Electronica Finance Ltd raises over Rs. 100 cr ($15 mn) through issuance of equity to Encourage Capital to fund business growth
Pune, 3rd December 2019: Engaged in machinery and other asset financing for MSMEs since 1990, Pune-based Electronica Finance Ltd (EFL)has raised over Rs. 100 cr ($15 million) through issuance of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) to finance business growth in the existing product segments and to fund expansion into the new rooftop solar financing business. Encourage Capital, headquartered in New York(one of the key promoter, is an impact investment and advisory firm that has taken a minority stake in EFL through its fund, Encourage Solar Finance, L.P. Encourage Capital was formed through a combination of Wolfensohn Fund Management, founded by former World Bank President, James D. Wolfensohn, and EKO Asset Management.The investment banker to the transaction was Edelweiss Financial Services.
Commenting on the private placement deal, Ms. Shilpa Pophale, MD, Electronica Finance Ltd, said, “EFL has been growing at a rapid pace and continues to focus on the MSME sector, which despite being the new engine of growth has been facing numerous challenges, including availability of finance. The incremental funds raised will enable us to cater to the MSME segment in a more vigorous way as well as grow our business in machinery financing through various funding options. It will also fund our foray into the new rooftop solar financing business for MSMEs. We look forward to a long association with Encourage Capital, who have expertise in financial inclusion, clean energy finance and other environmental related finance areas.”
Said Mr. Ameya Bijoor, Partner and Co-head, Climate Finance and Financial Inclusion, Encourage Capital, “EFL has a proven track-record of providing innovative financing solutions for MSMEs for nearly 30 years. EFL has a unique and scalable platform that supports MSMEs in financing their businesses, from energy efficient equipment finance to industrial property loans to the clean energy investments. We are excited to be EFL’s first institutional equity partner for growth and to support EFL in launching a new business focusing on rooftop solar finance for MSMEs.”
Over the past few years, EFL has grown at a solid pace and is a leading lender focused on MSMEs in the country. It’s vintage, stability and deep understanding of the MSME business has helped in launching the new business of secured loans to micro enterprises. To date, EFL has served over 7,500 customers and has presence in 15 states through 55 branches and over 450 employees. As on September 30, 2019, the company’s assets under management (AUM) were close to Rs. 1,350 crores. The company focuses on assessment-based financing, through varied products like machine loans, business loans, secured loans for micro enterprises etc.
Recently it also entered into an agreement with a responsAbility-managed climate fund in April 2019 for issuance of USD equivalent $10 million in green Masala Bonds.