The Impact Ireland Convention, hosted by Venturewave Capital and supported by Bank of America, was held at Dublin’s historic Mansion House, where it honoured former US Secretary of State John Kerry with the prestigious Impact Ireland Award. This recognition underscores John Kerry’s unwavering commitment to environmental issues and significant contributions to global climate initiatives, including signing the Paris Agreement on behalf of the US in 2015 and his pivotal role in becoming the first US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

“We’ve been told for 30 years this is existential. We’ve been told for 30 years what’s going to happen, and every bit of that prediction is not [only] happening, but happening bigger, faster, more destructive than what was predicted,” he says, recalling his experiences and the discussions at the UN COP (Conference of the Parties).

“We can’t do this without the private sector. No country has enough money to effect this transition … budgets are under pressure and duress everywhere,” he adds, noting the need for climate change and sustainability to be led by an incentivised private sector. “And a country that doesn’t keep up will suffer economically”.

Sustainability was the event’s focal point, with discussions on pressing topics such as impact investing, decarbonisation, the transition to renewables and sustainable finance. The convention attracted over 200 participants from all across the globe, eager to explore Ireland’s emerging role as a global leader in impact investing.

The Impact Ireland Funds, managed by Venturewave Capital, are dedicated to sustainable private equity growth and expansion. Based in Ireland and the US, these funds focus on investing in sustainable businesses aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN 17 SDGs). Impact Ireland targets companies in sectors such as Cleantech (Environment and Energy), Health, AgriTech, FoodTech, EdTech and Sustainable Finance.

 

The convention featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:

  • Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Chair of the Impact Ireland Global Advisory Council;
  • Alan Foy, Chairman and Managing Partner of Venturewave Capital;
  • Kieran McLoughlin, co-founder and Managing Partner of Venturewave Capital;
  • Anne Finucane, Senior Advisor at TPG Rise Climate Fund;
  • The Edge, Chair of Endeavor Ireland;
  • Terence O’Rourke, Chairman of ESB and Chair of the RTÉ Board;
  • Anne Heraty, founder of CPL and Chair of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year;
  • Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland;
  • Paul Donofrio, Vice Chair of Bank of America;
  • Fernando Vicario, Dublin-based CEO of Bank of America Europe DAC;
  • Karen Fang, Global Head of Sustainable Finance of Bank of America, and;
  • Panos Seretis, Managing Director and Head of Global Sustainability ESG Research of Bank of America.

 

“It’s about doing well by doing good.” Kieran McLoughlin stated, illustrating the core principle of impact investing. “Sometimes described as conscientious capitalism, it demonstrates that delivering profits and a better world are not in conflict but aligned. We believe Ireland can become a leading global centre for impact investing.”

Paul Donofrio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the convention’s success in showcasing notable insights from local and global leaders. “It’s a strong demonstration of Ireland’s growing role in a more sustainable future,” he remarked.

As the Impact Ireland Convention drew to a close, it left attendees inspired and motivated to take action, eager to advance sustainable finance and the vital role that impact investing plays in shaping a better tomorrow.

Watch John Kerry receive the Impact Ireland award, introduced by Anne Finucane.