NIBL Equity Partners is pleased to share the signing of a strategic partnership between NIMB Ace Capital Limited and Momo VC to jointly develop a Nepal-focused PE/VC investment fund.

The initiative is intended to enhance access to structured growth capital for high-potential enterprises in Nepal, while also strengthening linkages with international and diaspora investor networks.

We believe that this partnership is essential to deepening Nepal’s investment ecosystem and advancing the development of a more mature and globally integrated capital market.

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Strategic investment supports the Upper Junbesi Khola project, a 5.875 MW peaking run-of-river in Solukhumbu

Kathmandu, Nepal [April 9, 2026] – NIBL Equity Partners (NIBLEP), a Specialized Investment Fund (SIF) registered with the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and managed by NIMB Ace Capital Ltd., has concluded an equity investment of NPR 15 crore (NPR 150 million) in Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro Limited, the developer of the 5.875 MW Upper Junbesi Khola Hydropower Project (UJKHPP) located in Solududhkunda Municipality, Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province, Nepal. The equity investment agreement was formally signed on March 19, 2026.

The Upper Junbesi Khola Hydropower Project is a hydro project located in Solukhumbu that aims to generate electricity using the flow of the Junbesi Khola river. It is a one-hour peaking run-of-river (PRoR) project, meaning it can store water for a short time and generate more electricity during peak demand hours. The project is expected to produce about 35.43 GWh of electricity per year, with around 33% generated during the dry season.

The project has already signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to sell all of its 5.875 MW electricity. The generated power will be transmitted through a 33 kV line to the Tingla substation via a pooling station that is being built alongside the project.

Shivanth B Pandé, CEO of NIBL Equity Partners, said, “This investment marks a significant portfolio addition for us here at NIBL EP and reaffirms our strategic focus on mid-sized hydropower and clean energy investments that contribute to Nepal’s long-term energy security and economic development.”

“We are pleased to partner with NIBL Equity Partners at this critical stage in the Upper Junbesi Khola project. This partnership will accelerate the completion of the project and ensure timely delivery,” said Santosh Bhattarai, the managing director of Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro Limited. “We believe this collaboration will enhance reliable power supply to remote areas while contributing to Nepal’s long-term vision of a sustainable and clean energy transition .”

As of January 2026, about 75% of the construction of the project is completed, and commercial operations are set to begin in August 2027.

About NIBL Equity Partners

NIBL Equity Partners is the private equity initiative of NIMB Ace Capital, the country’s largest and most active banking and capital market institutions, and a subsidiary of Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited. A direct reflection of the innovative spirit of the two legacy institutions, can be found in the fund’s investment approach. NIBL equity partners have been financing Nepal’s most promising growth-stage companies, guiding them towards operational excellence, sustainable value creation, and helping build an interconnected and synergetic business ecosystem.

About Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro Limited

Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro Limited is a hydropower development company engaged in the development of the Upper Junbesi Khola Hydroelectric Project (UJKHPP), located in Solukhumbu District of Koshi Province. The Company is committed to contributing to Nepal’s sustainable energy sector through the development of reliable and environmentally responsible PROR hydropower infrastructure. The Upper Junbesi Khola project is strategically positioned to harness the hydrological potential of the region, supporting national energy security and long-term economic growth.

Mr. Poudyal is an established leader in Nepal’s financial services sector with nearly four decades of experience across commercial banking, investment banking, and values-based sustainable finance, offering a deep and nuanced understanding of Nepal’s financial ecosystem. Over the course of his career, Mr. Poudyal has worked closely with regulators, financial institutions, and development partners to strengthen Nepal’s banking sector. His contributions have been recognized by the Government of Nepal with the Prawal Janasewa Shree (Fourth).

Previously, he served as Chairman of Nabil Bank Ltd., Nepal’s first joint-venture bank, and Chief Executive Officer of NMB Bank for 17 years, where he led major advancements in governance, risk management, and sustainable banking. He has also contributed as a banking expert to ESG and Environmental and Social Risk Management capacity-building programs supported by IFC, FMO, and Invest for Impact Nepal.

“Mr. Poudyal’s unparalleled expertise and track record in sustainable and values-based banking make him an invaluable addition to NIBL’s Advisory Board,” said Shivanth Pande, CEO of NIBL Equity Partners. “His guidance will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen governance frameworks, enhance sustainability practices, and drive innovation in Nepal’s banking sector.” 

“The private equity ecosystem in Nepal is at a pivotal inflection point, and I’m thrilled to help steward NIBL into its next phase of growth in this new role” said Mr. Upendra Poudyal. “I look forward to collaborating with the Board and management to support NIBL’s strategic objectives and contribute to the growth of a resilient and inclusive PE ecosystem in Nepal.”

He currently serves as the Asia Pacific Regional Representative of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) and as Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Business Management at the School of Management, Tribhuvan University.

About NIBL Equity Partners

NIBL Equity Partners is the private equity initiative of NIMB Ace Capital, the country’s largest and most active banking and capital market institutions, and a subsidiary of Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited. A direct reflection of the innovative spirit of the two legacy institutions, can be found in the fund’s investment approach. NIBL equity partners have been financing Nepal’s most promising growth-stage companies, guiding them towards operational excellence, sustainable value creation, and helping build an interconnected and synergetic business ecosystem.

In her new role, Ritu will co-lead the firm’s strategic direction across private equity, investment management, and sustainable finance. Her mandate includes strengthening due diligence processes, expanding ESG-integrated investment frameworks, enhancing portfolio oversight, and supporting the development of innovative financial instruments that contribute to Nepal’s economic transformation.

Shivanth Bahadur Pande, CEO of NIMB Ace Capital, said, “Ritu’s expertise in private equity, sustainability, and enterprise development adds strength to our leadership team. Her experience aligns well with our investment approach and our commitment to driving long-term value across Nepal’s financial landscape.”
“I am honored to join NIBL Equity Partners at a time when Nepal’s capital markets are evolving rapidly,” said Ritu Pradhan Malla. “There is immense potential to drive growth while delivering sustainable impact. I look forward to contributing to the firm’s ambitious vision and supporting the next chapter of Nepal’s financial sector development.”
Ritu brings over 14 plus years of experience in climate finance, private equity, enterprise development, and sustainable impact. Previously, she held a leadership role at Business Oxygen (BO2), where she led enterprise development and investment strategy for growth-stage companies. She currently serves as an Independent Director at GhamPower and is a member of the Advisory Board at Impact Hub Kathmandu, contributing to both organizations’ strategic direction in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Her prior roles also include serving as Head of Advisory Nepal for Cross Boundary Advisory, Director of Investment & Business Development Services for the USAID Trade and Competitiveness Activity, implemented by Deloitte, where she oversaw investment mobilization and enterprise support initiatives. A strong advocate of ESG integration, Ritu is recognized for aligning investment processes with international standards, including those of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

About NIMB Ace Capital
NIMB Ace Capital Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited, has been a trusted name in Nepal’s financial sector since its establishment in 2011. Formerly known as NIBL Capital Markets Limited, the company specializes in delivering customized financial solutions, including merchant banking, advisory, asset management, and depository participant services. Backed by the strength of its parent company and extensive industry experience, NIMB Ace Capital stands as a premier provider of customer-centric and innovation-driven investment banking services in Nepal

About NIBL Equity Partners
NIBL Equity Partners is the private equity initiative of NIMB Ace Capital, the country’s largest and most active banking and capital market institutions, and a subsidiary of Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited. A direct reflection of the innovative spirit of the two legacy institutions, can be found in the fund’s investment approach. NIBL Equity Partners have been financing Nepal’s most promising growth-stage companies, guiding them towards operational excellence, sustainable value creation, and helping build an interconnected and synergistic business ecosystem.

The investment aims to boost global expansion, regional exports, and new outlets in Nepal. CEO of NIMB Ace Capital, Shivanth Bahadur Pande, said the partnership would help position Himalayan Java as a global ambassador for Nepalese coffee. Founder Anand Gurung highlighted that the collaboration will help scale the brand globally while sustaining domestic growth and community-focused initiatives.

Himalayan Java, established in 1999, now operates over 70 outlets and has a growing digital presence with 23,000 app downloads, reflecting Nepal’s rising specialty coffee culture. Meanwhile, NIBL Equity Partners is the private equity initiative of NIMB Ace Capital, the country’s largest and most active banking and capital market institutions, and a subsidiary of Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited.

Nifra obtained all regulatory approvals for the “Nepal’s first-ever public issuance of green bond” with support from the Global Green Growth Institute and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

“For NIMB Ace Capital Ltd., this initiative is a natural extension of our legacy rooted in innovation and foresight,” said Shivanth Bahadur Pandé, CEO of NIMB Ace Capital Ltd. “By enabling Nepal’s first ever green energy bond issuance, we are showcasing our commitment to sustainability, and are building on our long-standing vision of pioneering topical and impactful financial solutions for Nepal’s climate-resilient development.”

AIIB makes first Nepal foray with $90m hydropower loan

Structured to appeal to both institutional and retail investors, 60% of the bond was allocated via private placement and 40% through a public offering. According to the provider, the strong uptake is seen as a vote of confidence in Nifra’s green finance strategy.

The bond offers a fixed annual interest rate of 6% over a seven-year term. Proceeds will be used to fund clean energy infrastructure, including hydropower and solar projects, in line with Nifra’s commitment to “green, resilient and inclusive development”.

The issuance marks a milestone in Nepal’s capital markets as the country’s first green energy bond and signals a growing appetite for ESG-aligned financial products, shared the provider.