Ananda Impact Ventures invests in young companies seeking solutions to contemporary social challenges. Its focus is on digital health, education, aging, the future of work, and sustainable consumption. Ananda focuses primarily on B2B companies and startups that already have initial revenue and a business model.
With the now announced first closing of the fourth Core Impact Fund, the VC not only the targeted target of €40 million. With the €65 million already raised, the fourth fund also significantly surpasses its predecessor, which raised €50 million. Now, Ananda has increased its target for final closing from €75 million to between €90 and €100 million. Investors in the fourth Core Impact Fund include the European Investment Fund (EIF), Big Society Capital, and several family offices.
Ananda: “Combining innovation and leadership with tangible, profitable financial results”
"Ten years ago, the market wasn't yet mature; there was no jargon, no terminology, and only vague ideas. Our VC colleagues looked at us back then and asked themselves, 'What are you doing? Can you really make money?' But we have some strong exits with high returns, such as the sale of Kinderzentren Kunterbunt and Arbor Education. At the same time, other companies in our portfolio, such as Auticon and IESO Digital Health, are developing into true global market leaders in their fields, demonstrating that innovation and leadership can be combined with tangible, profitable financial results."
explained Florian Erber, Co-Founder of Ananda. Here, too, the formula applies that more sales equal more impact. The recent investments in Klim (carbon farming) and Ororatech (Satellites for forest fire prevention) show that this works on both social and ecological and climatic levels. Erber continues:
"Another observation is that at the same time, younger generations are entering the workforce and expect their employers to have a purpose. This means that companies like our portfolio companies, which are committed to positive impact, have a head start when it comes to attracting great talent, which has helped them build stable and diverse teams."
Johannes Weber, co-founder of Ananda Impact Ventures, says:
"We are witnessing a fundamental transformation of finance. Younger investors want to provide support that aligns with their values, and there is a desire to manage private wealth in more meaningful ways. This evolution requires tools and mechanisms that support their goals. Impact investment vehicles, such as Ananda's Core Impact Fund, are at the forefront of this change."
