New impact-focused private equity fund in Europe from Mirova

Mirova, a leader in sustainable finance, has introduced a new social impact private equity fund targeting €200 million. Founded in 2012, Mirova is a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers, and is renowned for its integration of environmental and social goals into investment strategies. Headquartered in Paris with offices globally, Mirova manages over €28 billion in assets. It achieved B Corp certification, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable and equitable investments. The new fund aims to support European SMEs that drive positive social and environmental changes, aligning with Mirova’s mission-driven approach.

Mirova’s journey began as a department within Ostrum Asset Management and evolved into a direct affiliate of Natixis in 2014. It pioneered global green bond strategies and methodologies for carbon footprint measurement. In 2017, Mirova acquired Althelia, focusing on sustainable natural capital management. By 2019, Mirova had launched a gender diversity equity strategy and established Mirova US LLC. Recognized for its impact, Mirova consistently features in the ImpactAssets 50 list and has received numerous awards for responsible investing and social initiatives.

In 2020, Mirova formalized its mission-driven status under French law, underscoring its dedication to social and environmental objectives beyond profit. The firm’s innovative approaches include developing impact analysis methodologies for biodiversity and launching strategies for energy transition infrastructure and sustainable land use. In 2022, Mirova expanded its clean energy and climate investments with the acquisition of SunFunder, a Nairobi-based firm.

The new social impact fund reflects Mirova’s ongoing efforts to mobilize capital for sustainable development, targeting SMEs that address critical societal challenges. This initiative is part of Mirova’s broader strategy to enhance its impact investing footprint, supporting enterprises that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

By channeling investments into high-impact areas, Mirova continues to demonstrate its leadership in aligning financial performance with positive social and environmental outcomes. The €200 million target for the new fund represents a significant step in advancing these goals, reinforcing Mirova’s role as a catalyst for sustainable change in the investment landscape.

This article has been written in the scope of our research process for our database of the largest European private equity funds.

Picture source: Glenn Carstens-Peters
Article source: Impact Investor