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Impact First Investments is a venture capital firm founded in 2011 in Israel, focusing on impact investing. The organization aims to generate positive social and environmental outcomes while achieving financial returns. It specializes in investing in companies that tackle social and environmental challenges, leveraging Israeli technology and innovation to address global issues.
As Israel's first social venture fund, Impact First Investments has a target fund size of $25 million. The firm primarily invests in early to growth-stage companies, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. The organization operates with a blended capital model, combining traditional investment with philanthropic capital to support socially driven startups that may struggle to secure purely commercial funding.
Impact First Investments is co-founded by Roni Shkalim and Michal Shkalim, with Omer Shkalim serving as a partner. The firm is based in Israel and primarily targets companies in Israel and other emerging markets. The firm has established a reputation for its commitment to impact investing and its focus on addressing global challenges through innovative solutions.
Impact First Investments specializes in sectors that address significant social and environmental challenges, including healthcare, education, agtech, and climate. The firm invests primarily in early to growth-stage companies, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $900,000. This investment strategy allows them to support startups that are not only financially viable but also contribute positively to society.
The organization employs a blended capital model, which integrates traditional investment with philanthropic capital. This approach enables Impact First Investments to back socially driven startups that may find it difficult to secure funding through conventional means. The firm is particularly focused on leveraging Israeli technology and innovation to create solutions that can be applied globally, especially in emerging markets.
Impact First Investments seeks founders who are committed to making a social impact and who possess innovative ideas that align with the firm’s mission. The firm values companies that demonstrate potential for scalability and measurable social outcomes, ensuring that their investments contribute to both financial returns and positive societal change.
Impact First Investments has built a diverse portfolio that includes companies across various sectors, focusing on environmental technologies, digital healthcare, medical devices, education, knowledge technology, agtech, and edtech. While specific names and descriptions of portfolio companies are not publicly available, the firm emphasizes its commitment to investing in socially driven Israeli startups that address global challenges.
The firm’s portfolio reflects its focus on impact investing, targeting companies that are not only innovative but also dedicated to creating positive social and environmental outcomes. This strategic approach positions Impact First Investments as a key player in the impact investing space, particularly within the Israeli tech ecosystem.
Roni Shkalim - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Roni has extensive experience in impact investing and has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s strategy. He has a background in finance and entrepreneurship, focusing on socially driven ventures.
Michal Shkalim - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Michal brings a wealth of knowledge in social entrepreneurship and impact investing. Her expertise lies in identifying and supporting startups that address critical social challenges.
Omer Shkalim - Partner. Omer has a strong background in technology and investment, contributing to the firm’s focus on leveraging Israeli innovation for social impact. He plays a key role in evaluating potential investments and supporting portfolio companies.
To pitch Impact First Investments, founders should visit their website at impact1st.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, social impact objectives, and how the startup utilizes Israeli technology. While there is no formal application process specified, a clear and compelling presentation is essential.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the investment team.
As of March 2026, Impact First Investments continues to operate as Israel's first social venture fund, focusing on investments in early-stage socially driven Israeli tech companies. The firm maintains a target fund size of $25 million and invests between $100,000 and $900,000 in each startup.
Impact First Investments has been recognized for its unique approach to blending traditional investment with philanthropic capital, allowing it to support startups that may not attract purely commercial funding. The firm has been featured in various publications discussing Israel's impact investment ecosystem, highlighting its role in addressing global challenges through innovative solutions.
What are the investment criteria for Impact First Investments?
Impact First Investments focuses on early to growth-stage companies that address social and environmental challenges. They prioritize sectors such as healthcare, education, agtech, and climate. The firm employs a blended capital model, combining traditional investment with philanthropic capital to support socially driven startups.
How can I pitch to Impact First Investments?
Founders interested in pitching to Impact First Investments should visit their website at impact1st.com. The firm does not specify a formal application process, but it is advisable to include a clear outline of the business model, social impact goals, and how the startup leverages Israeli technology.
What makes Impact First Investments different from other venture capital firms?
Impact First Investments is distinct in its commitment to impact investing, focusing on generating positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. The firm’s blended capital model allows it to support startups that may struggle to secure purely commercial funding.
What is the geographic focus of Impact First Investments?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in Israel and other emerging markets. This geographic focus allows them to leverage local innovation and address global challenges effectively.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Impact First Investments typically invests between $100,000 and $900,000 in each startup. This range allows them to support a variety of companies at different stages of growth.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive post-investment?
Impact First Investments provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a network of resources that can help portfolio companies scale and achieve their social impact goals. This support is crucial for startups aiming to make a significant difference in their respective sectors.
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