Wharton Impact Investing Partners

Overview

Wharton Impact Investing Partners (WIIP) is a student-led organization at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, dedicated to impact investing in early and expansion-stage companies. WIIP sources and conducts due diligence on companies with venture-grade growth potential and intentional, measurable social impact. The organization focuses on sectors such as education, environment and clean energy, financial inclusion, and health, wellness, and nutrition. WIIP operates within the United States, targeting companies raising Seed or Series A rounds of financing, seeking investments between $50,000 and $1,000,000. WIIP's mission is to identify and promote companies that create positive social or environmental impact while offering attractive financial returns. The organization provides students with hands-on experience in impact investing, preparing them to become leaders in the field. WIIP has a track record of sourcing over 3,000 companies and has spurred $3 million in impact investments. Notably, WIIP won first prize at the MBA Impact Investing Network and Training (MIINT) Competition Finals in 2013, resulting in a $50,000 investment in LearnSprout, an education technology startup that has since been acquired by Apple. WIIP rebranded from the Wharton Social Venture Fund in 2022, launching a new website and thought leadership platform, and establishing new partnerships to enhance its impact investing initiatives. WIIP's strategy involves sourcing early-stage, for-profit companies in the United States that combine the promise of market-rate financial returns with meaningful social or environmental impact. The organization works with companies raising Seed or Series A rounds of financing, focusing on investments between $50,000 and $1,000,000. WIIP seeks companies that help people meet basic needs, create opportunities, or increase environmental sustainability. The organization mirrors typical investment fund activities, providing students with real-world experience in impact investing. WIIP's educational program includes access to deals, entrepreneurs, investors, faculty, and other partners, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation and investment performance. WIIP's track record includes sourcing over 3,000 companies and spurring $3 million in impact investments. The organization has been recognized for its contributions to impact investing, winning first prize at the MIINT Competition Finals in 2013, resulting in a $50,000 investment in LearnSprout, an education technology startup that has since been acquired by Apple. WIIP's rebranding in 2022 marked a new chapter in its mission to enhance impact investing initiatives, establish new partnerships, and launch a thought leadership platform. The organization's commitment to impact investing continues to prepare students to become leaders in the field, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to drive positive social and environmental change through investment.