Nesta Impact Investments

Nesta Impact Investments is a UK-based investment firm that supports businesses with the potential to deliver clear social impact as part of their business model. Their mission is to invest in high-impact innovations run by outstanding entrepreneurs to make real and lasting social impact in the UK and around the world, while generating financial returns. They provide financial, knowledge, and network capital to innovative tech ventures, backing businesses closely aligned to Nesta’s missions, such as improving school readiness, tackling obesity, and reducing household carbon emissions. This is achieved by investing in edtech, foodtech, healthtech, and climate tech companies that can contribute to Nesta’s missions.

From 2025 onwards, Nesta Impact Investments will not be making any new investments into seed/series A investment stages. They will continue to manage their existing portfolio of 40 investments, providing their most promising assets with follow-on support to ensure they maximize returns and deliver on the impact they set out to achieve. Nesta will continue its venture building role through Mission Studio, which creates, spins out, and scales startups to tackle the UK's most pressing challenges.

The team comprises experienced investors with backgrounds in venture capital investment, early-stage businesses, and financial services. They establish effective relationships with portfolio companies, sharing sector knowledge augmented by Nesta’s mission expertise. They are proactive in supporting portfolio companies as they grow and mature, often taking board or observer positions. Notable portfolio companies include Arbor Education, Featurespace, Oomph, and Third Space Learning.