Impact Investing Solutions Opens Doors for Small and Large Investors to Democratize Global Impact

Impact Investing Solutions leverages cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and educational tools to democratize impact investing and accelerate the SDG goals.

By Jon Stojan

Published Dec 17, 2024

In an age where the urgency to address global challenges has never been greater, Impact Investing Solutions (IIS) is paving the way for investors of all sizes to make a tangible difference. With its roots in Switzerland, IIS combines education, technology, and media to bridge the gap between meaningful projects and the financial support they desperately need. Now, the organization has launched a new investment campaign through its World Impact Centre to expand its reach and impact, revolutionizing how the world approaches sustainable development.

Founded in 2020 and guided by decades of expertise in the impact sector, IIS is recognized as one of the largest impact investment platforms in Europe. Their mission? To align investments with values, enabling and empowering both large and small investors to drive meaningful change. The organization operates through three key pillars: education, media, community.

IIS educates governments, academics, businesses, and financial institutions on sustainable investment and impact measurement. Their groundbreaking TV show, Swiss Impact with Banerjis, connects high-impact businesses with investors, boasting a viewership of over 4.6 million globally. However, the organization does not stop there. Through their AI-powered investor platform, IIS unites entrepreneurs and investors to accelerate progress on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A survey showed that more than eighty percent of global consumers want to make sustainable choices. Despite these global efforts and consumer encouragement, progress toward the SDGs is alarmingly slow. Sveta Banerjee, Founder of IIS, notes upon a recent study, “Less than one-fifth of the targets are on track. At our current pace, it could take over 62 years to achieve goals meant to be reached by 2030.” Even a 2022 European Commission report revealed that more than forty percent of corporate green claims are exaggerated, false, or outright deceptive.

This alarming gap is largely due to systemic inefficiencies in funding impactful ventures. Co-founder Ben Banerjee explains, “For companies making a difference, securing financing often takes years—if they succeed at all. Meanwhile, the world suffers from this delay.”

Historically, impact investing has mostly been accessible to only large investors. IIS is changing that narrative. Through their crowdfunding campaign, smaller investors can now participate, starting with as little as 400 Swiss francs. “This was my dream,” says Sveta. “To make impact investing accessible to everyone—not just the wealthy. By opening the door to smaller investors, we’re building a global community of changemakers.”

IIS is taking its utilization of technology to the next step, further integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its business operations. The organization has already developed an AI-powered platform that accelerates the matchmaking process between investors and impactful businesses. Currently, the organization is in Phase I, integrating IIS’ internal database of 8,000 investors and business portfolios to improve efficiency. In Phase II, the platform will be opened to its partners, enabling businesses and investors to interact directly. The end goal is to democratize the platform globally, allowing anyone to gain access and contribute to the impact ecosystem.

The AI platform will also support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by automating sustainability impact reports, which are essential for securing funding. “Big corporations have entire teams to handle this,” notes Ben. “But SMEs often can’t afford the time or resources. Our AI tool will make reporting accessible and efficient, leveling the playing field.”

IIS’ current campaign aims to raise $1 million by the end of the year, with a pre-funding round already underway. The campaign will fully launch once the $100,000 threshold is reached. Early investors benefit from a 12.5% discount until this milestone is achieved. These funds have been allocated to accelerate their impact. It will help finalize the integration of AI into the investor-business matchmaking system. The organization will also be expanding marketing efforts to reach a global audience and inspire widespread participation.

“We’ve proven that our model works,” states Ben proudly. “Businesses featured on our media platform, through our TV show, have found some form of aid, whether it be investors, markets, or partnerships they were seeking. Now, with more resources, we can help more businesses and create greater impact.” Source: https://www.investing.com/studios/contributor-content/impact-investing-solutions-opens-doors-for-small-and-large-investors-to-democratize-global-impact-382741