This article explores whether social impact investing is the next frontier for venture capital. It highlights impact investments as a funding opportunity generating both social and financial returns, particularly valuable given the limited resources of governments and charities. The authors discuss the potential for impact investing to address global issues, offer new market opportunities for investors, and provide uncorrelated returns. It also touches upon the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and impact investing.

This study analyses impact investors’ preferences when selecting ventures for investment in India. Using a choice-based conjoint experiment, it reveals that the stage of investment is the primary factor, followed by behavioral inclination towards impact. Investors prefer social ventures with innovative ideas, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and education sectors. The findings offer practical implications for social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and policymakers to foster a more conducive environment for impact investing in India.

This publication discusses the crucial role of effective blended finance in the context of COVID-19 recovery efforts, particularly for developing countries. It highlights how the pandemic severely impacted private financial flows, exacerbating pre-existing financing gaps for sustainable development goals. The report emphasizes the need for innovative financing mechanisms that strategically combine public and private resources to mobilise significant capital. It underscores the importance of regulatory frameworks and strong governance to ensure that blended finance initiatives are transparent, accountable, and achieve their intended developmental impacts, facilitating a robust and equitable global recovery.

This case study from India Development Review explains the concept and application of Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) in the Indian context. It elaborates on how these results-based financing instruments link payments to the achievement of pre-defined social outcomes. The article highlights the potential of DIBs to attract private investment for public good, foster innovation, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of development programs by focusing on measurable results rather than inputs.

This case study from Bank Negara Malaysia explores the potential of social finance as an enabler of social development within Malaysia. It examines the various aspects of social finance, its potential applications, and the role of different stakeholders in fostering its growth. The paper likely highlights specific initiatives or frameworks in Malaysia that leverage social finance to address societal challenges and contribute to inclusive growth and well-being.

This report introduces Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) as an innovative financing mechanism to achieve social impact and value in development initiatives. It explains the structure and principles of DIBs, where private investors provide upfront capital for social programs, with repayment contingent on the achievement of predefined outcomes. The authors discuss the potential of DIBs to incentivize effective interventions, transfer risk from funders to investors, and drive results in global development efforts.