is scarce.
Mandate & focus
Dive deeperBII's mission is to create productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in developing markets. It prioritises climate finance, clean energy transition, gender-lens investing, and job creation, aligning with the UK's commitment to net-zero and the Paris Agreement goals.
India & Asia presence
Dive deeperBII maintains a dedicated India office and has been active in the country for decades. It operates across South and Southeast Asia, deploying equity, debt and fund investments. In India, it focuses on renewable energy, financial inclusion, climate-resilient infrastructure and emerging climate tech, partnering with local developers, fund managers and financial institutions.
Leadership roles
Dive deeperRoles are shown generally — verify the current appointees on the agency's own site.
Focus areas
Dive deeper- Renewable energy & clean power infrastructure
- Climate finance & green transition
- Financial services & inclusive finance
- Healthcare & education
- Climate-tech & sustainable agriculture
Notable programmes
Dive deeperFinancing instruments
Dive deeper- Direct equity and co-equity investment
- Senior and subordinated debt facilities
- Fund investments (fund-of-funds and anchor LP commitments)
- Guarantees and blended-finance concessional capital
How to engage
Dive deeperDevelopers, fund managers and CXOs can approach BII's South Asia investment team directly via its website with a project brief or fund pitch. BII typically seeks commercially viable, impact-aligned opportunities at growth or infrastructure scale. Blended-finance or first-loss structures can be explored for early-stage or higher-risk climate ventures.
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