4impact capital

Dutch pension funds moving into impact investing 🌱 In today’s edition of Het Financieele Dagblad, 4impact capital was highlighted as a candidate for Dutch pension funds like Pensioenfonds ABP, PME pensioenfonds and Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn (PFZW) to invest in. These pension funds are increasingly looking to align their investments with sustainability. At 4impact capital, our focus on innovative software companies that tackle sustainability issues aligns perfectly with the growing demand for responsible investing over the longer term. 💡As Ali Najafbagy, our Co-Founder and Partner, pointed out in the article, there are challenges in attracting large Dutch institutional investors like pension funds. These include a multi-fund track record, which will be there soon for impact funds but is not yet present today as we are raising our second fund. This is different in neighbouring countries like Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark where large institutional investors are investing in their local impact+profit VC funds. Let's not stay behind and invest in innovation and an economy that provides a sustainable place to live and to work for generations to come. 📈 We see more opportunities than challenges and remain committed to proving that impactful investing can deliver both sustainable and financial returns at 4impact capital, and meet the high standards required by institutions. As our institutional investors Wendy de Jong from Oost NL and Rinke Zonneveld from Invest-NL agree on in the article, the interest for impact funds is growing and they are well positioned to support the positive development. Thank you Pieter Couwenbergh and Maaike Noordhuis for this in-depth article. ➡ You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d39hnBYM (Subscription may be required) #venturecapital #vc #impactinvesting #tech4good #impact #software #sustainability  #tech #startup #growthcapital #pensionfunds #LP

Let’s meet up at these events! 👇 The coming weeks are full of exciting events, and the 4impact capital team is eager to connect with innovative entrepreneurs, meet new and existing investors for our fundraising, and gain insights from ecosystem leaders. Here’s where you can find us: 🌐 Coolgradient & 4impact - August 28, Ghent Coolgradient is 4impact’s latest investment. At this (fund) investor event, Jasper de Vries will share the magic behind coolgradient’s AI driven energy savings for data centres. Ali Najafbagy will present the latest developments of 4impact capital Fund II and progress to its final fund close on 4 October.  🚀 Crossroads 2024 – September 12, Utrecht Victor Straatman will attend this event focused on scaling startups in Utrecht. Crossroads 2024 offers panels and workshops on startup growth strategies, investor relations, and navigating challenges in the startup ecosystem. 💡 FRAME Conference – September 19, London Yasmin Venema will be attending this community-driven conference for VCs and LPs. FRAME is centred around inspiring collective engagement on ESG and responsible investing in venture capital, making it a key event for those committed to aligning investment strategies with ethical and sustainable practices. 🌍 PYM Belgium Impact Day – September 28, Brussels Ali Najafbagy will be speaking at this PYM - the Conscious Investors' Community event held at the Living Tomorrow Innovation Campus. The day will explore how emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain can address global challenges. Expecting insightful discussions on sustainability, healthcare, and social equity, alongside strengthening the Belgium impact investors community. Are you attending any of these events? Let’s connect via DM or email! Stay up-to-date with our event calendar—sign up for our newsletter on our website: https://lnkd.in/eZ7qZhfz #venturecapital #impactinvesting #tech4good #tech #startup

Who can help to find our next Tech Intern to build on the foundational work Horia Ghiban and Hermie Sun have done in developing 4impact capital as a data driven (and AI empowered) venture capital fund? Who do you know that loves to play with the latest AI capabilities of OpenAI and Perplexity, is comfortable with JavaScript/Python, enjoys building smart Zapier workflows? And is keen to apply this to make positive impact on People & Planet at an impact vc like us? Tag them in the comments blow, share this post or send me a DM to setup an introduction. More details on https://lnkd.in/eBJUktqp We'd like to fill this role asap, but are flexible to accommodate personal timelines for the right candidate.

🏅 What founders can learn from Sifan Hassan’s incredible Olympic journey Sifan Hassan is a Dutch-Ethiopian long-distance runner known for her extraordinary versatility and determination. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she made history by competing in and medaling across three grueling events: the 5,000m, 10,000m, and the marathon. Her journey is a masterclass in ambition, resilience, and strategic thinking—qualities that resonate deeply with the entrepreneurial journey. 1️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 Hassan’s bold pursuit of medals across three events is a reminder to set goals that challenge and inspire you. As she quoted Muhammad Ali, "𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩." Consider how your own goals can push the boundaries of what’s possible. 2️⃣ 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 Hassan celebrated her bronze medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m as important steps toward her ultimate marathon goal. Reflect on your own journey—what milestones have you reached, and how do they contribute to your larger vision? Each win, no matter how small, propels you forward. 3️⃣ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝘁 Even as Hassan faced exhaustion and self-doubt during the marathon, she found renewed strength as she neared the finish line. In moments of uncertainty, tap into your inner resilience. What would happen if you pushed just a bit further? Sometimes, perseverance reveals strengths you didn’t know you had. 4️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Hassan’s strategic pacing in the marathon teaches us the value of conserving energy for when it matters most. Think about how you allocate your resources—are you pacing yourself for the long haul? Timing your efforts can be the key to turning challenges into triumphs. Sifan Hassan’s journey is a powerful reminder that success, whether in athletics or entrepreneurship, is about resilience, determination, and daring to dream big. What lessons from Sifan or the Olympics will you take forward in your startup journey? Share your thoughts and experiences below! 💪 #startup #founders #resilience #leadership #Olympics2024 #motivation #tech4good

How do we define impact? Our name, 4impact capital, usually gives away that we are an impact investor. But we often get questions about how we define impact, and what do we consider impact we would invest in? We asked our Impact Officer Yasmin Venema to summarise our view on impact, and these are the six main factors, among others, that we look for: 1️⃣ Significant target problem: The company is addressing a significant social or environmental problem and can generate impact scale and/or depth with a clear theory of change. 2️⃣ Intentionality: The company and founders must be driven by a clear impact mission with a desire to contribute to measurable social and environmental outcomes. 3️⃣ Measurable & material: The company has measurement processes in place to measure their intended outcomes and their contribution to the impact. 4️⃣ Additionality: The company has the potential to generate incremental impact that would not have occurred otherwise. 5️⃣ Impact lockstep: Impact is driven by the company’s products and grow in-line with financials. 6️⃣ ESG: The business model should have minimal risk of negative externalities. Do you know of any digital tech startups that would fit this definition? Tag them below or send us a message! #venturecapital #vc #impactinvesting #tech4good #impact #software #sustainability  #tech #startup #growthcapital

☀ Summer is here but our portfolio companies are not taking their foot off the gas when it comes to making impact. Find out below what a few of our startups have been up to recently! Carbon Equity, do good by investing better: Carbon Equity had a strong first close of Fund III of €60 million, and co-founder Jacqueline van den Ende has been nominated for the EY Emerging Entrepreneur of the year. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dbUtnC4H Equalture, shaping unbiased hiring: Equalture, led by Charlotte Melkert and Fleur Melkert, continues to grow and amongst the new customers are DHL Express, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and I-SEC. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dGF27Sth Satelligence, sustainability monitoring simplified: Satelligence has been recognised by Fairtrade International for their important work in providing deforestation risk information to coffee and cocoa producers, supporting over 950 Fairtrade coffee and cocoa producer organisations. Find more details here: https://lnkd.in/dim8DrJ4 #venturecapital #vc #impactinvesting #tech4good #impact #software #sustainability  #tech #startup #growthcapital #portfolio

🌟 Meet Jolanda Degen, founder of Otravo and Darwin Invest and an investor in 4impact capital! Having been an entrepreneur herself, Jolanda knows well what it takes to scale a startup successfully. Before founding Darwin Invest in 2017, she built and scaled Otravo (WTC.nl and Vliegtickets.nl) to the largest OTA (Online Travel Agency). After her successful exit she spends her days investing in the next generation. Hear what she has to say about VC, impact investing and 4impact! 📅 When is a Good Time to Invest in VC? "Despite many talks about some periods being better than others to enter a VC fund, I believe that every economic period should, and could, have great, successful companies. This means that VC funds can have winners, meaning good returns, any period." 🌍 Given your background as a founder, how do you see software driving both social and environmental impact? "Software and data combined are in essence enablers for creating impact, and investing early in this space can lead to fast and significant growth. Through digital tech, companies could bridge gaps, increase efficiency and foster innovation to improve the world by solving environmental problems and social needs." 💡For anyone considering investing in (impact) VC, what would you advise? "Ensure that investing in VC aligns with your personal goals, and take into account what really matters to you. This helped me explore my options and got me motivated to contribute to the ecosystem, and invest in people and companies with a strong focus on a more sustainable and equal world.  If you have expertise or a network in a particular industry, investing in VC funds that focus on that specific area might provide you with extra opportunities, gratification and fun, to use your experience and add value to the fund and its portfolio. Investing in early stage is higher at risk, for that reason I mainly invest in funds. It is also important to keep in mind that the lifecycle of a fund is at least 10 to 12 years. It takes time to grow and successfully scale a company, so be patient." 🌟 Why did you choose to invest in 4impact capital? “In the end, I always invest in people and their vision, as that’s what ultimately makes the difference. I was impressed by the entrepreneurial drive Pauline Wink, Ali Najafbagy and the 4impact team have to make a massive impact, their strong vision, professional approach and enormous experience in the financial world were other important reasons to join them. Investing in their first fund was also at the beginning of my personal impact journey, which has allowed me to learn and grow together with them.” #venturecapital #vc #impactinvesting #tech4good #impact #software #sustainability  #tech #startup #growthcapital #LP

📢 Don’t forget to apply to our Visiting Analyst position! … But what does an analyst really do? Hear from our current Analyst Jessica Ollus and former Analyst, current Associate Sven Meyer what they think about the role, and what they have learned at 4impact capital. “As an analyst, or visiting analyst, you get the chance to try and learn all the parts of being a VC investor - from deal sourcing, due diligence processes, research and portfolio support, all while diving deep into the latest, groundbreaking technologies. If you are curious, analytical, a quick learner and have a passion for technology and impact, then this role is for you!” “You immediately become part of the 4impact team from day one, and will be thrown into a fast-paced environment where you will get responsibility already from the start. You’ll get a chance to meet interesting people, both founders and fellow investors, and learn from the rest of the 4impact team.” ➡ Sounds interesting? Head to our website and read more about the role and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/d2fWdTcn #venturecapital #vc #impactinvesting #tech4good #impact #software #sustainability #tech #startup #growthcapital #hiring #visitinganalyst

🌟 Are you our next stellar investment intern? Do you want to get a crash course in VC and impact investing, learn directly from an experienced team and support exceptional digital tech founders? Then we might have the job for you, as we are currently looking for an investment intern to join our team in The Hague! If you are: ✅ Passionate about making an environmental and social impact, with an interest in investing and tech startups ✅ Independent and a self-starter, capable of taking on projects with limited supervision ✅ Energised by a collaborative, diverse start-up culture with an eagerness to learn ✅ Currently studying at an EU-registered university, last year Bachelor’s or Master’s with a preference for relevant degrees (e.g. engineering, business, finance, economics) ✅ Fluent in English, Dutch is preferred but not required Then head to our website below to read more about the position and how to apply. Join the group of previous interns below, and take your first step into the world of VC! ➡ Find out more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/ggzj_HNW #venturecapital #vc #impactinvesting #tech4good #impact #software #sustainability  #tech #startup #growthcapital #hiring #internship

❔ How much do you know about data centres and how they are trying to reduce their emissions? 💡 Data centres are responsible for 2% of energy consumption globally, expected to grow to 3.2% in 2030 according to the International Energy Agency and the European Commission. 4impact capital portfolio company Coolgradient is successful in reducing energy usage by up to 40% in data centres around the world. ➡ If you are an investor based in Belgium, please join us on August 28 in Ghent to learn more! 🌱 Our co-founder and Partner Ali Najafbagy will share an overview and update on our venture capital fund and why we invested in Coolgradient, and Coolgradient co-founder Jasper de Vries will share why data centres are working with Coolgradient and what their plans are for a more sustainable future. 📈 We will be joined by 4impact investors Joost Van Meerbeeck, Hilde Debois and Paul Blomme amongst others. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information as there are limited seats for this exclusive event. #venturecapital #vc #impactinvesting #software #sustainability #tech #startup #growthcapital #AI