Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund

About Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund

ISSF is a USD 98 million fund established in 2017 and registered in Jordan as a private shareholding company. It was created as a partnership between the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and the Government of Jordan, with CBJ holding 49% of shares and contributing US$48 million, while the World Bank finances the Government’s contribution (US$50 million) channeled through MoPIC and JLGC, which hold 51%. The fund is committed to facilitating funding for Jordanian early-stage startups and SMEs through investments in venture capital funds and direct investments, aiming to catalyze a thriving entrepreneurial environment, generate jobs, and spur export-oriented growth. It also focuses on outreach to entrepreneurs from lagging regions and underserved groups such as youth and women, and seeks to improve deal-flow and services within Jordan’s ecosystem.