Washington, D.C. May 21, 2019 –  PME Investimentos became the newest member of the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs.  

“200 million businesses worldwide need financing to invest, grow and create new jobs. We are proud to have PME Investimentos join our network of 150 members who work to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses,” said Matthew Gamser, CEO of the Forum.  

PME Investimentos is a financial state-owned company, under Banco de Portugal’s supervision. For more than 29 years, it has supported Portuguese companies. Their mission to develop innovative funding instruments allow Portuguese companies to have the best financing conditions. 

“Membership with the Forum will strengthen our efforts towards supporting and investing the entrepreneurship, innovation, competitiveness and internationalization of Portuguese startups, SMEs and mid caps,” said Marco Fernandes, CEO of PME Investimentos. “Undoubtedly, the wealth of knowledge provided and innovative approach by the Forum to support SMEs, will expand our reach and impact.” 

PME Investimentos support SMEs namely through management of special investment vehicles and funds, with both debt and equity instruments, based in national funding and European Union funding.  

To see all SME Finance Forum members, please visit: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list 

About SME Finance Forum 
The Forum operates a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs. Its members share a common commitment to advancing finance so that small and medium enterprises can flourish and grow. The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 and is managed by the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group).        

About PME Investimentos 
PME Investimentos - Sociedade de Investimento, SA is a financial company of the State business sector, subject to the supervision of the Bank of Portugal. Its mission is to promote the expansion of financing to companies in the non-financial sector, in particular SMEs, notably through the management of special investment funds and vehicles to support business financing, dual capital and credit. 

Media Contact 
Carmen Smith 
csmith11@ifc.org