Rise Guyana announces final close of US$29M real estate, infrastructure fund

Rise Guyana has announced the final close of its first private investment fund, securing US$29 million. The fund is the first of its kind—an institutional real estate and infrastructure vehicle dedicated exclusively to Guyana.

Backed by international investors from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, South America and the Middle East, the fund aims to capitalise on Guyana’s status as the world’s fastest-growing economy. The announcement comes against the backdrop of a major arbitration battle between oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron over a US$1 trillion oil discovery in the Stabroek Block—highlighting Guyana’s rising importance on the global energy map.

“This fund reflects our confidence in Guyana’s transformation and our commitment to building long-term value with local roots and global vision,” said Kristine Thompson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Rise Guyana.

Guyana’s meteoric economic ascent has been powered by vast offshore oil reserves. The Stabroek Block alone is estimated to contain some 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil. According to industry analysts and Wood Mackenzie, the project is expected to generate US$182 billion in profits for Exxon and its partners, and over US$190 billion in revenues for the Guyanese government over the next 15 years. With production costs below US$30 per barrel, the field is regarded as one of the most valuable oil and gas assets in the world.

The International Monetary Fund projects Guyana’s economy to continue expanding by nearly 15% annually, further reinforcing its appeal to frontier-market investors.

Rise Guyana positions itself as a first mover in translating oil-driven growth into long-term infrastructure and real estate development. Operated by a Caribbean-based team with decades of experience in emerging markets, the firm blends local insight with international governance standards.

Among the fund’s early development plans are:

• A dual-branded Marriott City Express and Marriott City Suites hotel near Ogle Airport and Exxon’s headquarters;

• Modular housing manufacturing facilities to enable rapid, cost-effective construction;

• A private aviation services hub at Ogle and Timehri airports;

• Multi-phase greenfield residential projects along new highway corridors;

• A series of built, multi-family housing developments.

The fund targets a net internal rate of return (IRR) of 30%, employing a strategy that balances stable income-producing assets with high-growth opportunities.

“This is more than a real estate fund—it’s a platform for national transformation,” Thompson added. “We’re combining frontier returns with institutional governance to help shape the physical, economic and social future of Guyana. This is the first of many funds to come.”