Dolma Impact Fund (Dolma), Nepal’s first international private equity fund, celebrated its 10th anniversary on Tuesday, unveiling its latest initiative, the Dolma Climate Fund.
Issuing a statement on Wednesday, Dolma Impact Fund said that the new fund will focus on investing in hydropower, solar energy, and facilitating Nepal’s green transition. The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kathmandu, marked a decade of Dolma’s efforts in fostering Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, while creating lasting socio-economic impacts.
The ceremony was inaugurated by Finland's Ambassador to Nepal Riina-Riikka Heikka, alongside Dolma CEO and Founder Tim Gocher. Over the past decade, Dolma has pioneered investment opportunities that have spurred financial growth and innovative solutions in Nepal, the statement added.
In his keynote address, Siddhant Raj Pandey, chairperson of the Nepal Private Equity Association, spoke about the evolution of private equity in Nepal and its role in driving economic growth. He highlighted the growing industrialization of the private equity sector and the promising opportunities it presents for Nepal's future.
Shabda Gyawali, Dolma's Investment Director, Minakshi Rokka Chhetri, Head of ESG and Impact, and Managing Director Bidhyabaridhi Sigdel, shared insights on Dolma’s milestones and announced the launch of the Dolma Climate Fund.
“This fund aims to bring international private capital to Nepal, allowing the country to actively participate in global climate finance,” said Sigdel.
A panel discussion moderated by Nikita Bajracharya, senior investment manager at Dolma, featured industry leaders including Aditya Dugar, director of the Century Group of Companies, and Anup Acharya, founder of Setikhola Hydropower. The panel explored the significance of private equity funds and institutional investments in driving cross-sector collaborations and enhancing climate resilience in Nepal.
In a special video address, UK Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, commended Nepal’s growing entrepreneurial landscape and emphasized the importance of having the right investment partners for growth-stage companies. He also called for favorable tax policies to attract foreign investors. Ambassador Fenn’s message symbolically tied back to Dolma’s beginnings, as its launch event in 2014 was held at the British Embassy.
The event concluded with a special employee recognition segment, honoring team members who have been with Dolma for over a decade. Tim Gocher, CEO and Founder of Dolma Impact Fund, reflected on the fund’s journey from an initial £300,000 grant from DFID to becoming a significant player in Nepal's private equity landscape.
“As we enter a new decade, our focus will be on climate resilience, empowering industries across technology, healthcare, and renewable energy to create tangible environmental, social, and economic impact,” Gocher stated.
