Impact Investing
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DATABASE (17)
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ARTICLES (26)
SOURCE Global (formerly Zero Mass Water)
The first off-grid technology to create drinking water from the air using solar energy-powered hardware. Provides an entirely sustainable solution for droughts or contaminated supplies.
The first off-grid technology to create drinking water from the air using solar energy-powered hardware. Provides an entirely sustainable solution for droughts or contaminated supplies.
Using big data and predictive risk analysis, Pula is helping 4.4m farmers to boost yields, get insurance to protect their livelihoods against environmental hazards.
Using big data and predictive risk analysis, Pula is helping 4.4m farmers to boost yields, get insurance to protect their livelihoods against environmental hazards.
The Rise Fund is a $2bn impact investing fund co-founded by U2 front man Bono, Bill McGlashan and Jeff Skoll. The fund has partnered with nonprofit consultancy The Bridgespan Group to develop an evidence-based model for quantifying the impact of the firm’s investments.The global impact investment vehicle is managed by TPGGrowth, part of the multibillion-dollar investment firm TPG that focuses on growth equity investments and mid-market buyouts. As of December 2019, the fund has deployed $1.4bn across its investment portfolio.
The Rise Fund is a $2bn impact investing fund co-founded by U2 front man Bono, Bill McGlashan and Jeff Skoll. The fund has partnered with nonprofit consultancy The Bridgespan Group to develop an evidence-based model for quantifying the impact of the firm’s investments.The global impact investment vehicle is managed by TPGGrowth, part of the multibillion-dollar investment firm TPG that focuses on growth equity investments and mid-market buyouts. As of December 2019, the fund has deployed $1.4bn across its investment portfolio.
Closed Loop Ventures is an early-stage investment fund focused on the development of the circular economy.
Closed Loop Ventures is an early-stage investment fund focused on the development of the circular economy.
LeapFrog Investments is an impact-focused investor, managing over $1.6bn in assets mainly investing in Africa and Asia. Its “profit with purpose” has led to investments in startups that provide healthcare, financial services and insurance for low-income consumers. Since it was founded in 2007, LeapFrog has attracted funds from Prudential, AXA, Swiss Re and Omidyar Network, becoming the first impact investor in the world to reach the $1bn milestone. It’s headquartered in South Africa and Singapore.LeapFrog is best known for its investments in the insurance sector. One of the most prominent companies in its portfolio is BIMA, the mobile-based insurance provider that has provided coverage in Ghana, Bangladesh, Cambodia and many other countries. In 2020, LeapFrog invested in Indonesian startup PasarPolis, which is a broker for a wide range of microinsurance products. In the healthcare and biotechnology sectors, LeapFrog has funded Indian genetic diagnostics company MedGenome, as well as Goodlife Pharmacy, a Kenyan company providing access to affordable medicine in the East African country.
LeapFrog Investments is an impact-focused investor, managing over $1.6bn in assets mainly investing in Africa and Asia. Its “profit with purpose” has led to investments in startups that provide healthcare, financial services and insurance for low-income consumers. Since it was founded in 2007, LeapFrog has attracted funds from Prudential, AXA, Swiss Re and Omidyar Network, becoming the first impact investor in the world to reach the $1bn milestone. It’s headquartered in South Africa and Singapore.LeapFrog is best known for its investments in the insurance sector. One of the most prominent companies in its portfolio is BIMA, the mobile-based insurance provider that has provided coverage in Ghana, Bangladesh, Cambodia and many other countries. In 2020, LeapFrog invested in Indonesian startup PasarPolis, which is a broker for a wide range of microinsurance products. In the healthcare and biotechnology sectors, LeapFrog has funded Indian genetic diagnostics company MedGenome, as well as Goodlife Pharmacy, a Kenyan company providing access to affordable medicine in the East African country.
Beyond Investing is a Geneva-based firm investing in early-stage venture capital and equity growth startups mainly in European developed markets. With average investments of €200,000, the firm’s core investment strategy focuses on sustainability with an investment period lasting 5–10 years.The impact investor targets innovative startups involved in vegan, cruelty-free and plant-based alternatives; biotechnologies, foodtech, new materials, clothing and lifestyle sectors. Successful portfolio foodtechs include Mosa Meat, BlueNalu and Shiok Meats.With a team of vegan finance professionals in the US and Europe, Beyond Investing listed the first US Vegan Climate ETF (VEGN) on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2019. The ETF tracks Beyond Investing’s US Vegan Climate Index which covers an index of 495 of the largest-capitalization companies in the US stock market. The ethical investment option aims to exclude stocks in companies with activities that are not aligned with its vegan-themed, cruelty-free and fossil-fuel-free investing ethos.
Beyond Investing is a Geneva-based firm investing in early-stage venture capital and equity growth startups mainly in European developed markets. With average investments of €200,000, the firm’s core investment strategy focuses on sustainability with an investment period lasting 5–10 years.The impact investor targets innovative startups involved in vegan, cruelty-free and plant-based alternatives; biotechnologies, foodtech, new materials, clothing and lifestyle sectors. Successful portfolio foodtechs include Mosa Meat, BlueNalu and Shiok Meats.With a team of vegan finance professionals in the US and Europe, Beyond Investing listed the first US Vegan Climate ETF (VEGN) on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2019. The ETF tracks Beyond Investing’s US Vegan Climate Index which covers an index of 495 of the largest-capitalization companies in the US stock market. The ethical investment option aims to exclude stocks in companies with activities that are not aligned with its vegan-themed, cruelty-free and fossil-fuel-free investing ethos.
Founded by pioneering tech investor Ozi Amanat in 2015, K2 Global is a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley and Singapore. Amanat, who moved to Singapore in 2012, is one of Twitter’s early backers, raising $25m to invest in the social media startup that later went public in 2013. The Harvard graduate in psychology and economics also invested in Uber, Spotify and Alibaba during his career as a venture capitalist. Amanat is the chief investment officer of K2 VC, K2 Global and Singapore-based Spice Global controlled by Indian billionaire B K Modi.In 2017, K2 also announced a $183m VC fund focusing on early-stage startups that aim to address global challenges. The majority of K2 limited partners are based outside the US in countries like Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Founded by pioneering tech investor Ozi Amanat in 2015, K2 Global is a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley and Singapore. Amanat, who moved to Singapore in 2012, is one of Twitter’s early backers, raising $25m to invest in the social media startup that later went public in 2013. The Harvard graduate in psychology and economics also invested in Uber, Spotify and Alibaba during his career as a venture capitalist. Amanat is the chief investment officer of K2 VC, K2 Global and Singapore-based Spice Global controlled by Indian billionaire B K Modi.In 2017, K2 also announced a $183m VC fund focusing on early-stage startups that aim to address global challenges. The majority of K2 limited partners are based outside the US in countries like Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Founded in Sydney in 2004, Artesian Capital Management (Australia) Pty Ltd is a global alternative investment management firm specialized in public and private debt, venture capital and impact investment strategies. The VC was a spin-off from ANZ Banking Group’s capital markets business, backed by ANZ Private Equity. Artesian’s founding partners Jeremy Colless, Matthew Clunies-Ross and John McCartney bought ANZ’s stake in 2005.Today, Artesian has international offices in New York, London, Singapore, Jakarta and Shanghai. Its China VC Fund was launched in 2017 and the firm also has plans for a Southeast Asia VC Fund. The alternative investment firm currently manages multiple funds including Australian VC Fund 2, High Impact Green Debt Fund, GrainInnovate and Women Economic Empowerment Fund.
Founded in Sydney in 2004, Artesian Capital Management (Australia) Pty Ltd is a global alternative investment management firm specialized in public and private debt, venture capital and impact investment strategies. The VC was a spin-off from ANZ Banking Group’s capital markets business, backed by ANZ Private Equity. Artesian’s founding partners Jeremy Colless, Matthew Clunies-Ross and John McCartney bought ANZ’s stake in 2005.Today, Artesian has international offices in New York, London, Singapore, Jakarta and Shanghai. Its China VC Fund was launched in 2017 and the firm also has plans for a Southeast Asia VC Fund. The alternative investment firm currently manages multiple funds including Australian VC Fund 2, High Impact Green Debt Fund, GrainInnovate and Women Economic Empowerment Fund.
Established in 1958, VERSO Capital is a boutique merchant banking and financial services firm based in Luxembourg. It also has offices in Geneva, Fribourg, Vaduz, Dubai, Singapore and BVI. VERSO specializes in sectors like education, food and renewables. Since 2011, the firm has invested over $700bn in venture capital in the global startup ecosystem. Funds worth over $245m were pumped into climatech, foodtech and biotech sectors since 2017. In February 2021, it merged with Swiss alternative asset manager ALDINI Capital that was also founded in 1958 and based in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. VERSO will leverage the expertise of ALDINI in hedge funds, private equity and real estate.
Established in 1958, VERSO Capital is a boutique merchant banking and financial services firm based in Luxembourg. It also has offices in Geneva, Fribourg, Vaduz, Dubai, Singapore and BVI. VERSO specializes in sectors like education, food and renewables. Since 2011, the firm has invested over $700bn in venture capital in the global startup ecosystem. Funds worth over $245m were pumped into climatech, foodtech and biotech sectors since 2017. In February 2021, it merged with Swiss alternative asset manager ALDINI Capital that was also founded in 1958 and based in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. VERSO will leverage the expertise of ALDINI in hedge funds, private equity and real estate.
GU Ventures is the Swedish venture capital agency of University of Gothenburg. The VC also runs incubator programs to support tech and science-related projects within the university and its alumni network.Founded in 1995, GU has backed more than 150 companies and projects, including 30 exits and 11 filed IPOs. According to the firm, 87% of its portfolio companies are contributing to the sustainable development goals set by the UN.
GU Ventures is the Swedish venture capital agency of University of Gothenburg. The VC also runs incubator programs to support tech and science-related projects within the university and its alumni network.Founded in 1995, GU has backed more than 150 companies and projects, including 30 exits and 11 filed IPOs. According to the firm, 87% of its portfolio companies are contributing to the sustainable development goals set by the UN.
M Capital Partners is a leading private equity firm in the French small-cap market. It specializes in SME financing in the development and transmission phases. Based in Paris, the company has offices in Toulouse, Nice, Montepellier and Bordeaux. Founded 17 years ago, M Capital has €530m under active management. It is engaged in venture and capital investments, real estate, and impact investing. Recently it declared its aim to obtain the B Corp sustainability label, and created a foundation and several positive impact funds and moved to decarbonize its portfolio.
M Capital Partners is a leading private equity firm in the French small-cap market. It specializes in SME financing in the development and transmission phases. Based in Paris, the company has offices in Toulouse, Nice, Montepellier and Bordeaux. Founded 17 years ago, M Capital has €530m under active management. It is engaged in venture and capital investments, real estate, and impact investing. Recently it declared its aim to obtain the B Corp sustainability label, and created a foundation and several positive impact funds and moved to decarbonize its portfolio.
Xange is the venture capital arm of Siparex Group, with offices in Paris and Munich. It is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in disruptive digital, deep tech and social impact. It has €450m under management and 65 startups in its portfolio.
Xange is the venture capital arm of Siparex Group, with offices in Paris and Munich. It is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in disruptive digital, deep tech and social impact. It has €450m under management and 65 startups in its portfolio.
Norfund is the sovereign investment fund of Norway, established by the parliament in 1997 and owned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The company has committed NOK 28.4bn in investments into 170 projects in developing countries as of 2020. Norfund has regional offices in Thailand, Costa Rica, Kenya, Mozambique and Ghana to support its activities in Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Asia, its core investment targets are Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Norfund primarily invests in three key areas: clean energy, agriculture and fintech. The fund has invested in solar power projects and various food companies in India and various African countries. In Asia, Norfund has invested in Amartha, an Indonesian P2P lending fintech company providing loans to women-led microbusinesses. Norfund also invests in other venture funds, such as Southeast Asia-focused Openspace Ventures Fund III, to expand and diversify their portfolio.
Norfund is the sovereign investment fund of Norway, established by the parliament in 1997 and owned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The company has committed NOK 28.4bn in investments into 170 projects in developing countries as of 2020. Norfund has regional offices in Thailand, Costa Rica, Kenya, Mozambique and Ghana to support its activities in Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Asia, its core investment targets are Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Norfund primarily invests in three key areas: clean energy, agriculture and fintech. The fund has invested in solar power projects and various food companies in India and various African countries. In Asia, Norfund has invested in Amartha, an Indonesian P2P lending fintech company providing loans to women-led microbusinesses. Norfund also invests in other venture funds, such as Southeast Asia-focused Openspace Ventures Fund III, to expand and diversify their portfolio.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international NGO operating across over 100 countries with projects initially focused on the protection of endangered species, which later expanded into other areas like the preservation of biological diversity, protection of natural resources, and the mitigation of climate change. It is considered the world's largest conservation organization, working with a network of different NGOs, governments, scientists, companies, local communities, investment banks, fishermen and farmers. The WWF was founded in 1961 and 55% of its funding comes from individuals and bequests, 19% from government sources, and 8% from corporations. With more than $1bn in investment capital, WWF has supported more than 12,000 conservation initiatives with over 5m supporters worldwide. The institution has been often criticized for not campaigning objectively because of its strong ties with multinational corporations such as Coca-Cola, Lafarge, and IKEA. In 2019 the institution reported 4% of its total operating revenue coming from corporations.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international NGO operating across over 100 countries with projects initially focused on the protection of endangered species, which later expanded into other areas like the preservation of biological diversity, protection of natural resources, and the mitigation of climate change. It is considered the world's largest conservation organization, working with a network of different NGOs, governments, scientists, companies, local communities, investment banks, fishermen and farmers. The WWF was founded in 1961 and 55% of its funding comes from individuals and bequests, 19% from government sources, and 8% from corporations. With more than $1bn in investment capital, WWF has supported more than 12,000 conservation initiatives with over 5m supporters worldwide. The institution has been often criticized for not campaigning objectively because of its strong ties with multinational corporations such as Coca-Cola, Lafarge, and IKEA. In 2019 the institution reported 4% of its total operating revenue coming from corporations.
Sky Ocean Ventures is a £25m impact investment fund and part of the Sky Media Group. It was launched in 2018 with the goal of accelerating businesses that can tackle global plastic pollution with innovative ideas and disruptive technologies. The firm has backed 20 startups that have developed solutions that help mitigate plastic disposals in the environment, such as disposable bottles made of paper, reusable delivery boxes, sachets made from seaweed and packaging made from wood chips. Sky Ocean Ventures also partners with, among others, The National Geographic and the Imperial College in London.
Sky Ocean Ventures is a £25m impact investment fund and part of the Sky Media Group. It was launched in 2018 with the goal of accelerating businesses that can tackle global plastic pollution with innovative ideas and disruptive technologies. The firm has backed 20 startups that have developed solutions that help mitigate plastic disposals in the environment, such as disposable bottles made of paper, reusable delivery boxes, sachets made from seaweed and packaging made from wood chips. Sky Ocean Ventures also partners with, among others, The National Geographic and the Imperial College in London.
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Southeast Asian startups to keep riding digitalization, IPO boom, investors say
O2O business models and growing interest in ESG are also key themes, as regional startups gain $4.4bn of funding in first half of 2021
South Summit wants to go global, as it launches Brazilian chapter
CEO Marta del Castillo on South Summit’s LatAm, Asia expansion plans; its net-zero pledge; her new role as co-head to further drive growth and more
Indonesian angel investor network ANGIN launches agrifood incubator
Program targets ESG investment and builds on the strong potential of Indonesia’s agriculture sector, which kept growing despite the Covid-19 pandemic
Smart Agrifood 2021: SVG Ventures's Hartnett, Land O'Lakes's Bekele on disruption in agrifood chain
How US farming cooperative Land O'Lakes and leading CPG brands are working with famers and tech firms to overcome agritech challenges, transform the whole value chain
Good Startup: Alt-protein products can be better than real meat
The investor of Eat Just, Ripple Foods and more expects its portfolio companies will exit in the next four to six years, mostly through acquisition
MioTech: Early mover in China ESG data and analytics for investing, corporate reporting
Hong Kong-based fintech uses AI technologies to monitor ESG data and risks in real time, turn unstructured data into reliable insights
Accelerating Asia bets on unicorn wave from MSME digitalization, logistics
The investor-accelerator’s sixth batch will start accepting applications in December, with greater ESG focus and a pledge to donate 1% of profit on investments to charity
Taronga Ventures takes RealTechX to Singapore; plans Japan, US growth
The Australian proptech investor to focus on ESG in its acceleration program, including women under-representation and site safety
Dao Foods unfazed by China tech crackdown, says alternative proteins aligned with state goals
Impact investor Dao Foods expects government support for alternative proteins to come, as it announces second batch of startups, diversifying into fermentation and cell-based proteins
Future Food Asia 2021: Regenerative agriculture in Asia
The unique challenges facing regenerative agriculture in Asia require solutions different from those in the West, presenting opportunities for microfinancing and impact investment
Future Food Asia 2021: Two winners take home $100,000 each
Agrifood startups, corporations and investors urged to collaborate and take action, tackling challenges in nutrition and climate change
Future Food Asia 2021: Impact assessments – getting the metrics right
Common impact measures are useful but each situation requires specific, sometimes subjective considerations. The priority is to gauge if the impact has led to positive changes
Future Food Asia 2021: Consumers crucial for agrifood growth
President of AppHarvest David Lee thinks consumers must be told the truth about the need for technology for change in food because capitalism and consumerism are powerful forces
AgroCenta: Providing market access and credit to African smallholder farmers
AgroCenta’s platforms empower Ghanaian subsistence farmers, especially women, boosting productivity and sales with e-payments, micro-credits and insurance, and direct connections to buyers, cutting out the intermediaries
Biomilq: Creating cell-based mothers’ milk in a lab
With the aim of helping women struggling to breastfeed, Bill Gates-backed Biomilq is disrupting the $45bn baby formula industry developing lab-grown breast milk from mammary epithelial cells
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