FAQ:
What is Take Action?
Founded in 2007, Take Action! The Impact Investing Summit is the
preeminent conference of asset owners and other impact investors
focused on premium or above market-rate return. Hear the latest
developments from leaders creating “what’s next” in impact investing
including discussions of current investments and those being created.
Take Action! is a by-invitation only gathering of asset owners
(families, foundations, pension plans, corporations and government
agencies). During the two days of the event, we discuss how to make
money while solving some of the world’s greatest challenges. Our focus
is on those investments that create above market-rate financial
returns.
Peers gather to discuss and share their experiences – both positive and
negative.
We highlight examples of investments where great social and
environmental change has been achieved while simultaneously creating
competitive financial returns (e.g., sustainable forestry, clean tech,
infrastructure, community development). We also discuss the next
potential evolution of the marketplace, e.g., on issues such as human
rights and community economic development.
Who is the primary audience?
Our primary audience is asset owners of $25 million or more. They are
trustees, CEOs or senior investment staff representing themselves,
their families, foundations, pension plans, corporations and government
agencies, including development finance institutions.
Why should you come?
Take Action! brings together leading practitioners and thinkers in
impact investing. If you are interested in understanding more about
this evolving industry or talking one-on-one with people about their
experiences, this gathering is for you. Our audience is generally 200
people, so there is enough time to meet people with similar interests.
Who are some of the notable speakers this year?
• The Hon. David Chiu, President of the Board of Supervisors of the
City and County of San Francisco, will provide a special welcome
address.
• Jean Oelwang, CEO of Virgin Unite Virgin, the not-for-profit
foundation of the Virgin Group, founded by Sir Richard Branson.
• Audrey Choi, Managing Director and Head of Morgan Stanley Global
Sustainable Finance
• B. Kathlyn Mead, COO, The California Endowment
• Susan Phinney Silver, Program-Related Investments Officer, The David
& Lucile Packard Foundation
What is the Investment Showcase?
The Investment Showcase gives asset owners a window into exciting
impact investment opportunities recommended by their peers. These
investments are across all asset classes – public and private equities.
They include funds, funds of funds and individual companies.
What results do you achieve?
Over the last five years, Take Action! has created $350 million in new
commitments to impact investing – more than any other gathering in the
field.
For the past three years, 98% of all participants who responded to our
survey said they fulfilled on their reasons for attending the event.
• We are an investments conference. The head of strategy for a $5B
charity said that they appreciated our event because it was focused on
investments. We are very focused on value creation.
• Senior staff from the Stanford Graduate School of Business stated
that Take Action! enabled them to understand the landscape of
activities within impact investing, particularly those asset owners and
investments that focus on market-rate and above financial returns.
Most people come to meet others who can provide them with practical
advice and means to get into action.
• The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), the
second largest pension plan in the United States, has credited Take
Action! with enabling them to place assets with more confidence into
microfinance. Janice Hester-Amey, CalSTRS Portfolio Manager, has been
an Advisor for the last four years.
• The California Endowment, a $3B foundation focused on healthcare,
committed $75M the day after the Correlation Consulting’s first event
in 2007. COO B. Kathlyn Mead joined as an Advisor this last year, after
sponsoring the event for the past three years.