One of the best things about working at the intersection of many different “systems” is that we get to introduce people to new ideas, connect amazing individuals from diverse worlds, and enjoy the richness these systems bring. (It also creates some challenges in choosing which conferences to attend every fall, but it’s a challenge we’re happy to live with ??).
One question we’re asked a lot is: “If there’s one book I need to read about [fill in the blank]… what would it be?”
Well, well, well—ask and you shall receive. Today, we’re launching a new resource series where we’ll share foundational materials we think matter in our field. These resources will reflect the wide range of issues and systems we work on: Tech for Good, catalytic capital, rebuilding better, resilient food systems, and more.
For our first post, we thought it would be very appropriate to highlight a book by Sir Ronald Cohen - one of the founding fathers of impact innovation as we know it today and someone who has deeply influenced our work. His book, IMPACT (2020), focuses on one of our favorite topics: catalytic capital.
What truly resonates with us in his writing is a concept we implement often: blended and catalytic capital—strategically combining private investment, philanthropic funding, and government resources to drive unprecedented social and environmental change.
His framework demonstrates how $1K in philanthropic donations can unlock $1M in private capital and $1B in government funding, creating sustainable solutions for society's most pressing challenges. For us, this isn’t just theory—it’s a core part of how we view the role of capital in transforming global issues, from humanitarian innovation to climate action.
Stay tuned for more curated resources to help advance the field of impact investing!
