The Impact industry focuses on creating positive social and environmental outcomes through business practices, products, and services. This includes social enterprises, sustainable businesses, and impact investing.
The global impact investing market was valued at approximately $715 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $2.1 trillion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 19.5%. The growth of this industry is driven by increasing consumer and investor demand for ethical and sustainable practices.
The Impact industry has a significant impact on society by promoting sustainable development, reducing environmental degradation, and addressing social inequalities. It fosters a culture of responsibility and stewardship.
Social enterprises combine business principles with social missions, creating products and services that address societal needs. They balance profit-making with positive social outcomes.
Sustainable businesses prioritize environmental stewardship, reducing their carbon footprint, and promoting resource efficiency. They play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and conserving resources.
Impact investing directs capital towards projects and companies that generate measurable social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns. It aligns investment strategies with values of sustainability and ethics.
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of the importance of resilient and sustainable systems, leading to increased interest in impact-driven approaches. It underscores the need for systems that can withstand global crises.
The industry faces challenges related to measuring and reporting impact, balancing financial returns with social goals, and ensuring transparency and accountability. These challenges require innovative solutions and robust frameworks.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of impact innovations are immense. Continued investment and innovation in this sector are essential for driving growth and addressing complex global challenges.
As the world grapples with social and environmental challenges, the Impact industry will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and equitable future, demonstrating that business can be a powerful force for good.
The integration of technology and innovative business models will enhance the ability of impact-focused enterprises to scale their operations and maximize their positive effects on society and the environment.
As consumer and investor preferences shift towards sustainability and social responsibility, the Impact industry will increasingly influence mainstream business practices, driving systemic change towards a more inclusive global economy.
To connect with VCs in the Impact sector, target firms such as Omidyar Network, Acumen Fund, and Bridges Fund Management. Research their investment portfolios to understand their focus areas and tailor your approach accordingly.
Networking through industry conferences, impact investing summits, and social innovation forums can provide opportunities to meet VC partners. These events are essential for building relationships and understanding investor interests in the impact space.
When pitching, focus on demonstrating the market potential, social or environmental impact, and scalability of your solution. Be prepared to discuss your business model, impact measurement strategies, and revenue projections in detail to highlight the viability and social benefit of your venture.
Participating in demo days hosted by impact accelerators or incubators can help you showcase your venture to a broader audience of VCs. These events provide a platform to present your innovation and receive valuable feedback from investors.
Crafting a compelling story about your venture’s impact and the problem it solves will resonate well with VC investors who are looking for high-impact potential startups. Emphasize the unique value proposition and real-world applications of your solution.
Following up with a comprehensive pitch deck that includes market analysis, go-to-market strategy, and potential exit opportunities can further strengthen your case. This demonstrates that you have a strategic plan for growth and impact.
Highlighting any strategic partnerships or collaborations with NGOs, social enterprises, or government agencies can also add weight to your pitch. Demonstrating established connections can reassure VCs of your industry relevance and network strength.
Ensuring that you present a well-rounded team with expertise in both impact measurement and business development will appeal to VCs looking for capable execution of your vision. A strong team is often a critical factor in investment decisions.
San Francisco California - San Francisco Bay Area - New York City, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Media • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Gaming (& eSports) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Impact • Payments • Robotics • Aerospace (& Defense) • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer
Goldman Sachs is a global leader in corporate equity investing. Since 1986, Goldman Sachs Sachs and its predecessor business have invested over $82 billion of equity in over 600 companies globally. Goldman Sachs is currently investing its GS Capital Partners VI fund, comprised of $20 billion of equity, including over $7.4 billion of capital from Goldman Sachs. The fund invests across a broad range of industries in the Americas, Europe and Asia with investment targets ranging from $50 million to $800 million. In addition, the technology group within Goldman Sachs Principal Investment Area, invests in innovative technology companies across the many stages of a company's lifecycle. As of December 31, 2008 the Goldman Sachs Private Equity Group (PEG) managed over $32.8 billion across primary commitments, co-investments and secondary-market investments, with over $2.0 billion invested by Goldman Sachs and its employees. Private Capital Investing (PCI) is Goldman Sachs' investment platform dedicated to providing preferred equity and mezzanine capital to growth and middle market companies based in North America. PCI invests $20 million - $150 million of equity per transaction in the form of common, preferred, and structured equity.
San Francisco California - San Francisco Bay Area - SF Bay Area New York - New York City, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Education • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Analytics • Developer tools • Food & Beverage • Impact • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobile • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
Primary Venture Partners is an early stage venture capital firm which makes seed investments in industry-transforming technology companies and reserve capital to follow initial investments across multiple financings. The firm focuses on investing in companies within the business products, business services, mobile, software, information technology, enterprise SaaS, nextgen commerce, manufacturing and energy sectors.
London, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Entertainment (& Sports) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Future Of Work • Food & Beverage • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Material Science • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Robotics • DeepTech • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Mobile • Mobility • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
Balderton Capital is a venture capital firm. It was founded in 2000 and is based in London, United Kingdom.
London, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • BioTech • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Analytics • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Future Of Work • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Payments • Healthcare (& Wellness) • LegalTech • Mobility • Consumer • Woman Focused
Anthemis Group is the venture capital investment firm that invests in the digital financial services, retail, wealth and asset management, infrastructure and technology sectors. The firm was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
London London, U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Other • IT (& TMT) • Media • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Human Resources • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Payments • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • LegalTech • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer
Seedcamp is an accelerator and venture capital firm that was founded in 2007 and is headquartered at London, United Kingdom. The firm prefers to invest in European companies operating in the fintech, human resources, virtual reality and augmented reality, e-commerce, insurance, hardware, blockchain, health, legal tech, prop-tech, software as a service, and technology sectors. Seedcamp backs technology based companies from across the world.
The Seedcamp nation includes over 460 startups accross different industries, and includes 9 European unicorns: Hopin, Wise, Revolut, Sorare, wefox, Pleo, UiPath, viz.ai and Grover.
They provide the infrastructure to support exceptional founders who’ve gone on to raise over $7Bn in follow-on funding from leading global investors.
The firm initially invests $0-$250K in companies and accelerates them across the product market fit, traction, growth, and scale stages from seed funding to IPO.
Another focus of the firm is to help develop startup ecosystems around the world, and having hosted Seedcamp events in over 30 cities ranging from Mumbai and Singapore to Lisbon and Thessaloniki, they’ve made a big impact wherever they have gone. [1]
New York City, U.S.A.
Media • Education • Businesses Solutions • Impact
Rethink Education is a venture capital fund focused exclusively on education technology that invests in early- and growth-stage start-ups looking to scale their solutions both domestically and across the globe.
, U.K. - Israel
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Other • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • BioTech • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Future Of Work • Food & Beverage • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Material Science • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS • DeepTech • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • LegalTech • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
Talis Capital is a Venture Capital investment family office funded by a group of entrepreneurs. Focused on backing emerging technologies, Talis has completed over $500m worth of transactions and the portfolio includes Darktrace, Onfido, iwoca, Pirate Studios, Luminance, and Oh My Green. Talis concentrates on building long term partnerships and leverages their LP network to help their companies and create opportunities. The team looks for innovative companies with sustainable business models, working with them to unlock their future growth. The firm is based in London, United Kingdom and was founded in 2009.
Houston Texas, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • IT (& TMT) • Media • BioTech • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Entertainment (& Sports) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • GovTech • Impact • Logistics (& Distribution) • Material Science • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Messaging • Real Estate (& Construction) • DeepTech • Mobile • Woman Focused
Mercury Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm that focuses on entrepreneurs and technology innovation originating in the U.S. Midcontinent. Their investment themes target the SaaS, cloud, data science and artificial intelligence platforms.
Seattle - Washington, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • IT (& TMT) • Education • BioTech • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Analytics • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Food & Beverage • GovTech • Impact • Local commerce • Logistics (& Distribution) • Material Science • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Payments • Robotics • Aerospace (& Defense) • Real Estate (& Construction) • DeepTech • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobile • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on making investments in early and later stage companies as well as seed funding for early-stage companies. The firm invests in the enterprise, advertising, financial services, semiconductors, health, big data, agriculture/food, sustainable energy and robotics industries, with a particular focus on the internet and clean technology sectors. It was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
, U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Gaming (& eSports) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Impact • Payments • Investment Management • Mobile • Online Social • Consumer
Founded in 2011, Iconiq Capital is a global multi-family office that does venture capital and private equity investments in the e-commerce, software and technology sectors. The firm is based in San Francisco, California.
San Francisco California, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Payments • Robotics • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Mobile • Mobility • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
Founded in 2006, Felicis Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The firm invests in the mobile, e-commerce, enterprise, education and health sectors.
Menlo Park - California, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • Education • BioTech • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Analytics • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Future Of Work • Food & Beverage • GovTech • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Local commerce • Logistics (& Distribution) • Material Science • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Messaging • Payments • Robotics • Aerospace (& Defense) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Mobile • Mobility • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer • Pharmaceutical (& Medicine) • Woman Focused
Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm that is headquartered in Menlo Park, California and was founded in 2009. The firm specializes in seed, early stage, mid stage, later stage and growth stage investments. The firm invests in media, software, mobile, internet, infrastructure and technology sectors.