We invest in ventures with inclusive and scalable social innovations that are run by outstanding entrepreneurs.

We want to see the power of innovation and technology used to solve major social problems, bringing the benefits of innovation to everyone in society. We help to do this by investing in ventures with inclusive and scalable innovations that are run by outstanding entrepreneurs. We are an experienced team of sector experts, venture capitalists, impact investors and evaluators backed by a strong, innovative institution - Nesta.

 

Our Case Studies

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Inhouse records
InHouse Records

InHouse Records is the world's first fully functionally record label launched in prison. As a label for change, their mission is to see safer communities, fewer victims of crime and rehabilitation and employment for ex-offenders with a focus on dignity and aspiration. Since launching in September 2017, InHouse's work has engaged hard-to-reach populations both in prisons and through-the-gate, through music-based training programmes for prisoners and ex-offenders. With a focus on using music to improve core competencies and employability skills, its long-term goal is to help graduates lead empowered, fulfilling, and crime-free lives and, ultimately, to reduce re-offending.

 

Duration
5 years
Cost of capital
6.8%
Turnover
Not available
Amount invested
£97,00 (2019: £77,000 and 2021: £20,000)
Investor
Nesta Impact Investments
  • Product type
    Unsecured loan (incl. overdrafts)

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Pop Up Projects
Pop Up Projects

Pop Up Projects is a non-profit children's literature agency with a mission to transform lives through literature, especially through working with people in deprived places and challenging circumstances. Pop Up Projects delivers on this mission through three distinct strands of activities: working with primary, secondary, SEN schools to produce an annual nationwide children's literature festival; developing emerging talent to ensure that the next generation of children's writers and illustrators is more diverse; and providing advisory services for peer organisations with complementary missions.

 

Duration
5 years
Cost of capital
8%
Turnover
Not available
Amount invested
£150,000
Investor
Nesta Impact Investments
  • Product type
    Unsecured loan (incl. overdrafts)

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IRIE! Dance Theatre
IRIE! Dance Theatre

IRIE! dance theatre is the UK's leading dance theatre company delivering creative, educational and artistic activities in African and Caribbean dance. Based in the historic Moonshot Centre in South London, IRIE!'s mission is to support the personal wellbeing and community cohesion of the diverse population in its local area through dance.

The organisation has two distinct but interrelated strands of activities: a wide-ranging community offer across diverse dance styles for young people, adults, families, and older people; and a comprehensive education, training, and professional development offer spanning schools workshops, a degree programme, masterclasses, and residencies for emerging dance artists.

 

Duration
5 years
Cost of capital
7.05%
Turnover
£382,850
Amount invested
£100,000
Investor
Nesta Impact Investments
  • Product type
    Unsecured loan (incl. overdrafts)