Key stats
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Total invested by Big Society Capital
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Total invested by Big Society Capital and other investors alongside us
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Number of people supported by Bridges Fund Management and Big Issue Invest through social outcomes contracts
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The challenge
Many social challenges, from obesity to unemployment, and preventing mental ill health, are tackled best by acting early to address their root causes. But too often the systems and interventions we have in place are not set up that way and instead try to pick up the pieces later. By then it is often too late, with issues becoming deeper and more complex.
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Our approach
We work with partners on issues where early action can make a difference, seeking to understand people’s needs to bring a range of skills, experience and resources to the table. Only then can we create ideas and investment solutions to address root causes and prevent issues from occurring or escalating.
We develop new approaches with the potential to replicate and scale, and do so mainly through outcomes contracts and social ventures.
Current work
Working with expert partners, we seek to understand people’s needs first. Then, using our knowledge and capital, we collaborate and invest with fund managers who also want to create a better, sustainable future.
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Learn moreAddressing childhood obesity
We're working with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity to develop new approaches to help prevent childhood obesity.
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Learn moreVenture capital
We want to build a venture ecosystem that effectively nurtures and scales innovative ways of tackling social problems.
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Preventing mental ill health
Funds in early action
| Fund manager | Fund name | Investment type | Fund size | Focus area | Investment status |
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| Big Issue Invest | Big Issue Invest Outcomes Investment Fund LP | Outcomes contract | <£15 million | Early action | Current |
| Bridges Fund Management | Bridges Social Outcomes Funds | Outcomes contract | <£250 million | Early action | Current |
| Social Finance | Care and Wellbeing Fund | Outcomes contract | <£15 million | Early action | Current |
| Ascension Ventures | Good Food Fund | Enterprise debt | <£15 million | Early action | Current |
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A yearlong programme has underlined the fact that robust research practices are crucial in ensuring mental health technology start-ups create products aligned with the real needs of individuals.
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Learn moreNew report flags impact investment opportunities in the UK food industry
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Contact
We want to work with social entrepreneurs, charities and public bodies to help tackle social issues at an early stage.
