Duke Impact Investing Group

Overview

Duke Impact Investing Group (DIIG) is a student-led organization at Duke University that manages the university's first and only impact venture capital fund, focusing on investments in social impact startups across various sectors. With a fund size of $250,000, the largest sum ever entrusted to a student group by Duke University, DIIG seeks to make impact investing opportunities more accessible and available to startups and small businesses in the Research Triangle Park area. The organization is dedicated to empowering impact by providing capital, mentorship, and support to businesses aiming to generate positive social and environmental outcomes. DIIG operates through five divisions: Investment, Consulting, Data, Education, and Business Development. The Investment division sources and conducts due diligence on social impact startups in sectors such as education, healthcare, fintech, consumer products, and energy and environment. The Consulting division offers pro-bono consulting services to socially-minded businesses, assisting with market research, competitive analyses, and customer discovery. The Data division provides data-driven solutions to business challenges, while the Education division promotes knowledge of and interest in impact investing within the Duke community through courses and fellowship programs. The Business Development division manages outreach and relationships with potential clients and media. Through these initiatives, DIIG aims to create a new generation of impact investors by spreading awareness about social entrepreneurship and impact investing. The organization offers students opportunities to gain hands-on experience with consulting for and investing in businesses through a comprehensive education system supported by Duke University's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department. By harnessing the enthusiasm of Duke undergraduates, DIIG strives to efficiently and socially beneficially distribute capital, mentorship, and support to startups and businesses seeking to grow their social impact.