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.
Published: December 18, 2025
By David Kim, AI & Quantum Computing Editor
Category: ESG
David focuses on AI, quantum computing, automation, robotics, and AI applications in media. Expert in next-generation computing technologies.
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)](https://thegiin.org), 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](https://bridgesfundmanagement.com) 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](https://legalandgeneral.com) and major pension funds.
2. Generation Investment Management (London, UK)
[Generation Investment Management](https://generationim.com), 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](https://blueorchard.com), 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)
[Bain Capital Double Impact](https://baincapitaldoubleimpact.com) manages over $1.4 billion focused on investments that generate both financial returns and measurable social and environmental impact. Based in Boston with global reach, they target healthcare access, sustainability services, and workforce development.
Portfolio companies include [Enviva](https://envivabiomass.com), the worlds largest producer of sustainable wood pellets, and [Arosa](https://arosa.com), providing senior care services across North America.
5. TPG Rise Fund (San Francisco, US)
[TPG Rise Fund](https://therisefund.com) is one of the worlds largest impact investing platforms, managing over $13 billion across multiple funds. Founded in San Francisco with offices in London and Singapore, Rise invests in companies advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Notable investments include [Dodla Dairy](https://dodladairy.com) empowering Indian farmers, [Cellulant](https://cellulant.io) enabling financial inclusion across Africa, and [EverFi](https://everfi.com) delivering digital education to millions globally.
6. Summa Equity (Oslo/London, Europe)
[Summa Equity](https://summaequity.com), with offices in Oslo, Stockholm, and London, manages €4.5 billion focused on companies solving global challenges in resource efficiency, changing demographics, and tech-enabled transformation. Their portfolio includes leaders in circular economy, sustainable food systems, and healthtech.
Summas approach combines private equity returns with rigorous impact measurement, attracting major European pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.
7. Social Finance Ireland (Dublin, Ireland)
[Social Finance Ireland](https://socialfinance.ie) is a leading impact investor in Ireland, deploying capital into social enterprises and community organizations. Their Social Enterprise Development Fund and partnerships with [Bank of Ireland](https://bankofireland.com) have catalyzed Irelands growing impact economy.
In 2025, they launched a €100 million Climate Action Fund targeting renewable energy cooperatives and sustainable agriculture across Ireland.
8. Mubadala Ventures (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
[Mubadala Investment Company](https://mubadala.com), Abu Dhabis sovereign wealth fund, has expanded its sustainable investment portfolio through dedicated ESG and climate funds. Their Masdar subsidiary is a global leader in renewable energy with projects spanning the UAE, UK, and US.
[Masdar](https://masdar.ae) has committed $30 billion to clean energy investments by 2030, including the development of green hydrogen infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa.
9. NEOM Investment Fund (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
[NEOM](https://neom.com), Saudi Arabias $500 billion sustainable city project, includes a dedicated investment fund backing companies in renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and circular economy. Through the [Public Investment Fund (PIF)](https://pif.gov.sa), Saudi Arabia is channeling billions into green technology ventures.
NEOMs initiatives include the worlds largest green hydrogen project and THE LINE, a zero-carbon urban development attracting global cleantech investment.
10. ABC Impact (Singapore)
[ABC Impact](https://abcimpact.com.sg), a Singapore-based impact investing platform backed by Temasek, manages over $500 million targeting Asian impact opportunities in climate action, healthcare access, and financial inclusion. Their approach combines private equity discipline with rigorous impact measurement.
ABC Impacts portfolio includes leading Asian companies in electric mobility, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive fintech, positioning them as a gateway for institutional capital seeking Asian impact exposure.
Regional Market Analysis
| Region | AUM 2026 | Growth Rate | Key Focus Areas |
|--------|----------|-------------|------------------|
| UK/Europe | $650B | 18% | Climate transition, social housing |
| North America | $520B | 14% | Healthcare, clean energy |
| Middle East | $85B | 35% | Renewable energy, sustainable cities |
| Asia-Pacific | $180B | 22% | Financial inclusion, climate adaptation |
| Switzerland | $120B | 12% | Microfinance, emerging markets |
Key Trends Shaping Impact Investing in 2026
Regulatory frameworks continue to mature, with the [EU Taxonomy](https://ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance) and [SEC Climate Disclosure Rules](https://sec.gov) driving transparency and standardization. Institutional investors are increasingly mandating impact reporting alongside financial returns.
Blended finance structures combining public and private capital are unlocking opportunities in emerging markets, with organizations like the [International Finance Corporation (IFC)](https://ifc.org) and [British International Investment](https://bii.co.uk) providing catalytic capital.
Investment Opportunities and Outlook
The transition to net-zero presents a $130 trillion investment opportunity according to [McKinsey](https://mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability). Impact investors are well-positioned to capture this opportunity across clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, circular economy, and natural capital.
Emerging themes include biodiversity credits, blue economy investments, and AI-enabled impact measurement tools that are attracting venture capital from leading firms including [Obvious Ventures](https://obvious.com) and [DBL Partners](https://dblpartners.vc).
Conclusion
Impact investing has matured into a sophisticated asset class attracting the worlds leading institutional investors. From Londons pioneering firms like Bridges and Generation to Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and Asian impact platforms, the companies profiled represent the vanguard of sustainable finance. As regulatory frameworks strengthen and measurement standards converge, impact investing is poised for continued growth as a cornerstone of 21st-century capital allocation.
About the Author
DK
David Kim
AI & Quantum Computing Editor
David focuses on AI, quantum computing, automation, robotics, and AI applications in media. Expert in next-generation computing technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is impact investing and how does it differ from ESG investing?
Impact investing specifically targets measurable positive social or environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. While ESG investing screens companies based on environmental, social, and governance criteria, impact investing proactively seeks investments designed to create specific beneficial outcomes. Impact investments typically have explicit impact theses and rigorous measurement frameworks.
Which countries are leading in impact investing growth?
The UK leads in Europe with London as a global impact investing hub, while the US dominates in total assets under management. Fastest growth is occurring in the Middle East (UAE and Saudi Arabia at 35% annually) and Asia-Pacific (Singapore at 22%) as sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors allocate more to sustainable strategies.
What returns can investors expect from impact investments?
Impact investments increasingly deliver market-rate returns. According to GIIN research, 88% of impact investors report meeting or exceeding their financial expectations. Funds like Generation Investment Management and TPG Rise have demonstrated that integrating sustainability can enhance long-term performance through better risk management and exposure to growth sectors.
How do impact investors measure social and environmental outcomes?
Impact investors use standardized frameworks including the Impact Management Project (IMP), IRIS+ metrics from GIIN, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Leading firms conduct rigorous due diligence, set specific impact KPIs, and report outcomes annually. Technology platforms and AI tools are increasingly enabling real-time impact measurement.
What sectors attract the most impact investment capital?
Climate and clean energy attract the largest share of impact capital (approximately 40%), followed by financial inclusion and microfinance (20%), healthcare and education (15%), and sustainable agriculture and food systems (10%). Emerging sectors include biodiversity, circular economy, and affordable housing.