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Impact Fund Demand Holds Steady Amid ESG Backlash

Financial Times Companies •
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Investor demand for private capital funds targeting measurable environmental or social outcomes held steady, raising $31bn in 2025, matching the prior year according to Preqin.

Impact‑focused infrastructure funds, especially renewables, captured $24bn; notable raises include Brookfield Asset Management's $20bn clean‑energy vehicle and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners' €12bn greenfield fund, despite Donald Trump's anti‑renewable policies.

Experts note a shift: some US investors avoid “impact” or “ESG” labels, but others are driven by energy resilience and returns; the idea of sacrificing returns for social good has fallen out of favour.

Fundraising this year shows a slight dip to $13bn so far, though year‑end reporting may lift totals; managers stress that sustainability is becoming as essential as digitalization.