Go offline with the Player FM app!
Impact investing in climate with Impact Engine, Ep #75
Manage episode 382565852 series 3342257
This episode focuses on impact investing and the particular approach of an impact investing firm based in Chicago named Impact Engine. Now that I’ve said the word impact four times, I should probably unpack the jargon. This class of investing aims to create direct, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. It’s related to, but distinct from ESG investing, which doesn’t necessarily have specific impact goals so much as it aims to avoid harm or risk by considering environmental, social and governance factors. Global impact investing has surpassed $1 trillion annually, and a top focus area is climate. According to a recent report by the Global Impact Investing Network, 74% of impact investors invest in climate action. So I was thrilled to zoom into the approach of one firm and learn about their climate investing strategy.
Today we’re joined by Impact Engine’s Partner & Chief Investment Officer Priya Parrish, as well as Chris Wu, a Vice President who leads their environmental sustainability investments. We talk about Impact Engine’s history, approach and investment thesis, it’s portfolio of investments in climate funds and private companies – from food tech to mobility to energy efficiency, how they see the climate investment space today and what they see coming next year. Lots of great insights in this peek into the impact investing world. Enjoy.
In today’s episode, we cover:
- [4:06] Priya & Chris’ background, roles & how they came to do the work they're doing.
- [5:01] What is Impact Engine & what sets it apart
- [8:11] Impact Engine's client base
- [8:47] Partnership with Alliance Bernstein & its significance
- [10:58] Impact Engine’s investment thesis in climate explained
- [12:01] Assessing the current market for climate investors
- [13:43] Overview of invested funds & key criteria
- [18:16] Utilizing an impact side letter & impact metrics reporting
- [20:10] Relationships with larger venture & private equity funds
- [21:05] The motivations behind direct investments in companies
- [22:18] Spotlight on selected startups & their significance
- [23:27] Insights on the food waste startup space & future investment prospects
- [24:51] The goals & potential impact of Market Wagon
- [26:24] Circuit’s impact & business potential
- [29:19] Brightcore Energy's role in energy efficiency & its importance in climate transition
- [30:59] Unique qualities of Brightcore Energy's team
- [32:11] Updates on Brightcore Energy's progress
- [33:50] Economic rationale behind the investment in Brightcore Energy
- [34:34] Identifying major opportunity drivers for climate tech in the upcoming year
- [38:00] Addressing blind spots and gaps in climate impact areas in the year ahead
Resources Mentioned
- Impact Engine
- Alliance Bernstein
- Market Wagon
- Circuit
- Brightcore Energy
- Afresh
- Full Harvest
- Matsmart
- Acre
- Bloom Equity
Connect with Priya Parrish & Chris Wu
Connect with Jason Rissman
Keep up with Invested In Climate
- Sign up for our Newsletter
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?
94 episodes
Manage episode 382565852 series 3342257
This episode focuses on impact investing and the particular approach of an impact investing firm based in Chicago named Impact Engine. Now that I’ve said the word impact four times, I should probably unpack the jargon. This class of investing aims to create direct, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. It’s related to, but distinct from ESG investing, which doesn’t necessarily have specific impact goals so much as it aims to avoid harm or risk by considering environmental, social and governance factors. Global impact investing has surpassed $1 trillion annually, and a top focus area is climate. According to a recent report by the Global Impact Investing Network, 74% of impact investors invest in climate action. So I was thrilled to zoom into the approach of one firm and learn about their climate investing strategy.
Today we’re joined by Impact Engine’s Partner & Chief Investment Officer Priya Parrish, as well as Chris Wu, a Vice President who leads their environmental sustainability investments. We talk about Impact Engine’s history, approach and investment thesis, it’s portfolio of investments in climate funds and private companies – from food tech to mobility to energy efficiency, how they see the climate investment space today and what they see coming next year. Lots of great insights in this peek into the impact investing world. Enjoy.
In today’s episode, we cover:
- [4:06] Priya & Chris’ background, roles & how they came to do the work they're doing.
- [5:01] What is Impact Engine & what sets it apart
- [8:11] Impact Engine's client base
- [8:47] Partnership with Alliance Bernstein & its significance
- [10:58] Impact Engine’s investment thesis in climate explained
- [12:01] Assessing the current market for climate investors
- [13:43] Overview of invested funds & key criteria
- [18:16] Utilizing an impact side letter & impact metrics reporting
- [20:10] Relationships with larger venture & private equity funds
- [21:05] The motivations behind direct investments in companies
- [22:18] Spotlight on selected startups & their significance
- [23:27] Insights on the food waste startup space & future investment prospects
- [24:51] The goals & potential impact of Market Wagon
- [26:24] Circuit’s impact & business potential
- [29:19] Brightcore Energy's role in energy efficiency & its importance in climate transition
- [30:59] Unique qualities of Brightcore Energy's team
- [32:11] Updates on Brightcore Energy's progress
- [33:50] Economic rationale behind the investment in Brightcore Energy
- [34:34] Identifying major opportunity drivers for climate tech in the upcoming year
- [38:00] Addressing blind spots and gaps in climate impact areas in the year ahead
Resources Mentioned
- Impact Engine
- Alliance Bernstein
- Market Wagon
- Circuit
- Brightcore Energy
- Afresh
- Full Harvest
- Matsmart
- Acre
- Bloom Equity
Connect with Priya Parrish & Chris Wu
Connect with Jason Rissman
Keep up with Invested In Climate
- Sign up for our Newsletter
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?
94 episodes
All episodes
×Welcome to Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.