Queen Mary Social Venture Fund

🌟 Success Story Spotlight: Biophilica 🌟 We are thrilled to highlight Biophilica, an inspiring female-led start-up founded by Mira N., and a proud startup in the Queen Mary Social Venture Fund (QMSVF) portfolio! QMSVF has invested in Biophilica, supporting their groundbreaking work in developing Treekind, a revolutionary leaf-based leather alternative that uses less than 1% of the water required for traditional leather production 🌿💧. Mira's journey began during her MA at the Royal College of Art, where she innovatively transformed urban plant waste into a material that is not only compostable and recyclable but also carbon negative 🌍. Treekind is plastic-free and non-toxic, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Biophilica has garnered significant recognition, winning Innovate UK's 'Women In Innovation' Award 2022 and the Manufacturing Futures 2021 Fashion District Innovation Challenge. With a remarkable £1.2m in seed funding raised in early 2022, Biophilica is poised for growth and impact 💪💼. We are proud to have invested in Biophilica and excited to support them in their mission to drive positive change in the fashion industry and beyond! #SocialVenture #ImpactInvesting #QMSVF #StudentVC #InnovationForGood #Entrepreneurship #GlobalChange #Sustainability #WomenInBusiness #Biophilica #Treekind Carla Ackermann Alejandra Lizarraga Ansuman Das Anuska Mishra Enioluwa Adeyemi Felipe Dias Haril dixit Joshitha Desapalli Kajal Mishra Tarun Agrawal Lakshmisri Sridhar Likhwa Maphosa Nihat I. Niyati Nilesh N. Samantha Whitten Sana Sikka Selina Tsai Tara Demirel Wan Xuan Chuang Chen-Hsi Shen

🔍 Debunking Impact Investing Myths 🌱💼 Let's explore some common misconceptions about impact investing and uncover the truth: 1. Myth: Impact Investing = Lower Returns 💰 Reality: Many impact investments offer competitive, and sometimes market-beating returns. It's not just about doing good; it's about smart investing too! 2. Myth: Impact Investing is Just Philanthropy 🤝 Reality: While both aim for positive change, impact investing seeks both financial returns AND positive social/environmental outcomes. It's the best of both worlds! 3. Myth: Social Ventures Aren't Scalable 📈 Reality: Many social enterprises have proven highly scalable, reaching millions. Take Kasha, for example - a mobile e-commerce platform for women's health products in East Africa, now serving thousands and expanding rapidly. Impact investing is not just a feel-good exercise; it's a powerful tool for creating sustainable, scalable change while generating returns. Ready to challenge your perceptions about impact investing? Let's discuss! #ImpactInvesting #SocialEnterprise #QMSVF #MythBusting #SustainableFinance #ESG #SocialImpact #StudentInvestors #VentureCapital #SocEnt #SDGs #ImpactMeasurement #SocialInnovation #ResponsibleInvesting Carla Ackermann Alejandra Lizarraga Ansuman Das Anuska Mishra Enioluwa Adeyemi Felipe Dias Haril dixit Joshitha Desapalli Kajal Mishra Tarun Agrawal Lakshmisri Sridhar Likhwa Maphosa Nihat I. Niyati Nilesh N. Samantha Whitten Sana Sikka Selina Tsai Chen-Hsi Shen Tara Demirel Wan Xuan Chuang

What is Social Venture Capital? While traditional finance is often seen as profit-driven, social venture capital goes beyond, aiming to drive positive social and environmental change 🌍. A social venture fund invests in companies that prioritize making a meaningful impact on communities through innovative solutions, all while staying financially sustainable 💡💸. What do we do at QMSVF? We’re proud to be the first student-led social venture fund in the UK! Every year, we bring together a diverse cohort of student investors to empower the next generation of social entrepreneurs and changemakers 🚀. Our portfolio spans a range of industries, from biotech to social impact 🌱. Each year, we invest £15,000 in our annual pitch competition, and we can’t wait to meet this year’s inspiring founders and startups! 💼🌟 #SocialVenture #ImpactInvesting #QMSVF #StudentVC #InnovationForGood #Entrepreneurship #GlobalChange

🌱 New Academic Year, New Cohort, Same Mission! QM Social Venture Fund is back in action! As the new academic year begins, our team of student investors is excited to continue supporting and empowering impact-driven startups that are committed to creating positive change. We had an incredible session with Jamie Macfarlane from Creator Fund yesterday, setting the stage for an impactful year ahead. Stay tuned for more updates, events, and opportunities as we work together to shape a brighter, more sustainable future through entrepreneurship. Are you an impact-driven startup looking for funding or mentorship? Reach out directly or connect with one of our student investors to explore how QMSVF can support your venture! Let’s build something meaningful together! 🌍🚀 #SocialImpact #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #SocialEntrepreneurship #ImpactInvestment #StudentStartups #Changemakers Alejandra Lizarraga Ansuman Das Anuska Mishra Carla Ackermann Enioluwa Adeyemi Felipe Dias Haril dixit Joshitha Desapalli Kajal Agrawal Lakshmisri Sridhar Likhwa Maphosa Nihat I. Niyati Nilesh N. Samantha Whitten Sana Sikka Selina T. Chen-Hsi Shen Tara Demirel Wan Xuan Chuang

🌟 Welcome to the New Cohort! QM Social Venture Fund (QMSVF) kicked off this year with an incredible one-day induction, where our new cohort of student investors spent the day getting to know each other. 🤝 Our induction day was focused on building a strong foundation for our student-led fund - from collaborative exercises to insightful discussions. The team is now energized and ready to embark on a journey of empowering startups and driving social impact. 🚀 Are you an impact-focused startup looking for investment? We're eager to explore potential partnerships and support innovative solutions that drive positive change. Connect with us to learn more about how QMSVF can help fuel your vision for a better world. Let's create lasting impact together! 🌍✨ #QMSVF #SocialImpactInvesting #StartupEcosystem #SustainableBusiness #StudentInvestors #StartupFunding Alejandra Lizarraga Ansuman Das Anuska Mishra Carla Ackermann Enioluwa Adeyemi Felipe Dias Haril dixit Joshitha Desapalli Kajal Agrawal Lakshmisri Sridhar Likhwa Maphosa Nihat I. Niyati Nilesh N. Samantha Whitten Sana Sikka Selina T. Chen-Hsi Shen Tara Demirel Wan Xuan Chuang

Calling all QM students! 💥 Do you want to learn about investing in start-ups with a social mission? Do you want to work as part of a dynamic team? Do YOU want to make a real difference? Apply now to participate in 2024-25 QMSVF, an education programme designed to empower the next generation of student investors and entrepreneurs. For More Info: https://lnkd.in/eAwXtkTQ Submit Online Application: https://lnkd.in/e59uXExM If you have any questions, please email ent-hub@qmul.ac.uk 🌏 #makeadifference #impactinvesting #venturecapital #socialmission #socialimpact

Do you want to make a real difference in the world? Do you want to learn about investing in start-ups with a social mission? Apply now to participate in 2024-25 QMSVF, an education programme designed to empower the next generation of student investors and entrepreneurs. Deadline 9th June. For More Info: https://lnkd.in/eAwXtkTQ Submit Online Application: https://lnkd.in/e59uXExM If you have any questions, please email ent-hub@qmul.ac.uk Saima Sopariwala | Mika Maharani Sudjarwo | Erica Adomakoh | Grace Wainwright | Ann Maria Antony | Whitney Nasanga | Ayush Dugar, CFA | Hisham Omer | Noptira Sarouyjirawat | Oshin Serrao | Ramida Narongphet | Nava Bhargav Gedda | Ved Nathwani | Tia Archer | Aaron Grewal | Dr Joanne J. Zhang | Joyce Chau | Anna Glarin 🌍💡 #makeadifference #impactinvesting #venturecapital

🌟 Ready to make your mark? QMSVF is calling! Don't miss out – apply today for our 2024/2025 cohort and embark on a journey of impact and success. For More Info: https://lnkd.in/eAwXtkTQ Submit Online Application: https://lnkd.in/e59uXExM If you have any questions, please email ent-hub@qmul.ac.uk Eshwinder Singh | Beatričė Tupikaitė | Abhijit Kataria | Neha Vivek | Nicola Giuliani Busquets | Gianmarco Colombo | Powela Mac-Yoroki | Sean Kelley | Saima Sopariwala | Mika Maharani Sudjarwo | Erica Adomakoh | Grace Wainwright | Ann Maria Antony | Whitney Nasanga | Ayush Dugar, CFA | Hisham Omer | Noptira Sarouyjirawat | Oshin Serrao | Ramida Narongphet | Nava Bhargav Gedda | Ved Nathwani | Tia Archer | Aaron Grewal | Dr Joanne J. Zhang | Joyce Chau 🌍💡 #makeadifference #impactinvesting #venturecapital

🚀 Elevate your student experience with QMSVF! Gain hands-on experience in impact investing, build valuable networks, and make a tangible difference in the world. 🎓 QMSVF is on the lookout for 20-25 driven students to join our highly competitive, award-winning programme for the 2024/2025 cohort. Whether you're a business student or studying law, this programme is your gateway to becoming a socially-conscious entrepreneur or investor. If you are ready to hustle and bustle with like-minded students for the next academic year, APPLY NOW 🌟 For More Info: https://lnkd.in/eAwXtkTQ Submit Online Application: https://lnkd.in/e59uXExM If you have any questions, please email ent-hub@qmul.ac.uk Eshwinder Singh | Beatričė Tupikaitė | Abhijit Kataria | Neha Vivek | Nicola Giuliani Busquets | Gianmarco Colombo | Powela Mac-Yoroki | Sean Kelley | Saima Sopariwala | Mika Maharani Sudjarwo | Erica Adomakoh | Grace Wainwright | Ann Maria Antony | Whitney Nasanga | Ayush Dugar, CFA | Hisham Omer | Noptira Sarouyjirawat | Oshin Serrao | Ramida Narongphet | Nava Bhargav Gedda | Ved Nathwani | Tia Archer | Aaron Grewal | Dr Joanne J. Zhang | Joyce Chau #Entrepreneurship #ImpactInvesting #VentureCapital #StudentInvestors #SocialImpact

After 3 incredible years, last week was my final week with the Queen Mary Social Venture Fund, culminating in judging the fund's annual pitch competition alongside Rebekah Kasumu and Min Bhogaita. 👦 When I joined the fund as an 18-year-old, I was by far the youngest and most out-of-place member of my cohort. Most students were finance or business masters, or final year undergrad students, whilst I was a first-year law student trying to navigate freshers whilst also jumping into intense training in the same week. 💼  Yet, looking back, my eager yet slightly naive 18-year-old self would have no idea that three years later I’d have ended up so deeply embedded in the VC and impact ecosystems. From having amazing opportunities to intern with Peter Bruce-Clark, and freelance & scout for Ada Ventures, to podcasting about VC, building a VC-aligned LegalTech community, + more, I’ve learnt a ton - and it all started with QMSVF. 💰 I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a fund over three years, with 6 (congrats Carbon Cell) hugely impactful portfolio companies, an exciting and evolving structure which I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to shaping, not least by pioneering the funds platform function, and a growing reputation both within the university and beyond. 🌱 The Queen Mary Social Venture Fund is the UK’s first and only student-led Impact VC fund, and unlike a student society, it has a unique structure which not only allows students to deploy capital but also develop their learning through a structured education programme with Creator Fund. 📚 When people say traditional university education isn’t fit for the modern 21st century, QMSVF is a prime example of how universities that innovate on their education models can have huge impact far beyond the classroom. 🙏 A special thank you to Dr Joanne J. Zhang for breaking precedent and letting me into the fund in the first place, and breaking precedent again by keeping me on for two more years, alongside being such a great mentor and giving me the opportunity to grow the fund with her. A special shoutout to Jamie Macfarlane for all his support and guidance with the fund, all the other incredible investors and funds who have supported our countless events over the years, alongside the amazing student investors who’ve made my experience so memorable! My venture journey by no means ends here and I’m incredibly excited for what’s next. Onwards and Upwards 🚀 #venturecapital #impactvc