The Impact Investing Research Lab conducts academically rigorous and practically relevant research that investigates gaps between the current pricing of impact investing opportunities and their long-term business and societal impacts with the aim of advancing academic research on and best practice in impact investing. Informed by this research, we offer 10+ courses that MBA and undergraduate students can assemble into the Social and Governance factors for Business (SOGO) major or concentration, over a dozen co-curricular experiences, four Executive certificate programs, and an expanding array of industry and policy convenings. We advance Wharton’s best-in-class education of current and future leaders, equipping them with the tools, skills, and perspectives needed to navigate a world in which investing for impact is increasingly material.
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The world’s leading impact investing research database
In collaboration with Harvard Business School and Chicago Booth, Wharton formed the Impact Finance Research Consortium to advance academic research on impact investing through the creation of the Impact Finance Database (IFD). The first of its kind, the IFD includes not only financial data, but also data on impact measurement, legal governance, organizational climate, and other critical aspects of impact investing.
Featured Research
We drive innovative research on the practice of strategic impact investing to achieve both positive returns and real social impact.
Catalytic Capital in Impact Investing: Forms, Features, and Functions
This detailed report shines light on the features and applications of catalytic capital.
When Gender Is Central
Drawing on survey data collected for Project Sage 4.0, this special report surfaces several important findings on gender lens investing.
Great Expectations
This research evaluates the interplay of liquidity and mission preservation in impact investing using survey data from 53 impact investing private equity funds from around the world.
When Social Benefits Are in the Contract
This research examines how contracts can be structured differently when investors are trying to make money and make the world a better place.
Four for Women
A summary of extensive academic research as well as a new framework to explore and assess what it is to be a good employer for women.
Can Investing in Public Equities Improve the Lives of Women?
This research on social impact investing with a gender lens explores the possibilities of using investment capital to positively impact gender equity.
The Entrepreneurs Spurring Africa’s Rise
A special report featuring interviews with 18 fascinating entrepreneurs and executives who are spurring growth in unique and dynamic ways in Africa.
Innovative Finance: Mobilizing Capital for Maximum Impact
A look into new financial mechanisms and strategies for channeling revenue streams from a variety of sources toward development.
Project Sage Reports
A global scan of gender lens private equity, venture capital, and private debt funds, and key findings on the current state of the field.
Faculty Leadership
Katherine Klein
Edward H. Bowman Professor, Professor of Management
Faculty Co-Director, Impact Investing Research Lab
Tyler Wry
Associate Professor of Management
Faculty Co-Director, Impact Investing Research Lab
Featured Scholars
Aparajita Agarwal
Doctoral Candidate
Christopher Bruno
Doctoral Student
Stefano Rumi
Doctoral Student
A Brief History
Recognizing the emerging needs of its students and society at large, Wharton unified several research centers, each with an extensive history of expertise in environmental, social, and governance topics, to form the ESG Initiative on July 1, 2022. A leader in the field of impact investing, Wharton Social Impact Initiative became a part of the ESG Initiative, bringing its cutting-edge research, world-class experiential learning programs, and the Impact Investing Research Lab.