Impact is no longer a distinct asset class but is being embraced as an investment style, says Michael Etzel, partner at impact consultancy Bridgespan Group.
Public market flotations by highly coveted and well-funded ag start-ups have followed in the footsteps of Beyond Meat’s 2019 IPO, adding to the growing signs of industry maturity.
The firm says it signed the pledge because action is needed through policy and business to better mitigate global biodiversity risks.
The investment is Tenacious’s first outside Australia and the second overall from its inaugural fund, which closed in Q1 2020.
Bamboo Capital Partners’ $500m SDG fund has continued to attract interest because its returns are now closer to what’s available in wider capital markets, says managing partner Florian Kemmerich.
The investment firm has stepped up its ESG goals and aims for 75% of portfolio company employees to benefit from a value sharing mechanism.
The Impact Alternatives Fund will invest up to 30% of its capital in regen ag and up to 20% in environmental assets in response to investor feedback.
The two firms, which have previously collaborated on a water investment vehicle, have received A$500,000 to explore the business case for a new fund.
Environmental stakeholders are accustomed to thinking about natural benefits such as pollination as a ‘service’ – investors will need to do the same to grasp the natural capital opportunity.
The appointment of Myriam Vander Elst follows that of an ex-Wells Fargo subscription finance executive in May.