Combining profits with philanthropy is no easy task but a growing number of social venture capital funds and impact investors are doing just that.
Impact Investors Council, a group of social venture capitalists in India, estimates that investments into enterprises that strive to make a positive social or environmental impact in the country will likely double in the next four years.
“I think the next big thing is to be more than just a money-entrepreneur. Venture capitalists are very well placed to blend risk, return and impact,” said Sir Ronald Cohen, chairman of the Global Steering Group on Impact Investing and co-founder of Apax Partners.
There are more than 50 impact investment funds in India but these are still early days for the sector. “There aren’t many models to be followed. You have to create the models for doing things. There is a balance between profit and social responsibility that you have to co-define, put within your corporate structure,” said Cohen.
