Diversity, equity & inclusion

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.

Impact investors Ring Capital have hired former French minister Elisabeth Moreno to lead the €50m Ring Africa fund, and teamed up with startup Mstudio as investment partners.

The impact investment manager is targeting the funding gap for SMEs in emerging markets with its latest product, the BlueOrchard Impact Credit Fund.