In Jyllandsposten, it has been mentioned how Den Sociale Kapitalfond Invest has achieved an increase of 37 per cent for the year 2022 (gross IRR p.a.) in the financial return on portfolio investments. We are proud of this achievement, but it is not the only facet of the story.
A recent statement based on Grow data shows that the companies in Invest I’s portfolio have had a positive impact on society by contributing a total of DKK 43.6 million during 2022 alone. This has been achieved by creating job opportunities for people from the margins of the labour market. The results are clear: it is beneficial both for the individual and for society as a whole when people who are long-term unemployed are given the opportunity to work.
So the answer to the question of whether returns and social impact can go hand in hand is clear and unambiguous in our view: Yes, they can. Den Sociale Kapitalfond Invest’s portfolio companies show that social commitment and a healthy business can work together and create great results. And this approach is not only reserved for the companies in which the fund has invested, but also applies to many other small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that work a daily basis to promote both economic growth and social sustainability in society.
It is worth noting that the Social Sustainability Calculator is freely available to anyone interested and can be found via this link. We encourage more companies to join this movement to create a positive impact on society and prove that it is possible to reconcile returns and social impact.