On this episode of Investor Connect, Hall welcomes Ander Iruretagoyena, Senior Associate at Impact Engine. Ander shares what excites him now and discusses the state of impact investing, how he sees the industry evolving, challenges investors and startups face, and more.
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Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Impact Engine is a women-owned and led venture capital and private equity firm investing in companies driving positive impact in education, economic empowerment, health, and environmental sustainability.
Impact Engine was launched in 2012 as an accelerator fund with the goal of identifying promising entrepreneurs starting businesses with the potential to drive both attractive financial returns and positive social impact. Impact Engine raised two subsequent accelerator funds in 2013 and 2014, all focused on investing in pre-seed stage companies. Across the three accelerator funds, Impact Engine invested in a portfolio of 23 companies. Between 2015 and 2016, Impact Engine shifted its investment strategy and raised a $10 million venture fund which invested in 22 companies. Between 2018 and 2019, they began operating as a public benefit corporation, raised a $25M second venture fund, and raised a $31.5M first PE fund, allowing them to invest in impact funds for the first time.
Impact Engine’s investors include institutions, family offices, foundations, and individuals who believe in investing for both financial return as well as social impact. They are also committed to cultivating community among their investors. Their goal is to help their investors learn from each other and leading-edge impact investors who deploy capital across asset classes and geographies.
Prior to joining Impact Engine, Ander was an investment banking associate at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, working with Latin American corporations. During these years, Ander worked on a total of 17 transactions for $10.7B across 4 products, 9 industries, and 6 geographies. Ander also previously worked on financial inclusion strategies at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Ander holds a BA in Economics as well as Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and earned his MBA degree from the Chicago Booth School of Business. Ander is originally from Mexico and loves FC Barcelona.
About The Podcast
Investor Connect is a podcast program for investors and startups who want to learn more about early-stage funding. In each episode, we ask seasoned investors and entrepreneurs to share their experiences with the startup funding community.
