Africa-focused investment fund manager Amethis has reached a first close for Amethis Fund II with EUR305 million (approximately US$349 million) in capital commitments. Investors in the fund include the Edmond de Rothschild Group, Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild’s family, Madagascar-based conglomerate Axian Group and development finance institutions IFC, Proparco, Bpifrance and the EIB. Amethis Fund II will provide growth capital to Africa-based middle-market companies.