The Power of Impact and Innovation: Fascinations and Challenges for Social Enterprises in China
by Amy Zheng – LGT Investment Associate Fellow 2015
“It is the best of times, it is the worst of times; it is the age of wisdom, it is the age of foolishness”.
Beijing, China, becomes one of the biggest and most diversified innovation labs in the world, as venture capitalists’ new hunting landmark of our times, that cannot be denied its special charm with wisdom meanwhile foolishness. Here I am, surprisingly having heard of a job existing as combination with my great passion for investment and social impact years ago, I couldn’t wait to find out what it is about. After learning social impact with touching moments from the kick-off workshop in Zurich, I was warmly welcomed by colleagues in the Asian team, starting this life changing journey. Impressed by the accurate-targeted selection of the portfolio companies in China, I was also hungry to learn about the pipeline deals and impact investing practice in China. With 8 years private equity & venture capital investment working experience in China, I was privileged to work closely with the China and Asian team, who were true professionals with sincere hearts for social impact. All made my fellowship most valuable, allowing me to see the world in a different way.
Power of women in China
I feel proud to have been one of the key team members to close the MamadaV deal, an LGTIV core deal in China. This well-known women focussed e-commerce company has its unique business advantages; Chinese mothers have benefits from this business by increasing their income levels. MamadaV is not only an e-commerce company, moreover, it’s a community for Chinese mothers including less advantaged mothers. They share their parenting experiences and the way to survive in this new decade in China.
Power of environmental awareness in China
With great reputation and fruitful achievements, the Institute for Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), an LGT VP portfolio organization based in China, impressed me in many ways with their strong determination to delicate in environmental transparency work in China. I feel privileged to have been able to work with them during the fellowship year. I am also very much looking forward to and hopefully be able to contribute in a way to their green finance work in China.
As one of the key developing countries with its unique regulation, governance and investment climate, China is an exciting yet tough market for impact investing. However, with the bluer and bluer skies in Beijing and cleaner air, with the confidence and great smiles in Chinese mothers’ faces, I know it is true impact and and entails various meaningful aspects what LGTIV is doing. What I have learned is that we all have skills to contribute to this world in a way. If they can be used for a good means, for human race, it’s a great pleasure. Thanks to LGTIV to give me the chance to experience and have real practice in the impact investing field in China.
