ESADE Business School Creates Impact Investing Program for Managers

Managers will learn about social impact investing under a new exectuive education program created by Spain’s ESADE Business School.

Impact investing – where philanthropy meets investment – has emerged as a new trend in the business school space, as students increasingly seek to generate an impact as well as financial rewards in their careers. 

The ESADE course hopes to provide managers with effective tools for a high-engagement approach to social investment and grant making across a range of industries. The program is taught jointly with European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA), a network of 210 investment firms, banks, business schools and others committed to creating positive societal impact. 

Lisa Hehenberger, lecturer at ESADE and venture philanthropy expert, said the course is “the best opportunity to learn how to develop an impact-centric funding strategy in venture philanthropy and impact investment”.

“During the course, participants will understand the entire investment process, including techniques used for due diligence, closing and structuring deals, monitoring and reporting, governance of social purpose organizations, and how to manage an impactful exit and portfolio management,” she added.

Course targets professionals looking to develop impact-centric investment approach

The course, named ‘Fundamentals on venture philanthropy and impact investing’, brings together ESADE’s academic strengths with EVPA’s network and field experience.

The first cohort will commence their studies on 15 August (the deadline to express an interest is July 10) and combines online learning materials with two days of face-to-face interaction with leading lecturers and practitioners at ESADE’s Barcelona campus. During the residential course in the Spanish city, experienced venture philanthropy and impact investors, such as Adam Kybird of Bridges Management Fund, will share their knowledge on impact management and non-financial support. 

The course targets professionals from foundations, impact investing funds, banks and other financial institutions, public administrations, NGOs, charities, and corporations with an interest in developing an impact-centric funding approach.

The program highlights the growing impact investing education now available at business schools. Institutions including Wharton and Kellogg have launched impact investing programs specifically for MBA students. Career opportunities have widened in the space because of the traction it has gained in the financial services community.  

“Numerous surveys tell us that the venture philanthropy and impact investment sector is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector,” said Bernard Uyttendaele, CEO of EVPA. “Many players are active in the sector, including foundations, impact investing funds, financial institutions, family offices and corporates.”