BVCA recognises leading firms across private capital for Excellence in Impact

Outstanding contributions to impact investing across private equity and venture capital were recognised at the BVCA’s ‘Excellence in Impact’ awards which celebrate the firms that are spearheading outstanding sustainability initiatives across the private capital industry. 

Impact investment is on the rise. A host of factors centred around the need to address global environmental and social issues such as climate change, biodiversity decline and demographic changes, as well as an increased focus on ESG/responsible investment more generally, is resulting in a higher demand for investment in mission-led companies focused on people and planet, as well as profit.

In 2023, the BVCA introduced the ‘Excellence in Impact’ awards to celebrate our members’ commitment to making an environmental and social impact, alongside making financial returns. This aims to showcase best practice and how our member firms are advancing their impact investing approaches, alongside the environmental and social solutions our members are facilitating through their portfolio companies.
 

This year, firms were recognised across these two categories:

Portfolio Company backed by a BVCA member – StormHarvester backed by YFM Equity Partners

The judges praised the company for addressing a significant and scalable challenge with clear purpose and measurable outcomes. They highlighted how the business is not only tackling a real-world problem but doing so in a way that delivers demonstrable impact, supported by strong evidence of progress and results.
 

GP below £1bn AUM category – Future Planet Capital

The judges commended the Future Planet Capital for its rigorous and forward-thinking approach to impact investing. They noted the innovative methods applied across the investment process, ensuring that impact is embedded in strategy and execution, whilst recognising the firm as a leader in setting high standards for impact within the industry.

Commenting, BVCA Chief Executive Michael Moore said:

“We are delighted to celebrate the winners of this year’s Impact Awards, who exemplify how our industry can deliver meaningful and measurable change. Their commitment to addressing real-world challenges through innovation and investment reflects the very best of private capital’s role in driving sustainable growth and positive societal outcomes.”
 

Commenting, Brian Moloney, Founder and CEO at StormHarvester said:

“We’re honoured to receive the Excellence in Impact award, which recognises both our rapid growth and the positive environmental impact of our work. At StormHarvester we are proud to be helping improve wastewater networks across the UK and beyond - reducing spills, protecting communities, and safeguarding the environment.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and customers as well as the vision of our partners who share our commitment to a more sustainable future.”
 

Commenting, Douglas Hansen-Luke, Executive Chairman at Future Planet Capital said:

"When we founded Future Planet Capital with the Norman Foster Foundation in 2016, our aim was simple but ambitious: to connect the world’s leading investors with the brightest minds to tackle global challenges profitably. Almost a decade on, having backed the Oxford vaccine and more than 160 other pioneering companies, our start-up is beginning to grow up. Receiving the BVCA Award for Excellence in Impact is a tribute to our team and our partners — and a reminder of our mission to help solve the great challenges of climate, health, education, security and sustainable growth."

Notes to Editors:  

For further information, please contact:  
BVCA Press Office 
Email: [email protected] 

Background: 

About the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association  

The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) (private capital) industry in the UK. With a membership of over 600 firms, we represent the vast majority of all UK-based private capital firms, as well as their professional advisers and a large base of UK and global investors. The private equity and venture capital industry has a vital role to play in driving national and regional growth. Currently over 13,000 companies, employing more than 2.5 million people, are backed by private equity and venture capital investment in the UK.