Turning surplus bread into pasta, or using tech to deliver healthcare in rural areas. These are just two of thousands of European business ideas making a real impact on people and the planet. While traditional venture capital may hesitate, dedicated impact investors are stepping in, valuing social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.
Billions are being mobilised globally for impact investments, including public funds and private capital. According to Impact Europe, a network for do-good investors, private direct and indirect investments reached €190bn by the end of 2024, more than double that of 2022. Worldwide, impact investments may be worth up to $1.57 trillion, according to the Global Impact Investing Network.
