Need Equity to Unlock Bank/DFI Funding?
SAEF bridges the equity gap that prevents viable SMEs from securing bank and DFI funding. We convert "funding declined – insufficient equity" into "funding approved – project fully capitalised."
Critical Prerequisite
Required before applying
📋 Letter of Intent from Bank or DFI
You MUST have a formal letter of intent from a bank or DFI requiring equity contribution before applying to SAEF.
- • Letter of intent or term sheet
- • Funding requirement breakdown
- • Equity contribution specified
- • Verbal commitments
- • Preliminary discussions
- • Applications without LOI
How the Equity Bridge Works
SAEF's unique model bridges the equity gap to unlock your bank/DFI funding
The Problem We Solve
Bank/DFI says: "We'll fund 80% but you need 20% equity"
SME has viable project but no equity contribution
Result: "Funding declined – insufficient equity"
Viable project dies due to equity gap
SAEF's Solution
SAEF provides the missing 20% equity
SME now meets bank/DFI equity requirement
Result: "Funding approved – project fully capitalised"
Project proceeds with complete funding
Real Example: R100 Million Project
Total Project Cost
Manufacturing expansion
DFI Funding Available
Requires R20M equity
SAEF Equity Bridge
Unlocks R80M funding
Equity Bridge Overview
Strategic equity investments designed to unlock bank and DFI funding
Equity Bridge Size
10% - 51%
Of project cost to meet bank/DFI equity requirements
Equity Structure
Strategic
Aligned with project timeline and exit options
Investment Period
3 - 7 Years
Patient capital for sustainable growth
Why Choose SAEF's Equity Bridge
Immediate Funding Access
Convert "funding declined" to "project fully capitalised"
Enhanced Credibility
Pre-vetted by SAEF, improving bank/DFI confidence
Strategic Partnership
SAEF works with DFIs, not against them
Flexible Exit Options
Equity buy-back, profit-sharing, or conversion options
Eligibility Criteria
Key requirements for SAEF equity bridge consideration
Bank/DFI Letter of Intent
Must have formal interest from a bank or DFI requiring equity contribution
- Letter of intent or term sheet
- Funding requirement breakdown
- Equity contribution specified
Viable Project with Contracts
Credible project with contracts, purchase orders, or confirmed market demand
- Project contracts or purchase orders
- Market validation evidence
- Clear project timeline
Equity Gap Requirement
Bank/DFI requires 10%-51%+ equity contribution that SME cannot provide
- Detailed project cost breakdown
- Equity gap calculation
- Funding requirement analysis
Target Sector Alignment
Project in high-impact sectors where DFIs are actively funding
- Manufacturing & Agro-processing
- Renewable Energy & Green Tech
- ICT & Smart Infrastructure
- Healthcare
- Transport & Logistics
- Tourism & Hospitality
Job Creation Impact
Project demonstrates clear job creation and economic impact potential
- Employment projections
- Economic impact assessment
- Community benefit analysis
Management Capability
Proven management team with track record and implementation capacity
- Management team profiles
- Track record verification
- Implementation capacity assessment
Equity Bridge Process Flow
Our circular process ensures seamless transition from application to funding unlock
Bank/DFI Engagement
SME secures letter of intent from bank or DFI requiring equity contribution
SAEF Initial Assessment
SAEF reviews project viability, contracts, and equity gap requirements
Project Appraisal
Detailed due diligence on project, management, and sector alignment
Equity Bridge Structure
Design equity bridge structure aligned with project timeline and exit options
Investment Committee
Final presentation to Investment Committee for approval
Equity Injection & Funding Unlock
SAEF provides equity → SME meets requirement → Bank/DFI releases funding
Required Documents
Prepare these documents before starting your equity bridge application. Bank/DFI letter of intent is mandatory.
Need Help Getting Started?
Download our comprehensive equity bridge application guide and templates to help you prepare a compelling application.
💡 Pro Tip: Book a pre-application call with our team to discuss your equity bridge needs and get personalized guidance on your application.
Ready to Apply for Equity Bridge?
Take the first step towards unlocking your bank/DFI funding with SAEF's equity bridge solution.
📋 Before You Apply
Ensure you have a letter of intent from a bank or DFI requiring equity contribution. This is mandatory for SAEF consideration.
Questions about the equity bridge process?
Contact our team or call +27 11 123 4567