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The Meng Impact Investment Fund is the inaugural student-run impact investment fund at the Yale School of Management, established in 2023. This initiative was made possible through a generous donation from Leon Meng, a Yale SOM alumnus from the Class of 1997. The fund has its origins in Fishbowl Ventures, a student organization founded in 2019 that aimed to advocate for impactful investment strategies. The Meng Fund represents a significant step in empowering students to engage directly with the investment process.
Based in New Haven, Connecticut, the fund focuses on early-stage for-profit ventures that generate positive social and environmental impacts. The fund is managed by students who conduct due diligence, present investment recommendations, and actively oversee portfolio companies. This hands-on approach not only supports the ventures but also cultivates the next generation of impact investors. The fund's commitment to impact investing aligns with Yale SOM's broader mission of fostering responsible leadership in business.
The Meng Impact Investment Fund targets early-stage for-profit ventures that create social and environmental benefits. The sectors of interest include climate tech, education and workforce development, financial inclusion, and healthcare. Each year, the investment sectors are determined based on student interest, allowing for a dynamic approach to impact investing. The fund's first investment was a $50,000 stake in Ezra, a fintech company focused on financial inclusion, highlighting its commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the financial sector.
Students involved in the fund are responsible for conducting thorough due diligence on potential investments and actively managing the portfolio. This educational model ensures that the fund not only invests capital but also provides valuable learning experiences for its members. The Meng Fund seeks to generate financial returns while making a meaningful impact, aligning with its mission of promoting sustainability and equity in business.
The Meng Impact Investment Fund has made three notable investments in its portfolio, focusing primarily on fintech companies that align with its mission of financial inclusion. The portfolio includes:
This concentrated portfolio reflects the fund's strategy of investing in sectors that not only promise financial returns but also contribute positively to society.
Nick Barberis – Faculty Advisor. Nick Barberis is a faculty member at Yale School of Management, guiding students in their investment decisions and providing mentorship throughout the investment process.
To pitch to the Meng Impact Investment Fund, founders should email Nick Barberis at nick.barberis@yale.edu. A comprehensive pitch deck is essential, including details on the business model, market opportunity, impact metrics, and financial projections. The fund encourages clear communication of the venture's alignment with its impact mission. Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process given the fund's educational focus.
As of 2023, the Meng Impact Investment Fund has made its first investment in Ezra, a fintech company focused on financial inclusion. This investment marks a significant milestone for the fund, showcasing its commitment to supporting ventures that align with its mission of generating social and environmental impact.
What are the investment criteria for the Meng Impact Investment Fund?
The fund focuses on early-stage for-profit ventures that create positive social and environmental impacts. It emphasizes sectors such as climate tech, education, financial inclusion, and healthcare.
How can startups apply or pitch to the fund?
Startups can pitch to the Meng Impact Investment Fund by reaching out via email to Nick Barberis at nick.barberis@yale.edu. A detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, impact metrics, and financial projections is recommended.
What makes the Meng Impact Investment Fund different from traditional venture capital firms?
This fund is unique as it is student-run, providing hands-on experience in impact investing. Students conduct due diligence, present investment recommendations, and actively manage portfolio companies, which is not typical in traditional VC firms.
What is the geographic focus of the fund?
The geographic focus is not explicitly defined, as it is driven by student interests. However, the fund aims to support ventures that align with its impact mission, regardless of location.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The first investment was $50,000, but specific check sizes for future investments have not been publicly disclosed. The fund's size and investment strategy may evolve based on student decisions and available resources.
What kind of post-investment involvement does the fund have?
Students actively manage portfolio companies post-investment, providing support and oversight to ensure alignment with the fund's impact goals. This involvement includes regular check-ins and assistance with strategic decisions.
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