FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VANCOUVER, BC – June 10, 2026 – Deetken Impact has been awarded the 2026 Environmental Responsibility Award at the 12th Annual LAVCA Deal Awards for its investment in Dispower, a recognition that highlights the growing role of private capital in accelerating climate solutions that are both commercially scalable and deeply community-centered.
Presented by the Association for Private Capital Investment in Latin America (LAVCA), the Deal Awards recognize standout investments across Latin America and the Caribbean that demonstrate innovation, operational excellence, and measurable environmental and social impact.
“Dispower represents the kind of company we believe will define the future of sustainable development in the region. At a time when the global energy transition risks leaving rural and historically underserved communities behind, they demonstrate that climate infrastructure can be both financially sustainable and intentionally inclusive – designed not only to reduce emissions, but to expand opportunity, dignity, and resilience. This recognition from LAVCA reflects the power of catalytic, impact-focused capital to help scale companies that are building practical, community-centered solutions with measurable environmental and social outcomes.”
The award-winning investment was made through the Ilu Women’s Empowerment Fund, the first gender lens fund dedicated exclusively to Latin America and the Caribbean, that invests in businesses advancing women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.
In Colombia’s non-interconnected zones – regions where millions of people still live without reliable electricity, Dispower is operating decentralized solar infrastructure designed specifically for rural and remote communities. Through off-grid solar home systems, school systems, and water hubs, the company is expanding access to clean energy while strengthening the social and economic resilience of historically underserved populations.
Yet the significance of this work extends far beyond megawatts installed or emissions avoided. Reliable electricity creates ripple effects across entire communities; enabling food preservation, digital connectivity, safer public spaces, water access, educational continuity, and expanded economic opportunity. For women in particular, improved energy access can reduce household burdens, strengthen safety, and unlock greater participation in local economic life.
The support provided by the Resilient Futures Fund expanded Deetken Impact’s capacity to invest in climate solutions led by, benefiting, or meaningfully engaging women and girls. Managed by 2X Global and backed by Amazon, Reckitt, the Skoll Foundation, the UPS Foundation, and the Visa Foundation, the initiative reflects growing momentum behind gender-responsive climate finance. The investment was also formally recognized under the 2X Challenge, underscoring its contribution to advancing inclusive and gender-smart climate solutions.
“At Dispower, we believe this recognition reflects not only the growth and evolution of the company, but also the commitment, vision, and work our team has been building alongside the communities we serve. For us, sustainable communities are at the center of the model: the community is our main ally in the operation, and we train and employ community members in maintenance, repair, management, and customer service. By generating direct and indirect employment, we help strengthen local economies while showing that energy can be a tool for equity, inclusion, and social transformation for thousands of families in Colombia’s non-interconnected zones.”
Beyond validating Dispower’s impact and relevance in the market, this type of recognition strengthens the company’s visibility and credibility with investors, strategic partners, and other actors across the regional ecosystem. It also reinforces the role of gender-responsive, community-centered climate finance in scaling solutions that expand access to essential services while delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes.
This marks Deetken Impact’s second LAVCA Deal Award, following the firm’s 2024 Social Impact Award for its investment in Puntored. Together, the recognitions reflect Deetken Impact’s continued focus on backing businesses across Latin America and the Caribbean that deliver measurable financial performance alongside transformative environmental and social outcomes.
Since 2016, the LAVCA Deal Awards have recognized standout private capital transactions that reflect the increasing sophistication, innovation, and impact of the region’s investment ecosystem. Winners are selected by an independent panel of institutional investors, including development finance institutions, pension funds, and fund-of-funds managers.
About Deetken Impact
Deetken Impact is a Canadian impact asset manager generating strong financial returns while creating lasting social and environmental impact in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through our family of funds, we have invested in over 70 companies operating in sectors including clean energy, financial inclusion, agriculture, and housing, while pioneering technical assistance programs to maximize meaningful and measurable impact outcomes. Deetken Impact is registered with the Canadian securities commissions, and an Impact Assets 50 Emeritus manager.
About Dispower
Dispower is a public utilities company that operates and maintains solar energy infrastructure in communities located in Non-Interconnected Zones (ZNI) in Colombia. It ensures the sustainability and provision of energy services through administration, maintenance, and social and commercial management. It optimizes its operating model, creating opportunities for growth and access to essential services that improve users’ quality of life.
About LAVCA
LAVCA is the Association for Private Capital Investment in Latin America, a non-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting the growth of private capital in Latin America and the Caribbean. Their mission to spur regional economic growth by advancing private capital investment is accomplished through research, networking, education programs, promoting best investment practices and advocating for sound public policy. LAVCA was founded in 2002 with support from the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank.
For more information, contact:
Heather van Mil
Communications & Marketing Associate, Deetken Impact
Email: hvanmil@deetkenimpact.com
Laura Olano
Marketing & Communications Director, SunCompany
Email: laura.olano@suncompany.co
# # #
