TradeFlow is the world's first FinTech-powered commodity trade enabler, focused on narrowing the trade-finance gap for SMEs in bulk commodity markets. Through our USD and EUR Trade Flow Funds we have invested in more than US$3.5 billion of physical commodity trade across 3,500+ transactions, 18+ countries, and 35+ commodity types, with more than 1,800 SME counterparties KYC-reviewed.
We enable trade for SMEs that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — particularly in developing-economy rural communities, where we work with local entities to ensure equitable trade practices. Our footprint includes Brazil, India, Ghana, and Rwanda among others.
UN Sustainable Development Goals alignment
Goal 1 — Poverty abatement. Supporting SMEs in addressing the US$1.5 trillion unmet trade gap in this sector helps alleviate poverty in the most affected parts of the world.
Goals 2 & 8 — Hunger and decent economic growth. Our investments fund products and services for smallholder farmers, raising profitability and food security while driving sectoral growth.
Goal 9 — Industry innovation. We are an industry leader in applying FinTech tools to the trade-finance market mechanism. The combination has been critical to scaling SME financing without sacrificing risk management.
Goal 13 — Climate action. Since December 2020 we have committed to ensuring all shipping of our commodities is carbon-neutral.
Goal 17 — Partnerships for the goals. We are a member of professional bodies that support ESG principles and the SDGs, working with carbon exchanges (such as Air Carbon Exchange) and carbon-mitigation project managers to offset our footprint.
Climate impact strategy
We were among the first players in trade finance to offset carbon emissions through digitalisation and through our shipping. We have a partnership with Carbonfund.org Foundation for Verified Emission Reductions, validated and verified to the Verified Carbon Standard and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard, in support of our carbon-neutral shipping commitment.
Our digitalisation efforts include estimated savings of 4,580 kg of CO₂, 1,950 kg of wood, and 47,942 litres of water from the use of DocuSign alone, between January 2022 and June 2024.
Investment principles
Our funds were conceived in 2016 and launched in 2018. With strong intentions to become a Signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) we support all six UNPRI principles, from incorporating ESG into investment analysis through to active ownership and reporting.
We are guided by a Poverty-Weighted Net Present Impact (wNPI) methodology developed in partnership with H₂O Venture Partners — closely mirroring NPV calculation for commercial enterprises but with the potential to play a similar role for social impact.
Recognition and signatories
Partner of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through "ICC Trade Now" and the "ICC Digital Trade Standards Initiative".
TCFD signatory (1 June 2022) — supporting climate-related financial disclosure as a natural part of risk management and strategic planning.
UN Global Compact supporter (23 June 2022) — aligning strategy and operations with the UNGC's Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.