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Top Stories
Investing for a post-affirmative action economy
Impact Voices | October 2, 2023
How Dearfield Fund helps Black women buy homes to build wealth and health
Gender Smart | October 2, 2023
With $58 million for African startups, Enza Capital will share profits with founders
Africa | October 2, 2023
Featured: Ownership Economy
How Dearfield Fund helps Black women buy homes to build wealth and health. Equitable homeownership is a key strategy for narrowing racial wealth gaps. Centering Black women is key to the strategy’s success. Denver-based Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth has deployed $5.7 million in down-payment assistance loans to help Black families build wealth through homeownership. Dearfield has sharpened its strategy to better serve Black women, who make up 60% of the fund’s 150 borrowers so far. “We know that there’s an economic case for investing in Black wealth creation,” says Dearfield’s Aisha Weeks. “There is also a case to invest in Black women so they have a safe physical and emotional space to rest in a world that often doesn't allow Black women to rest and be at peace.”
Dealflow: Frontier and Growth Markets
With $58 million for African startups, Enza Capital will share profits with founders. Nairobi-based Enza Capital invests in tech-driven startups across Africa tackling challenges from climate change to mobility. The four-year old venture investor in seed-stage and growth rounds raised $58 million for its second fund. Enza’s portfolio includes Cloudline, a Cape Town-based maker of autonomous battery and solar-powered airships for cargo delivery; Lagos-based Autochek, which helps Africans get car financing and maintenance; and EarthAcre, a Nairobi firm that models ecosystems and helps landowners adopt regenerative practices.
Signals: Return on Inclusion
Investing for a post-affirmative action economy. Since the US Supreme Court decision in June barring affirmative action in college admissions, conservative activists have stepped up legal challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, the military, schools, and even investment firms. Over the weekend, an appeals court in Atlanta ordered venture capital firm Fearless Fund to halt grants for Black women business owners, overturning a district court judge’s refusal to block Fearless from enforcing the racial eligibility criteria. Racial inequity remains a systemic risk to the economy, Monique Aiken and William Burckart of The Investment Integration Project, Tynesia Boyea-Robinson of CapEQ, and Policy Link’s Mahlet Getachew argue in a guest post. Racial disparities have cost the economy around $16 trillion in recent decades. “Investors should view this lost growth opportunity as the economic imperative that it is and double down on investing equitably to support all participants in our economy,” the authors write.
Agents of Impact: Follow the Talent
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Podcasts | September 29, 2023
Strategies for finding the employee-ownership edge
Host Brian Walsh shares highlights from this week’s agents of impact call, “The employee-ownership edge,” which explored the range of opportunities for investing …
exclude from paywall | September 29, 2023
Labor and capital align in new movement for worker ownership (Video)
ImpactAlpha, Sept. 29 – It’s the age-old struggle: labor vs capital, workers vs. owners. But what happens when employees get a stake in the …
Impact Careers | September 29, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 29, 2023
ImpactAlpha, September 29 — The majority of openings on this week’s impact jobs board are in big cities such as San Francisco, New York …
Top Stories
Investing for a post-affirmative action economy
Impact Voices | October 2, 2023
How Dearfield Fund helps Black women buy homes to build wealth and health
Gender Smart | October 2, 2023
With $58 million for African startups, Enza Capital will share profits with founders
Africa | October 2, 2023
Kua Ventures expands investments in East Africa’s social impact businesses
Africa | October 2, 2023
Labor and capital align in new movement for worker ownership (Video)
Ownership Economy | September 29, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 29, 2023
Impact Careers | September 29, 2023
With catalytic climate financing, Energy Department looks to demonstrate, deploy and decarbonize
Catalytic Capital | September 28, 2023
Overheard at the Congressional Black Caucus: Boosting Black ownership
homeownership | September 28, 2023
Vernier Science Education transitions to a perpetual purpose trust
Dealflow | September 28, 2023
Infravision scores $23 million for drone-enabled grid upgrades
Climate and Clean Tech | September 28, 2023
Elevating our collective leadership and accelerating our shared momentum at the GIIN Impact Forum
Impact Investing | September 27, 2023
Kern Tec lands $12.8 million to make dairy alternatives from upcycled produce
Agrifood Tech | September 27, 2023
Ownership Economy
Ownership Economy | October 2, 2023
How Dearfield Fund helps Black women buy homes to build wealth and health
ImpactAlpha, October 2 — Equitable homeownership is a key strategy for narrowing racial wealth gaps. Centering Black women is key to the success …
Podcasts | September 29, 2023
Strategies for finding the employee-ownership edge
Host Brian Walsh shares highlights from this week’s agents of impact call, “The employee-ownership edge,” which explored the range of opportunities for investing …
exclude from paywall | September 29, 2023
Labor and capital align in new movement for worker ownership (Video)
ImpactAlpha, Sept. 29 – It’s the age-old struggle: labor vs capital, workers vs. owners. But what happens when employees get a stake in the …
Ownership Economy | September 28, 2023
Vernier Science Education transitions to a perpetual purpose trust
ImpactAlpha, September 28 — Vernier Science Education, a textbook, software and lab equipment provider for K-12 science and technology education, is converting ownership …
Signals | September 28, 2023
Overheard at the Congressional Black Caucus: Boosting Black ownership
ImpactAlpha, September 28 — Black ownership was the theme that echoed through the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at last week’s annual legislative …
Ownership Economy | September 25, 2023
Financing transitions to employee ownership delivers wins for workers – and investors
ImpactAlpha, Sept. 25 – It’s the age-old struggle: labor and capital typically are at odds in the workplace and the financial markets. Case in …
Return on Inclusion | September 14, 2023
Disruptive Discourse: Standing up to legal challenges to fund managers and business owners of color
ImpactAlpha, September 14 — Women leaders of color are stepping up ecosystem-building efforts to counter the recent legal attacks against minority-owned and led …
Ownership Economy | September 6, 2023
Challenging wealth supremacy to realize the dream of systemic change
This essay is adapted from Marjorie Kelly’s forthcoming book, “Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today’s …
Ownership Economy | August 23, 2023
Blackstar Stability: Replacing predatory loans to build equity and wealth for homeowners of color (Q&A)
ImpactAlpha, August 23 — Over the decades, discriminatory practices in the US real estate industry have blocked many households of color from the …
Ownership Economy | August 22, 2023
Teamshares raises $245 million for small business employee stock ownership
ImpactAlpha, August 22 — Brooklyn, NY-based Teamshares has raised $245 million to build a national portfolio of 10,000 employee-owned small businesses. The opportunity: …
Ownership Economy | August 18, 2023
Deal spotlight: Employee ownership as a competitive advantage
ImpactAlpha, August 18 — KKR’s acquisition of New York-based book publishing giant Simon & Schuster earlier this month signals that investors with employee-ownership …
Ownership Economy | July 25, 2023
On east side of Kansas City, LocalCode adds community ownership to the real estate toolkit
ImpactAlpha, July 25 — In Kansas City, Mo., Troost Ave. divides the predominantly Black eastside from whiter and more affluent neighborhoods to the …
Muni Impact
Impact Muni Bonds | September 26, 2023
San Diego school bond targets green improvements and equitable access
Editor’s note: ImpactAlpha has partnered with HIP Investor to highlight upcoming bond issues with social and/or environmental significance. Disclaimer: Nothing in this post or on …
Dealflow | September 18, 2023
$171 million bond for affordable student housing in Hawaii
Editor’s note: ImpactAlpha has partnered with HIP Investor to highlight upcoming bond issues with social and/or environmental significance. Disclaimer: Nothing in this post or on …
Muni Impact | September 11, 2023
Michigan issues $1.2 billion in bonds to rebuild roads and bridges
Editor’s note: ImpactAlpha has partnered with HIP Investor to highlight upcoming bond issues with social and/or environmental significance. Disclaimer: Nothing in this post or on …
Impact Muni Bonds | August 29, 2023
Wisconsin agency issues $185 million social bond for affordable homeownership
Editor’s note: ImpactAlpha has partnered with HIP Investor to highlight upcoming bond issues with social and/or environmental significance. Disclaimer: Nothing in this post or on …
Gender Smart | August 21, 2023
With gender bonds, Pro Mujer puts Argentina’s capital markets to work for female entrepreneurs
ImpactAlpha, Aug. 21 – The amounts are small, but the implications could be profound. When micro lender Pro Mujer earlier this year distributed …
Impact Muni Bonds | August 16, 2023
Long Island’s $400 million green bond to finance climate-resilient upgrades to the grid
Editor’s note: ImpactAlpha has partnered with HIP Investor to highlight upcoming bond issues with social and/or environmental significance. Disclaimer: Nothing in this post …
Impact Muni Bonds | August 10, 2023
$57 million green bond in San Francisco to fund water sustainability
Editor’s note: ImpactAlpha has partnered with HIP Investor to highlight upcoming bond issues with social and/or environmental significance. Disclaimer: Nothing in this post …
Green Infrastructure | August 8, 2023
Hybar snags $700 million in debt and equity for recycled steel plant in Arkansas
ImpactAlpha, Aug 8 – Electric vehicle, battery and chip factories are rising in the US south and midwest. Hybar’s planned mill in Osceola, …
Muni Impact | July 20, 2023
Social returns on investments in HBCUs rise as affirmative action recedes
ImpactAlpha, July 20 – Historically Black colleges and universities may represent the ultimate social impact investment. But instead of enjoying a social-benefit premium, many …
Impact Muni Bonds | July 11, 2023
$307 million sustainability bond to rehabilitate and retrofit affordable housing in New York
Editor’s note: ImpactAlpha has partnered with HIP Investor to highlight upcoming bond issues with social and/or environmental significance. Disclaimer: Nothing in this post …
Muni Impact | June 29, 2023
Cincinnati ‘jobs bond’ aims to fuel manufacturing boom in the Midwest
If you build it they will come. An innovative bond issuance will help a public agency in the city of Cincinnati acquire and …
Impact Muni Bonds | June 27, 2023
$1 billion in green bonds to reduce the cost of clean energy in Southern California
Editor’s note: ImpactAlpha has partnered with HIP Investor to highlight upcoming bond issues with social and/or environmental significance. Disclaimer: Nothing in this post …
Impact Careers
View the latest impact investing career opportunities. Click here to view our job board
Impact Careers | September 29, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 29, 2023
ImpactAlpha, September 29 — The majority of openings on this week’s impact jobs board are in big cities such as San Francisco, New York …
Impact Careers | September 22, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 22, 2023
ImpactAlpha, September 22 — Impact talent is in demand. Fund managers, foundations and other impact investors are hiring in US and global cities. …
Impact Careers | September 15, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 15, 2023
ImpactAlpha, September 15 — Impact investors in the US, Europe and the rest of the world are looking to fill newly-vacant positions ahead …
Impact Careers | September 1, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 1, 2023
ImpactAlpha, September 1 — In the US, Europe and other international locations, impact investors are searching for talent to help maximize their impact. …
Impact Careers | August 25, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: August 25, 2023
ImpactAlpha, August 25 — Impact investors in the US and abroad are looking for analysts, managers, associates, interns and fellows ahead of a …
Impact Careers | August 18, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: August 18, 2023
ImpactAlpha, August 18 — Impact investors are on the hunt for impact talent ahead of a busy fall. Just this week: US East …
Impact Careers | August 11, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: August 11, 2023
ImpactAlpha, Aug. 11 – Impact investors recruiting talent to kick off a busy fall season. Check out the latest jobs and opportunities: East Coast …
Impact Careers | July 28, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: July 28, 2023
ImpactAlpha, July 28 — Impact investors are looking for impact analysts, directors, officers and associates in the US and abroad. Just this week: …
Impact Careers | July 21, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: July 21, 2023
ImpactAlpha, July 21 — The majority of employers in this week’s impact jobs roundup are looking to scoop up impact talent in Europe, …
Impact Careers | July 14, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: July 14, 2023
ImpactAlpha, July 14 — The majority of openings on this week’s impact jobs board are in big cities such as New York and …
Impact Careers | July 7, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: July 7, 2023
ImpactAlpha, July 7 — The summer impact jobs board in the US and abroad is starting to fill up. The latest: US East …
Impact Careers | June 30, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: June 30, 2023
ImpactAlpha, June 30 — Impact associates, managers, analysts and directors are in demand, both in the U.S. and globally. Just this week: US …
Agents of Impact
Bold leaders. Taking action. Driving impact.
February 17, 2023
Rihanna: Shining star power on inclusion in music and business
December 2, 2022
Seth Bannon, Fifty Years: Big swings at big challenges (podcast)
November 4, 2022
Mia Mottley, Barbados: Shaping the global finance agenda.
October 7, 2022
Regina Kline, Enable Ventures: Closing the disability gap
September 23, 2022
Suzanne Biegel, GenderSmart: Making markets work for women and the world
Explore ImpactAlpha
October 2, 2023
Investing for a post-affirmative action economy
September 29, 2023
Strategies for finding the employee-ownership edge
September 29, 2023
Labor and capital align in new movement for worker ownership (Video)
September 29, 2023
The Week in impact investing: Dueling Narratives
September 29, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 29, 2023
September 28, 2023
Overheard at the Congressional Black Caucus: Boosting Black ownership
September 28, 2023
Vernier Science Education transitions to a perpetual purpose trust
September 28, 2023
Infravision scores $23 million for drone-enabled grid upgrades
September 27, 2023
Secha Capital inks $15.8 million to back South Africa’s growing businesses
September 26, 2023
San Diego school bond targets green improvements and equitable access
September 26, 2023
ImpactAlpha Open: Climate Week takeaways + remembering Suzanne Biegel
September 25, 2023
LeapFrog joins insurance tech venture Bolttech’s $246 million equity round
September 25, 2023
Complete Farmer nets $10 million to connect Ghana’s farmers
September 22, 2023
Rockefeller’s Zero Gap Fund is fully deployed, yet gaps remain
September 22, 2023
The Week in Impact Investing: Legacy
September 22, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 22, 2023
September 21, 2023
In the Climate Week mix: Policy tailwinds, green banks, talent pipeline
September 21, 2023
European Investment Fund plugs €40 million into Blume Equity
September 21, 2023
Messiness, Mutuality and Methodology: Three tips for measuring impact
September 20, 2023
The $100 billion opportunity in climate-finance accountability
September 20, 2023
Climate Week NYC: Write it down
September 20, 2023
Zero Gap Fund backs regenerative agriculture investor Trailhead Capital
September 20, 2023
Incofin sells its stake in Unguka Bank in Rwanda
September 19, 2023
Nature-based solutions may be the key to meeting Paris climate goals
September 19, 2023
Emata nets $2.4 million for East Africa’s smallholder farmers
September 18, 2023
$171 million bond for affordable student housing in Hawaii
September 18, 2023
With laws and lawsuits, California takes on Big Oil
September 15, 2023
Deal spotlight: Florrent leans into the social impact of green materials
September 15, 2023
The Week in Impact Investing: Getting Real
September 15, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 15, 2023
September 15, 2023
Looking ahead to Climate Week NYC
September 13, 2023
How Africa’s pension funds are financing the continent’s infrastructure gap
September 12, 2023
How foundations can use impact investments to leverage their grant capital
September 12, 2023
Canada’s Heliene raises $170 million in equity and debt for US solar plants
September 12, 2023
World Fund adds €50 million to European climate tech venture fund
September 12, 2023
Florrent raises $2.1 million to engage farmers of color in energy storage
September 12, 2023
ImpactAlpha Open: Impact managers scaling up + Africa’s climate opportunity
September 11, 2023
How some US companies are preparing for mandatory impact reporting (Q&A)
September 11, 2023
Michigan issues $1.2 billion in bonds to rebuild roads and bridges
September 11, 2023
myZoi clinches $14 million to support migrant workers in Gulf states
September 10, 2023
Climate protestors step up their game as climate action falters
September 8, 2023
The Week in Impact Investing: Thinking Bigger
September 8, 2023
Revamped SOCAP seeks radical ideas and scaled solutions
September 7, 2023
Boston Metal hauls in $262 million for green steel and metals
September 6, 2023
Challenging wealth supremacy to realize the dream of systemic change
September 6, 2023
Lydian secures $15 million to produce zero-carbon aviation fuel
September 6, 2023
Catalyst Fund raises $8.6 million for climate adaptation in Africa
September 6, 2023
Omnivore sells its stake in Barrix to Sumitomo to notch another exit
September 5, 2023
CH4 Global raises $29 million to reduce livestock methane emissions
September 5, 2023
Finland’s Paptic scores €23 million for sustainable packaging materials
September 1, 2023
The Week in impact investing: Second looks
September 1, 2023
The Week’s Impact Jobs: September 1, 2023
September 1, 2023
Deal spotlight: Catalytic lending from the US Department of Energy
September 1, 2023
Impact investors look to shift allocations to emerging markets
September 1, 2023
Democratizing gender lens investing in Latin America
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