The 4 Big Impact Investing Trends to Watch in 2025

1. Climate Tech and Sustainability as Long-Term Themes
Climate-focused investments remain front and center in 2025, with technology driving scalable solutions for a greener future. Jean de Fougerolles, Managing Partner at Ascension Ventures, points to a major shift: “The path to net zero will be led by innovation, particularly in how we power and sustain our homes. Decarbonizing residential infrastructure isn’t just urgent, it’s investable.” With growing demand for energy-efficient systems and circular models, climate tech is proving to be high-impact and high-growth.

2. Aligning with ESG-Based Venture Capitalists
Founders are increasingly expected to reflect the values of their investors in ESG-driven environments. Amit KC Jain, Founder of AKCJ Ventures, explains, “Today’s venture capitalists aren’t just bringing capital, they’re bringing purpose. There’s a growing expectation that founders align on environmental, social and governance priorities from the very beginning.” This shift marks a new era of accountability and shared vision in early-stage investing.

3. AI as an Accelerator of Impact Outcomes
Artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful force in the impact space, not only enhancing productivity but also solving complex sustainability challenges. Jonathan Tudor of Clean Growth Fund notes, “AI is amplifying our ability to deliver measurable results. Whether it’s optimizing energy systems or reducing industrial emissions, the pace of progress has drastically improved thanks to intelligent technologies.” For impact investors, AI is now a critical enabler.

4. Legacy, Not Just Profits, is the New Success Metric
Financial return is no longer the only benchmark. Marc Flohr, Executive Board Member at Mingenta, highlights a broader vision: “We’re investing to shape the world we want future generations to inherit.” In 2025, impact investing is increasingly defined by the legacy it leaves behind.

The 218th PIFW "Building a Better Tomorrow Through Impact Investments in 2025," held on April 17, 2025, brought together global leaders and forward-thinking investors committed to aligning financial performance with positive social and environmental outcomes. The forum served as a timely deep dive into the fast-evolving world of impact investing, highlighting how strategies have matured over the past year.

A special thanks to our speakers for sharing their invaluable insights at the forum.

Amit KC Jain
Jean de Fougerolles
Marc J. Flohr
Jonathan Tudor

We extend our gratitude to the presenters for showcasing their investment opportunities at the event:

Armen Solakhyan, Founder & CEO of Bio Access Platforms, presented their AI-powered software designed to help pharmaceutical companies accurately forecast market access outcomes for their drugs.