About us
Our business began with a small conversation over coffee which turned into a big idea. We wanted to show that the real power of money was in the hands of individuals, when we work together, we can transform our world for the better.
In 2011, our founders set about designing a means to finance the needs of people and planet and challenging the traditional assumptions which limited the scope of finance to meet those needs. We launched the first investment platform that would allow anyone to directly invest in green projects from £5 (something we take for granted today, but revolutionary at the time).
Our first investment went live in 2012, to finance a community wind turbine in the Forest of Dean, and we spent the next decade raising over £150m to pioneering green businesses across the country - many of whom have gone on to raise hundreds of millions more on the back of our investors’ support. And there are some big achievements along the way, all with the help of thousands of investors: we’ve have been a major funder for the UK tidal industry; backed innovative green projects in sectors ranging from renewable energy to sustainable forestry to waste management to EV charging.
In 2020 we started a new chapter in our story by launching the first new municipal investments with councils for a generation - with West Berkshire and Warrington Councils. We are now working with many councils across the country – across the political spectrum - to launch investments to finance real projects that are transforming communities for the better. Whether it is tackling the immediate challenge of climate change or investing in the social infrastructure we rely on as communities, these councils are on the front line, taking action to build more resilient places for everyone.
We helped pioneer the idea that ethical investment was as important for ordinary investors as wealth philanthropists. But we have no intention of sitting back on our laurels, and our passionate and dedicated team is looking forward to helping more and more people across the country to invest their money to help transform the places we love for the better.
Recognised for our values
Registered B Corp since 2018
Ethical Consumer Best Buy for
Innovative Finance ISA since 2019
Our investments make a real difference
We think it is essential that impact investments actually make things happen. It seems like an obvious thing to say, but it is the most compelling part of our ethos. When you invest with us, you will know exactly what your money is going to be used for. That isn't something that every finance company can say.
We give your money a voice
Money is a powerful tool for delivering positive change. As well as delivering real green and social projects, every pound invested with us amplifies the clamour to transform our economy and society. We are proud to have helped lead the UK alternative finance industry and lobbied far and wide to accelerate positive change (not always successfully), and we will continue to do so.
Everyone gets the same service
Whether you have £5 or £500,000 to invest, everyone’s money is equally important to us. You don’t get a better deal if you are wealthier, or extra privileges if you have more to invest. We will only build a better world if everyone is invited, and our unique approach ensures that anyone can participate on equal terms.