December 06, 2022
The popularity of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments has been met recently with heightened public scrutiny as investors have begun to question the legitimacy, efficacy, and measurability of ESG. Whereas ESG is often positioned in the market as a strategy for driving better outcomes for people and planet, it is, in reality, a framework for evaluating how environmental, social, and governance factors can impact a company’s financial performance. The interpretation and application of ESG investing has varied across the industry in ways that have left ESG investors without clearly defined criteria around what constitutes an ESG investment or how that investment contributes to social and environmental outcomes.
How, then, should investors seek to invest in alignment with their values? At GEM, we believe that impact investing—when done well—can offer a more intentional and stakeholder-centered solution. Impact investing prioritizes outcomes on people and the planet alongside financial returns, and utilizes a rigorous and consistent measurement framework that provides investors with clarity and confidence around how their investments can deliver meaningful positive impact.
Kate Simpson and Jay Ripley spoke with James Comtois at Institutional Investor about Kate’s decision to join GEM, the evolution of the venture market, and how the firm is navigating current challenges and opportunities to meet the growing demand for access.
The firm announced that Kate Simpson has joined GEM as Managing Director on the Investment team. With more than 20 years of experience, she will help guide the firm’s venture capital strategy and further strengthen its investment platform.
GEM is proud to announce that Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Stephanie Lynch, has been recognized by Pensions & Investments as one of the 2025 Influential Women in Institutional Investing, honoring leaders driving impact and positive change in the industry.
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