Small rural communities are discovering they can generate sustainable income without compromising their traditions and culture. Visitors from around the world discussed ideas at the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025.
Ukraine posts second highest number of climate-focused, blended finance transactions in the world in 2024 – and enters top 10 countries for first time – as blended finance identified as “form of crisis financing” – new Convergence research.
The final report from the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group points to the lack of a coherent cross-department strategy and calls for “sustainable and visible leadership” in government and the adoption of a “mobilisation mindset”.
Dutch impact investor Polestar Capital hopes to grow fund to €400m within a year to plug a funding gap for high-potential eco-projects that will enable Netherlands to play a ‘pivotal role’ in the global transition towards a circular economy.
Scottish impact venture investor is optimistic about investor and investee demand, aiming to raise £5m to support early-stage purpose-driven businesses, two years after latest fundraising effort was suspended by Covid-19.
Critics of the government’s flagship Levelling Up policy focus on reliance on business as usual, while others welcome introduction of Danny Kruger’s social covenant.
"Like the protagonist in this film, my parents experienced poverty, rejection and what felt like insurmountable obstacles when they came to the UK" – Social Value UK boss Isabelle Parasram OBE reveals the films, books and more that inspire her.
Group urges social investors to step up inclusion and equity efforts with new pledges, following damning findings last week from the influential Adebowale Commission.
As the Diversity Forum launches a new, more robust manifesto, its chair Amir Rizwan urges social investors to not only pledge to take seriously their commitment to diversity and inclusion, but also to set goals and be accountable.
PLUS: BlueMark raises $3.75m; electronics repair unicorn BackMarket reaches $5.7bn valuation, and more: our regular impact finance bulletin brings you the latest funds, deals and programmes in the world of investing for good.
