Better Society Capital

Better Society Capital is the UK's leading social impact investor, dedicated to expanding the pool of capital addressing social issues and inequalities. Operating as a social investment wholesaler, the firm channels funds into intermediaries such as fund managers and social banks that support social enterprises and charities. Its investments span impact venture capital for technology startups tackling social challenges, social lending to bolster growth and resilience, social outcomes contracts to enhance public service delivery, and social property to create safe, secure, and affordable homes. With a focus on areas like homelessness, mental health, fuel poverty, community energy, and children's social care, Better Society Capital prioritizes measurable social impact alongside financial returns, primarily within the UK market. Established in 2012 as Big Society Capital and rebranded in 2024, the firm emerged from the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Act 2008, utilizing funds from dormant accounts via the Reclaim Fund and contributions from major UK banks including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, and NatWest Group. Launched by then-Prime Minister David Cameron, it was designed to bridge gaps in social finance by enabling third-sector organizations and promoting a robust social investment ecosystem. Over two decades of development involving successive governments and cross-party support, Better Society Capital has catalyzed 13-fold market growth from £830 million in 2011 to over £11.2 billion by end-2024, committing £1 billion in direct investments and attracting £4.5 billion from co-investors. The firm's portfolio features impactful partnerships, such as funding All Child (formerly West London Zone) via outcomes-based contracts, a £40 million collaboration with Thrive Renewables for community energy projects, and support for AgilityEco through the Bridges Inclusive Growth Fund, which delivered energy efficiency to over 50,000 fuel-poor households and achieved a 3x exit in 2024. It also backs the Schroder BSC Social Impact Trust and invests in ventures addressing health, education, financial inclusion, and net-zero transitions. These efforts have financed over 3,750 organizations since inception. Better Society Capital's team comprises experienced professionals with deep expertise in social finance, government policy, and impact measurement. Leaders like Investment Director Joe Shamash emphasize catalytic investments that crowd in private capital for scalable models. Governed independently with a strong board including recent additions like Fiona Miller Smith from Barts Charity, the firm maintains rigorous oversight from the Financial Conduct Authority while fostering diversity, inclusion, and a mission-aligned culture.