Fostering Impactful Growth
Tim Gocher OBE is the founder and CEO of Dolma Impact Fund ─ the largest international fund manager for Nepal. Managing USD108.56 million, the company is positioned as a catalyst for employment opportunities and a pioneering force for sustainable growth in Nepal. Committed to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030, the company directs institutional capital towards fostering impactful growth in the country.
How Dolma Impact Fund Began
It all began when Gocher first arrived in Nepal in 2003. Observing the country, he was struck by the resilience and innovation of local entrepreneurs, who, despite limited resources, were as skilled and determined as those in the world’s leading business centres. This untapped potential became a key motivation for starting Dolma Impact Fund.
At the time, impact investing was on the rise, particularly in South Asia, with pioneers like
Aavishkaar in India. However, Nepal lacked similar initiatives, despite the growing need
for sustainable investment. Gocher saw this gap as an opportunity to bring impactful,
long-term capital to the country.
Political stability, following the 2006 peace accord and the 2013 democratic elections,
further convinced him that Nepal was ready for sustained economic growth. Despite
challenges like high unemployment and reliance on remittances, there was a clear
market-driven opportunity to support local businesses and drive job creation. The combination of Nepal's entrepreneurial spirit, political stability, and economic need
inspired him to create Dolma Impact Fund.
Role of Impact Investing in Nepal
Gocher says that impact investing is pivotal for Nepal’s economic development as it channels capital into sectors that create both financial returns and positive social and environmental outcomes. “By investing in key areas like renewable energy, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, impact investors can address Nepal’s challenges, particularly unemployment. These investments help create quality local jobs, reducing the need for labour migration and
strengthening families and communities.”
Moreover, impact investing helps build a track record of successful businesses, attracting further investment and fostering a more resilient, diversified economy. In short,
It plays a crucial role in job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth in Nepal.
Key Achievements
Under Gocher’s guidance, Dolma Impact Fund has made significant strides in advancing
economic development and sustainability in Nepal. One of their most notable
achievements is the successful creation of over 11,600 jobs across Nepal and other
developing markets, primarily in sectors such as technology, healthcare, renewable
energy and manufacturing.
They have also pioneered renewable energy investments in Nepal, positioning the
country to harness its vast hydropower potential and contribute to a sustainable energy
future.
A landmark achievement in their portfolio is Fusemachines ─ an AI company, which will make history this year as the first Nepali-origin American company to list on NASDAQ, showcasing the global potential of Nepali businesses.
Additionally, Dolma launched the Dolma Climate Fund (DCF) to specifically address climate change impacts in the region. Gocher’s vision for Dolma Climate Fund targets USD 200 million for investments primarily in renewable energy. This initiative will not only combat climate change but is expected to generate over 22,000 jobs, improve local infrastructure and reduce harmful emissions.
Most Personally Rewarding Experience
Celebrating their 10th year of investing in Nepal this year, Gocher looks back on his journey with Dolma Impact Fund and identifies job creation as the most rewarding experience for him personally as a leader. “With emigration from Nepal approaching 3,000 young people per day, the 11,600 jobs that have been created through Dolma’s initiatives represent not just numbers but real families. Each of these positions means that 11,600 families are not separated due to economic necessity,” Gocher says. This impact resonates deeply with him, as it embodies the mission of the fund and underscores the positive change that can be made in the community.
