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There is Such a Thing as Too Much, Too Fast: Avoiding ‘Mismatched Expectations’ in Off-Grid Energy Investing
A recent post by impact investing firm Ceniarth on the "Energy Access Hype Cycle" has generated considerable discussion, prompting critical responses from fellow impact investors Persistent Energy Capital and the off-grid lighting trade organization GOGLA. With this post, writers at the IFC join the discussion, analyzing the effect of rapid growth rates, high levels of consumer financing and operational efficiency on the liquidity of solar home system providers.
- Categories
- Energy, Investing, Technology
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In Impact Investing’s Rush to the Mainstream, Who Are We Leaving Behind?
After a long march toward mainstream acceptance, many in impact investing are claiming victory. But a new report by Oxfam and Sumerian Partners argues that the sector should focus on the needs of the businesses working to reduce poverty rather than on the investors who stand to benefit from their work. In other words, it's time to stop pretending that investors seeking a pure market return can tackle the most complex global challenges in high-risk markets.
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- Investing
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An Impact Investor Urges Caution on the ‘Energy Access Hype Cycle’
Ceniarth, an impact investor, has been actively engaged in the energy access sector since 2014. But now it's reducing its exposure to the venture-backed, solar home system segment of this market while shifting its strategy toward enterprises – for-profit, nonprofit and hybrid – that are finding the most capital-efficient ways to reach rural customers. Here, three principals in the firm candidly explain why they are reassessing their approach.
- Categories
- Energy, Environment, Investing
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Investment where profit means better schools
The British Asian Trust is planning to raise $10m (£7.5m) for an "education development impact bond" in which investments are linked to specific targets in improving education for disadvantaged communities in India.
- Region
- South Asia
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Impact investing: A $250 billion game-changer for finance
Making money is the lifeblood of Wall Street. Making the world a better place not so much. Now that's starting to change, as some of the biggest names in finance adjust their businesses to reflect growing demand for impact investments.
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- Investing
- Region
- North America
- Tags
- impact investing
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Report says CalPERS investments too focused on environmental and social activism
The American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) said CalPERS board members have overemphasized what are called Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investments — and the sluggish returns on those investments are dragging down the pension fund’s bottom line.
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- Investing
- Region
- North America
- Tags
- ESG, impact investing
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New Impact Investing Fund Will Support Nonprofits And Better Health Outcomes
AIM Healthy loans and lines of credit can, for example, help a recuperative-care nonprofit to add beds that provide a bridge between the hospital and permanent housing – combatting homelessness as well as hospital and jail readmissions, or a food-as-medicine nonprofit to partner with a health plan to lower costs and improve outcomes for patients with chronic diseases.
- Categories
- Health Care, Investing
- Region
- North America
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Goldman Sachs Is Starting a Socially Responsible ETF
With socially responsible investing -- also known as ESG for its focus on a company’s environmental, social or governance policies -- surging to more than $23 trillion globally, ETF issuers are looking to get a piece of the action.
- Categories
- Investing
- Tags
- ESG, impact investing