The world of emerging impact funds is one of promise—with breakthrough ideas, fresh leadership, exciting new portfolio companies and disruptive business models. This sort of pioneering approach can be particularly powerful in the areas of climate solutions and racial equity investing, where innovation can often create outsized impact and financial returns as well as challenge long-entrenched investment practices.
So why is it more challenging for emerging fund managers and business models that show early promise of success to scale? We know there are systemic hurdles—from the limitations of traditional risk management frameworks to the inability to access influential networking circles. Removing systemic hurdles could be key to creating a healthier planet and a more inclusive society.
This very premise was behind ImpactAssets’ launch of the annual ImpactAssets 50 Emerging Impact Fund Managers list in 2020. We felt it was important to shine a spotlight on “up and coming” impact fund managers pursuing unique investment strategies or impact themes to bring much needed awareness to these innovative trailblazers breaking new ground.
It was also the impetus for our partnership with Confluence Philanthropy on its pilot program for Emerging Fund Managers, while advancing our mutual commitment to both climate solutions and racial equity. ImpactAssets helped this new program competitively source applicants from the IA 50 Emerging Impact Fund Managers list, resulting in a cohort of six for the pilot. The program gives the cohort access to Confluence member events and individual support from the program team to access all Confluence community benefits.
With this six-part blog series, we are thrilled to be able to lift up the voices of this first cohort members, sharing their perspectives and experiences, as they shine a light into the challenges and the opportunities in this unique ecosystem.
- Kavita Vijayan, Director , Strategic Marketing Communications, ImpactAssets
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