Diversity, equity & inclusion

The company’s software, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of breast cancer detection, is used widely in Germany and is also being trialled in India. Vara is backed by European family offices and other investors.

Although progress has been made in the past ten years, financial inclusion remains challenging across the whole of the African continent.

The global asset management company’s fund will focus on innovative technologies in the areas of clean energy, circular economy, natural resources, agritech and smart cities.

Commitments from several regional pension schemes have boosted the fund’s capacity to invest in the development and acquisition of affordable housing in the UK, where there is an acute shortage.

The Dutch development bank FMO and Austrian DFI Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank have invested $20m into the Regional MSME Investment Fund for sub-Saharan Africa.

The two national promotional institutions have signed up to a new programme funded by the European Investment Fund aimed at boosting female participation in venture capital and private equity.

The Esade Center for Social Impact has published a study on gender strategies in investing, looking at how European investment firms can move from awareness to action.

Plus, 3i Group, Mirova and Banque des Territoires invest €60m in e-mobility | Emerging markets outpace US and UK firms in gender equality | Northern Horizon starts new care home fund

Impact X Capital Partners has announced a £12m first close for its fund backing underrepresented entrepreneurs. CEO Eric Collins highlights the opportunities that differentiated deal flow can bring in terms of impact and venture scale returns for its investors.

The investment will boost specialist employment provider Genius Within’s mission to further develop its online assessment tool for workers and employers.