Guyana’s emergence as an investment hotspot was underscored this week by the launch of the country’s first institutional real estate and infrastructure fund. Rise Guyana, a locally based private equity firm, announced the final close of its inaugural fund at USD $29 million – marking a significant milestone for Guyana’s financial sector. Backed by investors from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, South America, and the Middle East, the fund will channel capital into transformative real estate and infrastructure projects nationwide. It comes as Guyana rides an economic boom as the world’s fastest-growing economy, fueled largely by vast oil discoveries in the offshore Stabroek Block.
“This fund reflects our confidence in Guyana’s transformation,” said Kristine Thompson, co-founder of Rise Guyana, adding that it marries “local roots and global vision”. The $29 million vehicle – modest by global standards but groundbreaking for Guyana – will help finance a slate of projects aimed at modernizing the country’s landscape. Early initiatives include construction of a dual-branded Marriott hotel near the Ogle Airport, development of modular affordable housing, a private aviation hub at Ogle and Timehri, and several new residential communities in fast-growing corridors. These ventures are intended to address critical needs such as hotel capacity, housing for a burgeoning workforce, and improved air transport facilities as investors and expatriates flock to Guyana.
Rise Guyana’s fund is notable as the first to tap institutional investors for local development opportunities, potentially paving the way for larger capital inflows. Financial analysts note that with Guyana’s oil revenues projected to generate billions for the government over the next decade, the private sector is now positioning itself to participate in the country’s infrastructure upgrade. The government has welcomed the fund as complementary to its own efforts, such as the sovereign wealth-funded infrastructure projects. Observers say the success of this fund could boost investor confidence and lead to bigger funds targeting Guyana. For now, the Rise Guyana team will focus on executing their current project pipeline. With a targeted 30% internal rate of return for investors, the fund aims to demonstrate that sustainable, profitable investment in Guyana’s development is attainable – and attractive – to global capital.
Region: Demerara-Mahaica (Region 4)
Sources: temponetworks.comtemponetworks.com
