SURVEY ON IMPACT INVESTING
We will go through 5 statements about impact investing
Please choose one of the following answers by raising your hand :
1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
STATEMENT 1
In relation to a potential investment / financing, your work with an impact entrepreneur starts at the moment of the negotiation
1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Your work begins much earlier, many entrepreneurs require a great deal of help to become “investment-able” (walking along)
STATEMENT 2
Results-wise, the entrepreneur’s track record is more important than the quality of the business plan (market, product, execution)
1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Track record helps, but is not a sufficient condition for success, whereas a good business plan with the appropriate execution may be
STATEMENT 3
Product-wise, the flexibility of the financing/investment product pays off much more than the simplicity of a single product
1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
By far, flexibility has proven to be a key factor for success. Financing requirements are highly diverse and should be adapted to each case
STATEMENT 4
Even considering the nature of TBL projects, investment funds should keep strong legal provisions in the contracts to protect their investments
1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Contracts are made for rainy days. The entrepreneur’s goodwill is not enough; when the moment comes, you need to be protected
STATEMENT 5
Investors should treat their investments in TBL projects as any other investment
1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
Investors should become involved in projects for two reasons: to help survive and scale the projects and to LEARN
KEY CONCLUSIONS
Be very flexible in the financing conditions, but protect your investment with actionable legal provisions
Social entrepreneurs are neither better nor worse than other
entrepreneurs
You will need to dedicate a great deal of time in helping the
entrepreneur to become investment-able
You will need to walk along the entrepreneur
Be humble to learn, smart to add value and daring to take the risk