Bono co-founded TPG Capital's Rise Fund. Photo: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images
"Impact investing" is so hot right now, particularly within a private equity market that has developed a lingering reputation for soulless plundering. But it remains unclear if such efforts actually have an impact beyond public relations.
The state of play: Enter TPG Capital, which is in the midst of raising $3 billion for its second Rise Fund, an impact investing effort co-founded by U2 frontman (and perennial Davos Man) Bono.
Driving the news: This morning TPG Capital announced the launch of Y Analytics, an independent public benefit corporation that will provide actionable data for impact investors — not only so current ones can invest smarter, but also to encourage new entrants.
- The initial focus will be on capital directed at the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which cover everything from poverty to climate change to water sanitation.
- Y Analytics will be led by former McKinsey & Co. partner Maryanne Hancock. TPG does not intend to profit from the company (i.e., it won't exit).
- Per Bono: "Capitalism isn’t immoral, but it is amoral and it needs direction."
Go deeper: The coming reckoning for capitalism