Impact Investing - by Antony Bugg-Levine & Jed Emerson (Hardcover) (2024)

About the Book

"A ground-breaking book on the transformative power of impact investingThis is the first book to chart the catalytic path of this new industry, explaining how it is and can be a positive disruptive force. It shows how impact investing is a transformational vehicle for delivering "blended value" throughout the investment spectrum, giving a single name to a set of activities previously siloed in enclaves, revealing how they are linked within what is becoming a new field of investing. Written by two leaders in the growing field of impact investing, the book defines this emerging industry for participants on all sides of the funding equation (investors, funders and social entrepreneurs). Filled with illustrative examples of impact investing success stories Reveals how the field can expand in order to address the most critical social and environmental issues of our day Explores the wide-ranging applications of impact investing as well as entrepreneurial opportunities The authors do not take a normative approach to argue how investors should behave like an investment guide might but show how entrepreneurial people and institutions are already offering an integrated alternative"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A ground-breaking book on the transformative power of impact investing

This is the first book to chart the catalytic path of this new industry, explaining how it is and can be a positive disruptive force. It shows how impact investing is a transformational vehicle for delivering "blended value" throughout the investment spectrum, giving a single name to a set of activities previously siloed in enclaves, revealing how they are linked within what is becoming a new field of investing. Written by two leaders in the growing field of impact investing, the book defines this emerging industry for participants on all sides of the funding equation (investors, funders and social entrepreneurs).

  • Filled with illustrative examples of impact investing success stories
  • Reveals how the field can expand in order to address the most critical social and environmental issues of our day
  • Explores the wide-ranging applications of impact investing as well as entrepreneurial opportunities

The authors do not take a normative approach to argue how investors should behave like an investment guide might but show how entrepreneurial people and institutions are already offering an integrated alternative.

From the Back Cover

This groundbreaking book charts the path of a new industry, explaining how impact investing is and can be a positive disruptive force. Impact Investing affirms that it is possible and desirable to address social and environmental problems with investments that generate financial profits.

Antony Bugg-Levine and Jed Emerson reveal how impact investing is a transformational vehicle for delivering blended value through investment. The authors--two leaders in the burgeoning field of impact investing--give a name to a set of activities previously siloed in enclaves and reveal how these activities are linked within what is becoming a new and dynamic field.

The authors don't take a normative approach to argue how investors should behave but instead show how entrepreneurial people and institutions are already offering an integrated alternative. Impact Investing defines this emerging industry for all the institutions and people it is affecting (investors, funders, social entrepreneurs, educators, policy makers, and marginalized communities) and showcases illustrative examples of challenges and successes. The book also explores the potential that impact investing holds to tackle the most critical social and environmental issues of our day on a scale never seen before.

Ultimately, Impact Investing offers a fundamentally optimistic vision. This unifying vision illuminates what can be achieved when we capture total blended value, when all our assets work in unison with our values and beliefs.

About the Author

THE AUTHORS

Antony Bugg-Levine designed and leads the Rockefeller Foundation's impact investing initiative. He convened the 2007 meeting that coined the phrase impact investing and is the board chair of the Global Impact Investing Network. He also teaches at Columbia Business School. A native of South Africa he served in the late 1990s as the acting communications director at the South African Human Rights Commission.

Jed Emerson, originator of the term blended value, is executive vice president of ImpactAssets, a senior fellow with Heidelberg University's Center on Social Investing, and a senior advisor to the Sterling Group (Hong Kong). He was founding director of REDF, a founding board member of Pacific Community Ventures, and founding director of Larkin Street Services.

Impact Investing - by  Antony Bugg-Levine & Jed Emerson (Hardcover) (2024)

FAQs

What is impact investing summary? ›

Impact investing is a style of investing where a clear and positive outcome (social, environmental, etc.) is prioritized alongside financial return expectations. Impact investing is not the same thing as ESG investing, though there are some common threads.

What do impact first impact investors focus on? ›

Impact-First Investors

These investors primarily seek to maximize the social or economic impact of their investment. Financial returns, if there are any, are a secondary goal. Foundations are one of the more common examples of an impact-first investor.

What makes a good impact investor? ›

Investors with credible impact investing practices use shared industry terms, conventions, and indicators for describing their impact strategies, goals, and performance.

Who started impact investing? ›

Socially responsible investing's origins in the United States began in the 18th century with Methodism, a denomination of Protestant Christianity that eschewed the slave trade, smuggling, and conspicuous consumption, and resisted investments in companies manufacturing liquor or tobacco products or promoting gambling.

What is the goal of impact investing? ›

Impact investing is an investment strategy that seeks to generate financial returns while also creating a positive social or environmental impact. Investors who follow impact investing consider a company's commitment to corporate social responsibility or the duty to positively serve society as a whole.

What is impact investment for dummies? ›

What is Impact Investing? Unlike traditional investing, where the goal is purely financial gain, impact investing seeks to make a difference. Impact investing firms support causes like renewable energy, healthcare, education, and economic development.

Can you make money from impact investing? ›

Businesses started with microfinance loans are providing competitive returns to their investors through the bonds that back them. In some instances, impact investment vehicles have been able to garner higher returns for their investors than the broader markets did, especially during down cycles.

What are the cons of impact investing? ›

One of the key risks is that impact investments may not generate the intended social or environmental impact. Another risk is that financial returns may be lower than anticipated. There are a number of different types of impact investments.

Who invests in impact investing? ›

Banks, pension funds, financial advisors, and wealth managers can PROVIDE CLIENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES to both individuals and institutions with an interest in general or specific social and/or environmental causes.

What is impact investing with examples? ›

Invest directly in private companies or funds with an explicit social mission. This may be through venture capital investment or share purchases. For example, you could invest in companies that focus on solar power, carbon sequestration or alternative fuels. Lend to a nonprofit, whose mission you want to support.

What does ESG mean? ›

ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. This is often called sustainability. In a business context, sustainability is about the company's business model, i.e. how its products and services contribute to sustainable development.

Is impact investing a fad? ›

Conclusion. These are just a few of the many reasons we believe that impact investing is not a just passing fad. Impact investing is a unique investing approach that capitalizes on societal changes and investors' growing desires to make their money make a difference.

Is impact investing ethical? ›

While it is crucial to consider the operation and implementation of impact-oriented financial products, the ethical basis of impact investing is no less critical to its success. As the word 'impact' suggests, this kind of ethical finance is frequently justified on the basis of its measurable outcomes.

Who is the father of impact investing? ›

Sir Ronald Cohen is a pioneering philanthropist, venture capitalist, private equity investor and social innovator. He is recognised as the father of impact investment and European venture capital, and is driving forward the Global Impact Revolution.

What is the difference between ESG and impact investing? ›

Impact investing is more focused and deliberate in seeking investments with a specific social or environmental outcome. In contrast, ESG investing considers a company's ESG factors and traditional financial metrics. This is one of the main differences between ESG and Impact investing.

What is an example of an impact investment? ›

A few examples of impact investing include: Investing in sectors affected by energy industry transition to renewables, such as solar and wind power. Investing in ventures that support community development, diversity and inclusion, or women in leadership.

What are the core characteristics of impact investing? ›

Characteristics of impact investing

These four characteristics are (1) Intentionality, (2) Evidence and Impact data in Investment Design, (3) Manage Impact Performance, and (4) Contribute to the growth of the industry.

What are the four pillars of investing summary? ›

In summary, The Four Pillars of Investing is an important tool for investors looking to design a more successful investment portfolio. Investors can make better financial decisions by comprehending the four pillars of theory, history, psychology, and business.

What is the difference between impact investing and ESG? ›

Impact investing is more focused and deliberate in seeking investments with a specific social or environmental outcome. In contrast, ESG investing considers a company's ESG factors and traditional financial metrics. This is one of the main differences between ESG and Impact investing.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Frankie Dare

Last Updated:

Views: 5934

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Frankie Dare

Birthday: 2000-01-27

Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

Phone: +3769542039359

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.