Dealflow | July 26, 2019

Swell shuts down its retail impact investing platform

David Bank
ImpactAlpha Editor

David Bank

ImpactAlpha, July 26 – Retail impact investing platform Swell says it was “not able to achieve the scale needed to sustain operations in the current market,” and is ceasing operations Aug. 30.

Customer acquisition has been a challenge for new entrants in retail impact investing, despite market demand for accessible sustainable investing options.

Retail platforms for sustainable investing struggle to differentiate themselves – and to attract customers

Ethic, in contrast, raised $13 million to help advisors build custom sustainable investing portfolios. Ethic’s focus on advisors and institutions that already have clients may make for an easier lift than converting customers to a new platform.

ICYMIRetail platforms for sustainable investing struggle to differentiate themselves – and to attract customers.”