to a report by IIC, despite the global recession and uncertainty, nearly 285 impact enterprises managed to attract USD 2.9 billion worth of investment in India in 2023 alone. These investments directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).
The driving force behind India’s social impact investments in 2023 has been the climate technology sector: 1 out of 3 investments in this field were directed towards a startup. Innovative startups focused on climate change mitigation, such as the production of green hydrogen and smart batteries, received the most funding.
Given the limited public resources, the Indian Government and non-profit organizations are actively working to bring more players into the impact investment sector. Neha Bhatnagar, Vice President, Partnerships & Founding Team Member, India Impact Investors Council and key speaker of the session “G20 and Beyond: Impact Insights from India,” told Positive Changes about how this sphere works and her impressions of the GIIN Impact forum.
Let’s start with the India Impact Investors Council. Please tell us what your organization does.
IIC is a member-based industry body. Its objective is to help build the impact investing eco-system, present a compelling and comprehensive Impact story for India and strengthen impact investing in India. You could say that we are a “one-stop-shop” service for impact investors. The Impact Investors Council has been created with the objective of bringing global impact investors focused on India under the same roof.
India has a compelling impact destination story. We have a single political democratic entity, we offer opportunity for large-scale investments and easy access to data showcasing number of deals and exits, a strong judicial process is in place, there is a vast sectoral play alongside availability of multiple financial instruments. Hence, to enable foreign investments, a catalyst like IIC plays an imperative role in bringing it all together.
India-focused investors can be roughly classified into three categories: the first is those who have never invested in India, but are looking for reliable information and partners. The second category is that of investors who have been investing in the country for many years, but are still choosing the strategy: focusing on direct investments or acting through asset managers. The third category includes experienced investors looking for new credible partnerships.
Can you please name some of the IIC partners?
We are supported by 70 active impact investors and ecosystem players who are committed to investing in India and creating impact.
These include big global players such as the Rockefeller Foundation, Lemelson Foundation, British International Investment, FMO, UBS Optimus Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. IIC’s network is also supported by leading investors like ABC Impact, Avaana Capital, Elevar Equity, Neev Fund, Northern Arc, Stride Ventures, Vivriti Asset Management, Asha Ventures and many more [2].
India is playing an important role in shaping the global impact investing narrative, while at the same time keeping its own unique investment landscape.
At the Global Impact Investing Network forum, IIC represented the India story, and we managed to bring around 19 India-focused limited partners in the room to share strategies. As an industry body, our members form the essence of our existence, and hence, this was a significant win for our organization.
I was just about to ask you about the impact forum by Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) held this fall, where you were among the speakers. What was on the agenda this year?
I would like to start by giving you a little context on IIC and GIIN relationship. The GIIN, a stalwart nonprofit organization, is committed to amplifying the reach and impact of investments with a global perspective. The GIIN convenes investors, offers guidance on impact measurement, and fuels the growth of impact investing through training and awareness initiatives.
On the other hand, as I mentioned before, the IIC represents the vanguard of impact investors in India, champions of businesses that not only seek financial success but also aim to uplift underserved communities, often those dwelling below the poverty line.
Together, the GIIN and IIC forge a partnership grounded in shared values and goals. Firstly, it’s increasing awareness. Both organizations are dedicated to expanding awareness of impact investing among a diverse range of investors, including domestic and international stakeholders. Secondly it’s elevating impact measurement. IIC and GIIN, both advocate for standardized impact measurement practices to underscore the weight of impact achieved by investors. Thirdly, it’s knowledge and data — acknowledging the importance of data-driven growth, both organizations recognize the need for knowledge and information-exchange platforms.
The GIIN annual forum is one of the most anticipated platforms for the global impact investing community. The main purpose of the forum is to provide networking opportunities and exchange information.
The GIIN annual forum is one of the most anticipated platforms for the global impact investing community. The main purpose of the forum is to provide the ecosystem with networking opportunities and exchange information. The speakers and sessions are handcrafted to deliver the most crucial information and showcase the most effective solutions emerging from the impact investing ecosystem.
As always, this year’s GIIN forum was themed, and its theme was the oceans of the world.
It was a pleasant surprise to witness GIIN’s dedication towards the intersection of climate and oceans. Sectors traditionally highlighted at such convenings are zero hunger, agriculture, housing, financial inclusion, and health. It was decided to stay ahead of the curve with such timely topics as emerging pools of capital, new solutions in the Global South, the “blue economy”, biodiversity & climate intersection, regeneration, AI’s implications for impact investing, and much more.
Were you able to accomplish your goals at the forum?
Yes. It was a success! IIC’s agenda at the GIIN forum was to enable a corridor for India-focused asset owners and asset managers. To give investors a room to share their strategies for India, and provide the
