Asian Venture Capital Journal | 21 March 2018

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Rising interest in active mandates that pursue economic and social returns has deep roots. Sustainability is an important consideration for any long‐term investor and over the past few decades concerns ranging from climate change to inequality have begun to influence allocations across multiple asset classes. In private equity, this was first manifested in more considered approaches to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

Turning that interest into commitments for impact funds is not just driven by the prioritizing of sustainability and a recognition that it can be achieved alongside profitability, according to Steve Okun, ASEAN representative for EMPEA and CEO of APAC Advisors, a consultancy that specializes in government relations, policy, and sustainability issues. The definition of impact is also evolving so it encompasses a broader cross‐section of investments.