Top 10 Impact Investing Companies and Startups to Watch in 2026 in London UK Europe US Canada UAE Saudi Ireland Singapore Switzerland
Discover the leading impact investing firms and startups driving sustainable finance across London, Europe, US, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Singapore and Switzerland in 2026.
Executive Summary
Impact investing has evolved from a niche strategy to a mainstream financial movement, with global assets under management exceeding $1.5 trillion in 2025. This comprehensive analysis profiles the top 10 impact investing companies and startups reshaping sustainable finance across key markets from London and Europe to North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), impact investments are projected to grow at 15% annually through 2030, driven by institutional demand, regulatory frameworks like the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, and increasing evidence that sustainable investments deliver competitive returns.
1. Bridges Fund Management (London, UK)
Bridges Fund Management is one of the worlds leading specialist sustainable and impact investors, founded in London in 2002. With over £1.5 billion under management, Bridges invests across property, growth capital, and social outcomes funds. Their innovative Social Outcomes Contracts have delivered measurable improvements in education, employment, and health outcomes.
In 2025, Bridges launched a new £400 million climate transition fund targeting decarbonization opportunities across the UK and Europe, partnering with Legal & General and major pension funds.
2. Generation Investment Management (London, UK)
Generation Investment Management, co-founded by Al Gore and David Blood in London, manages over $45 billion in sustainable equity and growth investments. Their long-term approach integrates ESG factors throughout the investment process, demonstrating that sustainability and superior returns are complementary.
Generations Global Equity Fund has consistently outperformed benchmarks while maintaining rigorous sustainability criteria, making them a model for institutional impact investing.
3. BlueOrchard Finance (Zurich, Switzerland)
BlueOrchard Finance, headquartered in Zurich and now part of Schroders, is a pioneer in impact investing with over $10 billion deployed across emerging markets. Specializing in microfinance, climate finance, and sustainable infrastructure, BlueOrchard has reached over 230 million people across 90 countries.
Their Climate Finance Partnership with the Green Climate Fund channels institutional capital into renewable energy and climate adaptation projects in developing economies.
4. Bain Capital Double Impact (Boston, US)