PARTNER CONTENT
By Kerry Greaves, Director of Events, Impetus
Private equity’s playbook for turning fledgling startups into thriving enterprises – hands-on support, data-driven decision-making, and long-term investments – has the potential to unlock transformative change in the third sector.
But, too often, charitable organisations lack the resources needed to build capacity and measure performance.
As a leading impact funder, Impetus exists to bridge this gap – combining the growth-driven strategies of private equity with the social mission of improving lives for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Founded by PE leaders, Impetus works with a portfolio of non-profits to build stronger organisations and deliver the most promising interventions to support young people to succeed against the odds. Through a powerful combination of long-term funding and direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, we give the best non-profits in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact.
Just as PE firms demand measurable returns, Impetus ensures every pound invested delivers quantifiable outcomes – whether that’s improved employment rates for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or better GCSE results.
“The PE world thrives on performance and outcomes,” says Tessa Agar, Partner at Goodwin and member of the Impetus Futures Committee. “Impetus speaks that language, bringing data, discipline, and long-term strategy to the charity sector.”
Philanthropy as a strategic extension of a PE career
For private equity professionals, philanthropy isn’t just an afterthought – it’s a natural extension of their skills. PE leaders are uniquely positioned to shape high-impact giving, applying the same analytical rigor they use in business to maximise social returns – which is why many PE leaders, including those from firms such as Apax and Blackstone, engage with Impetus through advisory roles or fundraising initiatives.
A key example is the upcoming Impetus Futures Summer Party on 3 July, supported by headline sponsor Clifford Chance and premium sponsors Acuity Knowledge Partners, Alvarez & Marsal, Datasite, KPMG, Perella Weinberg, and Simpson Thacher.
Impetus has been supported by private equity for over two decades, and the event brings together PE professionals for a relaxed evening of networking in support of a good cause – an opportunity to learn more about Impetus work while connecting with peers. It highlights how the sector’s expertise and networks can translate into tangible social good.
“Impetus takes a unique approach to supporting charities, placing a strong focus on the quantifiable impact each organisation makes,” says Thomas Crewe, Principal at Apax and member of the Impetus Futures Committee.
“This ensures that all contributions Impetus receives are funneled towards work that will actually drive real change for young people.”
Making PE principles work for social good
Impetus’ approach is supported by a long track record success, helping partners become stronger and more resilient through growing their income and their capacity to reach more young people. On average, Impetus’ current partners have achieved a 7x growth in income and a 6x growth in reach during their time in the portfolio.
But at the same time, Impetus works alongside partners to deliver outcomes that are meaningful – measurable, transformative, and attributable to the organisation’s work.
For example, during Impetus’ 17-year partnership with IntoUniversity, Impetus supported them to scale from a start-up to a national network that reaches over 50,000 young people each year, with 61% progressing to higher education compared to 44% nationally.
Impetus is working with MCR Pathways to expand their externally evidenced programme from Scotland into England and replicate their impact on the triple outcomes of keeping students in school, approving attainment, and increasing employment rates.
The Tutor Trust has nearly tripled its reach since entering the Impetus portfolio, with the unique distinction of having successful results from two randomised control trials, the gold standard of evidence of impact.
The PE model has proved itself as an effective tool for social impact – and all funds raised will enable Impetus to help more young people get the education, qualifications, and opportunities they need for a fulfilling life.
Learn more about the Impetus Futures Summer Party and get tickets at the link below.
