The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Lab has launched a Call for Proposals for venture capital funds that bridge early-stage financing gaps and promote social inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Through investments in venture capital funds, IDB Lab aims to tackle critical barriers to development impact and social inclusion, with a special focus on poor and vulnerable populations across the region. The call seeks to bridge key financing gaps in countries, sectors, and business models where early-stage entrepreneurs face unmet investment demand.
The call is open to early-stage investment funds from pre-seed to Series B investments. Funds with a minimum size of USD 20 million are eligible, while funds under the “Nascent and Emerging Ecosystems” investment approach require a minimum fund size of USD 10 million.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Fund managers must align with at least one of IDB Lab’s investment approaches:
| Investment Approach | Focus |
|---|---|
| Nascent and Emerging Ecosystems | Investing in early-stage ecosystems such as Central America, the Caribbean, and selected South American markets |
| Regional Funds | Regional strategies connecting developed and emerging venture capital ecosystems across LAC |
| Sector-Specific Funds | High-impact sectors with structural capital gaps including Health/Biotech, Edtech/Workertech, Agtech/Foodtech, and Climate Tech |
Additional Requirements
- Geographic Focus: At least 80% of the fund must be invested in companies in Latin America and the Caribbean
- Team: Qualified management team with experience in early-stage investments, presence in LAC, and complementary skills
- Impact Mainstreaming: Transformational or impact-oriented mission embedded in the investment strategy
- Gender and Diversity: Strong commitment to promoting gender and diversity at both the fund manager and portfolio company levels
Application Process
Investment management firms interested in being considered for IDB Lab’s investment should apply through the online form and submit the firm’s investment deck. The selection process is highly competitive, and a committee of professionals from IDB Lab will review each proposal.
Timeline
Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. To be considered for potential investment in 2027, proposals must be submitted by September 30, 2026.
About IDB Lab
IDB Lab is the innovation laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, the leading source of development finance and know-how for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 1993, IDB Lab has approved more than US$2 billion in projects deployed across 26 LAC countries.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please email: VCFUNDS@iadb.org
Apply now:https://www.iadb.org/en/home/calls-proposals/venture-capital-funds
How Earth Focus Network Brings This Solution to Our Community
At Earth Focus Network, we believe that environmental and social change is not a solo journey—it’s a collective movement. Opportunities like the IDB Lab Call for Proposals are exactly the kind of funding and partnership pathways we exist to share with our community of changemakers.
What We Do
- Curate Opportunities—We identify and share grants, funding calls, job openings, and partnership opportunities from across the globe, so you don’t have to spend hours searching.
- Amplify Visibility – We use our news media channels, Slack community, and social platforms to ensure our members are the first to know about high-impact opportunities.
- Connect Mission-Aligned Partners – Through smart matching and networking, we connect you with the right organizations, funders, and collaborators to scale your impact.
- Build a Regenerative Ecosystem – Every new member strengthens our network effect, creating a powerful, self-sustaining community of changemakers.
Why This Matters for Our Members
When you join Earth Focus Network, you gain access to:
- Exclusive funding alerts – Be the first to know about calls like IDB Lab, GlobalGiving, UN grants, and more
- Vetted opportunities – We vet every opportunity to ensure they are legitimate and aligned with sustainability and social impact
- Global connections – Connect with organizations, investors, and fellow changemakers across continents
- Visibility – Showcase your work to a global audience of stakeholders through our media channels
Join Earth Focus Network – Be the First to Know
Are you a social entrepreneur, investor, researcher, or changemaker looking for funding and partnership opportunities?
Don’t wait—these opportunities are time-sensitive. Members who join today get immediate access to our curated opportunities board, smart matching, and global network.
How to Join
- Join Our Slack Community – Connect with fellow changemakers and start networking immediately
- Create Your Account – Set up your professional profile on the Earth Focus Network website
- Apply for Vetting – Ensure you join a trusted, high-impact community
- Make Your Contribution – Starting at $20/month, support reforestation and community projects
- Book Your 1:1 Matching Session – Get personalized connections to the right partners and opportunities
Be Part of the Movement
“You are not just a member. You are a co-creator of a regenerative future.”
The planet needs all of us. Earth Focus Network is a living ecosystem of people who refuse to accept the status quo. The time is now.
🌐 Visit us: www.earthfocusnetwork.com
📧 Email us: Info@earthfocusnetwork.com
📌 Apply Now
For more information and to apply for the IDB Lab Call for Proposals, visit:
🔗 https://www.iadb.org/en/home/calls-proposals/venture-capital-funds
