Investor Day

In the ever-changing world of market opportunities, there is a broader view to take in embracing the megatrends. We must consider the impact we're making on future generations beyond just definitions and spreadsheets. Climate change presents investment opportunities but requires a comprehensive approach that examines our societal, political, and environmental impact. GenAI's emergence also demands we consider its potential effects on our planet's climate. We need an investment approach that prioritizes positive impact alongside profit. But let's stay focused on definitions and remember the world problems we want to solve, the opportunities at hand, and what we want to create for future generations.

By embracing systems theories, how can we unlock the transformative power of investment strategies that transcend traditional approaches to capitalism? As an impact investor, how can you catalyze profound transformations by fostering stakeholder collectives and crafting strategic portfolios? Explore the realms of Systemic Investing, Investing for Systems Change, and Systems Capital to navigate the complexities of our socioeconomic challenges. Discover a new methodology that empowers local resources and businesses while steering away from the pitfalls of surrendering control to distant entities. What opportunities lie ahead for those willing to embrace this paradigm shift in sustainable finance?

Progress, Profit, and Principle: Navigating a Conscientious Economic and (Geo) Political Landscape

The intersection of investments, ethics, and geopolitics is paramount in our current landscape of global elections and growing digital warfare. As the world grapples with the potential profits of digital warfare, a critical question arises: are we fostering innovation or paving the way for technology feudalism? Striking a balance between necessary regulation and the risk of stifling innovation. However, who are the stakeholders or influencers who hold the key to this balance? Peter Thiel or Margrethe Vestager? What capital do we lean towards, venture or philanthropy, public or private? Does it matter, as all have to learn how to navigate this delicate terrain, shaping the economic and political landscapes? Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles serve as idealistic concepts and practical tools for responsible investing, but have they become mere regulatory checkboxes? Owners, asset managers, and venture capitalists must acknowledge their pivotal role in steering the direction of ethical investments and being responsible for their clients. Their choices in the VC realm profoundly impact future technologies, values, and societal norms, thereby shaping the economic and political discourse. So today, who are the best investors? What questions do we ask, and what systems do they shape? Warning: This panel is not answering; they are prompting. Please continue the conversation.

Art activism, kindness, protopia, feminine economics—sounds like a wild ride, right? As the world hurtles through a whirlwind of change, one thing's for sure: the future has never felt more crucial. With our environment and culture evolving at breakneck speed, it's time to ask the burning question: are we headed 'Back to the Future' or 'Forward to the Future'? Technology's our trusty steed on this journey, but which path should we choose? Are we chasing the future we want or the one we expect? Let's buckle up and dive into the flux!

KFF24 Investor Day has wrapped, and we hope it's crystal clear: We're not just investing in one future; we're nurturing the futures of our planet. There's no room for mediocrity here; we're about shaking up cultures and cultivating ecosystems of change. Impact isn't a buzzword; it's our pledge to a bolder tomorrow. As we gaze towards KFF25, the question becomes: How do we continue to stretch boundaries and pioneer new territories? Did you learn something new today? Were there any insights that you found particularly interesting? Did you feel like you missed anything important? Is there anything you would like to do more of in the future? We will provide feedback and reflections straight away. What anticipation do we have for the next few days?

A "systems turn" is occurring across the financial and investing world. For institutional investors, the financial crisis of 2008, the COVID pandemic, and the rapidly increasing costs of climate change have revealed the importance of systemic risk. Even those with purely financial definitions of fiduciary duty are understanding the need to confront externalities that harm their own portfolios. For impact-driven investors in family offices, foundations, endowments, and the development finance world, the limited impact of single technologies or companies has provoked a desire to explore more comprehensive social and environmental impact strategies aimed at systems change. These worlds intersect in the practice of systemic investing - combining financial assets, social influence, and other forms of capital to drive real-world change, informed by collective attempts to map and model complex systems.

In this session, Jason Jay from MIT Sloan shares his reflections on the history, present, and future of the systems turn in finance, and what we can learn from pioneering efforts like Together We Invest for Systemic Transformation (TWIST).

This session will explore the emergence of ocean impact investing. As interest in ocean investment grows, opportunities to enhance and profit from our seas are rising. The discussion will focus on the currents shaping the ocean impact investing landscape, unveiling emerging ventures in energy, transport, food, and circular resources that are set to transform the blue economy. These initiatives safeguard ocean biodiversity and drive innovation in addressing the urgent challenges of the climate crisis. Participants will gain insights into the expansion of the new blue capital ecosystem while learning strategies for navigating challenges, measuring impact, and achieving sustainable performance in this dynamic arena. This session will provide a deeper understanding of how investing in our oceans offers new investment opportunities and a path to making a profound positive impact on climate change and ocean biodiversity.

In a world marked by inequality and unequal distribution of wealth and resources, the question of whether the financial system is broken and only benefiting a few gains traction. The transition to an inclusive financial system is complex. Is it that way because we are looking in the wrong places? Are we asking the right questions? Business as usual will not be sufficient to address this issue. At the same time, a significant transfer of wealth is anticipated, inheritors will hold considerable economic, social, career, and political power. This session explores how different investment vehicles, strategies, and frameworks may address inequality and drive social progress. We'll examine the challenges these concepts might face, the importance of innovative measurement frameworks, and the potential of poly-capital approaches. Can we, the finance community, (really) redefine investment priorities, rethink capital allocation beyond traditional metrics, and foster inclusive growth? What strategies need to be explored, and where do we start?

How can we understand the new approaches of the younger generation in family businesses and offices and how they are transforming the definition of success? In this session, we will challenge the conventional ways of family offices and explore how the younger generation is redefining the meaning of success. Join us to uncover the secrets of creating legacies beyond financial gains.

It's time to rewrite the playbook for VC success in Africa's startup revolution! Join us as industry leaders challenge conventional wisdom and explore new frontiers in impact, sustainability, and driving positive change through venture capital.

Foundations are unique organizations free from political pressure or profit motives. They have polycapital at their disposal – from grants, investments, and blended finance to advocacy and the power of convening. In the US, endowed foundations are estimated to control over $1.1 trillion (Barrons), while closer to home in Europe, they manage over EUR 647.5 billion in assets (Phileas). Leading charitable foundations have always been at the forefront of advocating for systemic change, whether leading the fight for social justice or saving our planet. Unfortunately only a small percentage of leading foundations have led the way in utilizing their unique position as change agents, many are stuck in the status quo, risk-averse and mired in inertia. In this session, we want to share what we are focusing on, where the blockages are, and how collectively we can work together to create lasting change where humans and ecology live in harmony and thrive.

Discover the power of feminine economic outlooks in shaping your investment portfolio. Embrace Jane's values while respecting Tarzan's approach. Explore real-life examples, ask the right questions, and trust your intuition. Let's invest beyond the traditional framework, prioritizing care, collaboration, and fairness over mere transactions. It's time to unlock a new layer of relationship-driven investing.

Mental health isn't just an issue—it's a pandemic demanding urgent action. What are the responsibilities and potential of impact investing, grant provision, and innovation in addressing this crisis and fostering prosperity and adaptability? It's time to move beyond talk and wishes; action is imperative. But how? The relationship between mental wellness, capital, and founder awareness is complex and crucial. It determines whether individuals thrive or succumb to burnout and mental health struggles within their ventures. Let's confront this reality head-on and forge a future where resilience and understanding reign, where inclusivity and growth aren't just aspirations but tangible outcomes. Enough with the status quo—it's time to make change happen.

Imagine for a moment that it's 2050, and you're setting up the perfect global fund. Strategic foresight is crucial, but it's also impossible. Let's take a moment to imagine the ideal fund and work our way backward. What are the overarching financial and social goals and milestones you envision for the fund? Aside from climate, healthcare, and (financial) inclusion, which sectors are critical for societal advancement and economic growth by 2050? How will you tailor investment strategies to address the unique challenges and opportunities across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, leveraging frontier technologies such as AI, blockchain, and quantum computing to optimize fund operations and enhance investment decisions? Engaging a diverse investor base, including sovereign wealth funds and corporates, is vital for sustainability amidst geopolitical shifts. How do you anticipate the adoption of CBDCs reshaping global financial markets and investment opportunities? What strategies could you use to attract investors that are aligned with the fund's objectives?

Artists, designers, radical imaginers, and free thinkers are crucial in triggering social innovation. However, arts and culture still need to be explored for social impact investors. We will collectively map, sketch, and prototype artistic investment strategies during the impact sprint. We will share our experiences investing in cultural pioneers with a bold and creative vision for the future. We will also share insights from our feasibility study for a new cultural impact investment fund. The facilitators of this sprint combine a background in contemporary art and impact investing. Arthur Steiner is an art historian and curator with extensive experience in philanthropy in the arts and culture. Martijn is an expert in Impact Investment Funds and an advisor and coach to impact funds for Impact Europe.

How can LPs and GPs effectively navigate the evolving landscape amidst global uncertainties? This session delves into the nuances of impact investing. We'll kick off with diverse perspectives from industry players on current affairs. What are the common pitfalls investors encounter, and how can they be avoided? Learn how regulatory frameworks impact decision-making and strategies for adaptation. We'll explore dos and don'ts, sharing successes and engaging anecdotes. Amidst the complexities, we'll focus on what truly matters: the key considerations for success in your field. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, this session promises inspiration and guidance. This session is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with like-minded individuals.

In this panel, we aim to reveal the effects of AI in venture investing. Covering the system change potential, the role of the humans in the loop, impact analysis, the deals, the investor mappings, and the dream teams. Venture capitalists and fund managers are hyped about AI's potential. At the same time, VC industry is currently one of the least data-driven and AI-powered industries. This paradox needs to be untangled to secure impact and solve the biggest problems in the world. All early-stage impact investing includes the art and science of dealing with unlimited unstructured data—a perfect case for AI.

In the roundtable session, we will engage participants to explore the potential and key areas affected by AI: 1) Main Trends: What is the current state of AI in impact investing, and where is it heading? 2) Data Everywhere: With access to signals on all impact companies at the seed stage, how do you manage this unlimited haystack of data? 3) Team and people analysis: We all invest in people, the most important and least understood success factor. How will AI and data science affect team analysis? 4) The Impact Power Law: How to use AI to predict scalable impact at an early stage? 5) The Humans in the AI loop: As AI-driven analysis arrives, what is the role of the humans? Investors “marry” with founders and LPs for decades, and impact investing is fundamentally relationship-driven. How does AI affect this?