Catalysing New Zealand’s Impact Investment Sector

Tuesday, 17 March 2015, 5:11 pm
Press Release: Akina Foundation

MEDIA RELEASE

17 March 2015 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Catalysing New Zealand’s Impact Investment Sector

As part of Ākina Foundation’s commitment to growing social enterprise in New Zealand, they are keen to scale the connection of promising ventures to funds. Impact investment is at a fledgling stage locally yet is beginning to thrive in places like the US, UK and Australia. Ākina sees an opportunity to optimise the existing options and to create new models that bring investment to social enterprises – and ultimately, expand the capital-base available to drive social and environmental transformation on home turf. As part of this mission, Ākina is excited to announce a partnership with the Macquarie Group. With its global leadership of financial, investment and funds management services – Macquarie is well positioned to support Ākina in amplifying the intersection of social innovation and investment in New Zealand.

“Social enterprise and impact investment – already demonstrating impact at scale in many other countries – create opportunities in New Zealand that are only starting to be understood and developed. Community sector leaders, entrepreneurs, policy makers and investors are now starting to explore this opportunity as they seek delivery models that will result in greater social impact and longer-term financial sustainability.” – Alex Hannant, Chief Executive, Ākina Foundation

The Macquarie Group Foundation has played a key role in championing impact investment across the world.This is especially true in Australia where partnerships with Social Ventures Australia and the School for Social Entrepreneurs have shaped the sector. Now it’s committed to supporting Ākina to grow impact investment in New Zealand

“We are very pleased to be supporting the growth of social enterprises in New Zealand through Akina. We recognise that for the sector to flourish, specialised intermediaries need to build understanding and awareness of impact investing, as well as help organisations with initial capability development through to investment readiness.” – Lisa George, Head, Macquarie Group Foundation

This partnership will bring together Ākina’s local social enterprise sector insights and networks with Macquarie’s global experience and acumen. Alongside funding provided by the Macquarie Group Foundation, Macquarie Capital (NZ) will be providing valuable strategic support. The mission of this partnership is to work together to establish a cohesive, accessible and sustainable impact investment sector in New Zealand.

Investors who are keen to start exploring the funding of social enterprise in New Zealand are welcome to attend Ākina Foundation’s upcoming Launchpad Pitch Day on March 31. Launchpad is New Zealand’s first social enterprise accelerator and Pitch Day will showcase eleven participating social venture teams, many of whom are investment ready.

Ākina Foundation: www.akina.org.nz

Macquarie: www.macquarie.com

Background information

The Ākina Foundation is on a committed mission to grow the emerging social enterprise sector in New Zealand. Social enterprise covers social-purpose ventures which deliver measurable social impact. Ākina approaches this mission by activating talent, building capability and supporting high-potential enterprises access the capital and markets they need to fulfil their potential. www.akina.org.nz

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