Impact First Investing

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Impact-first investing is a hot topic of conversation – but what does it actually mean to be “impact-first” in practice? Our panel of practitioners will kick us off by sharing their different perspectives as an asset owner, intermediary, service provider, and research institute in the field. We are excited to welcome   

• Smitha Das, Senior Director of Investments, World Education Services

• Tom Schumacher, Director of Investments, Open Road Impact

• Kathleen O’Shea, Director of Impact Investing, Social Finance

Moderated by:

• Meg Massey, Director of Policy and Communications, Social Finance Institute

Before diving into the interactive part of the morning, our panelists will share insights from their organizations’ work as both thought leaders and practitioners in the impact-first investing space, including:

• How impact-first capital fits within a portfolio approach alongside catalytic, concessionary, and market-rate investments

• The current market dynamics shaping impact-first investing, including the contraction of catalytic capital and official development assistance

• Examples of how investors are structuring investments (and measuring impact) to balance mission alignment, risk, and financial sustainability

• The future outlook for impact-first investing and where the greatest opportunities may lie
   

Many thanks to John Forrer and George Washington University for hosting us for this session in the heart of Foggy Bottom.  We hope that with some coffee, conversation, and a bit of good luck, this gathering will spark new ideas about how capital can be deployed more intentionally for impact.