For 17 years, the annual SOCAP conference has served as one of the world’s largest convenings for the impact ecosystem. SOCAP brings together thought leaders with a broad range of perspectives from all corners of the world. The event aims to inspire investment in positive impact, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, foundation and nonprofit leaders, government and policy leaders, creators, corporations, academics, and others who are driving solutions to the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues.
Among this year’s attendees were several members of the Sorenson Impact community. We joined the event as speakers, hosts, volunteers, and participants eager to learn from and connect with fellow changemakers dedicated to making a difference.
From first-time attendees to longstanding presenters, the unique value of this year’s event within the impact space became clear: to spark inspiration, invite knowledge sharing, and set the stage for new partnerships. With three full days of conversation, thousands of attendees, and a theme of “Catalyzing Systems Change,” SOCAP24 accelerated collaboration for impact.
Ultimately, SOCAP exists to advance the impact field. At the Institute, we understand the critical and unique role convenings play in the impact space — in fact, we recently surveyed hundreds of impact practitioners to explore the value of impact events like SOCAP to ensure they are meeting the needs of the field. Check out the findings from our research here.
Following SOCAP24, we invited members of our team to share their experiences and learnings. Take a look at their insights below and explore examples of the work the Sorenson Impact community is driving to advance these trends.
What were some of the most valuable moments from SOCAP24, and how did they enhance the conversation around global issues?
“The event left a lasting impression on me. I work in the financial side of Sorenson, so it was rewarding to hear about projects and innovations that I am not exposed to as often. I was deeply inspired by the session ‘Africa as an Emerging Frontier for Tech Investments and Impact-Driven Philanthropy.’ The conversation was influential on so many levels, but I was especially inspired to hear about some of the amazing success stories and the power of access to capital for catalyzing more inspiring outcomes.
I love the quote shared on the opening day: “The real problem of humanity is the following: We have Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology.” It is such a powerful summary of the underlying issue of many systemic problems we face. While it is humbling to reflect on the scope of the quote, it’s also empowering. It felt like a great foundation to frame the context for the rest of the event.” — Chad Salvadore, Chief Financial Officer, Sorenson Impact Institute
Explore memorable quotes from SOCAP24 in these highlights from the event.
Jacques-Philippe Piverger, Sorenson Global Impact Leader, presents on stage at SOCAP24.
“SOCAP did a good job of convening a diverse array of global leaders on a broad set of topics that complement each other at scale. For example, I shared lessons learned from nine near-death experiences as a means of materially improving investment decisions. One of the people who followed me was from Costa Rica, and she was focused on the role women play in the agricultural sector. Each of these perspectives is important, and it’s difficult for any one entity or person to do it all. SOCAP allowed us all to come together, share best practices, and support one another.” — Jacques-Philippe Piverger, Founder & Managing Partner of GoodLight Capital and Sorenson Global Impact Leader
Watch Jacques-Philippe’s presentation from SOCAP24.
A packed room for the systems-level change workshop led by Dimple Sahni and others at SOCAP24.
Can you speak to the trends and innovations presented at SOCAP24? Why are the ideas you heard essential to the impact field?
“The SOCAP24 theme of systems-level change was quite apt as more and more people are starting to think with this lens. SOCAP brings together many different stakeholders in the ecosystem to align on their roles, abilities, and contributions to have a more common agenda to achieve this archetype of change. I was a panelist and workshop coordinator on systems-level change in the last time slot on the last day of SOCAP. Our interactive session was standing-room only and received some great insights from those looking to learn, partner, and collaborate on systems-level change.” — Dimple Sahni, Managing Director Multi Asset Impact at Anthos Fund and Asset Management and Sorenson Global Impact Leader
Learn more about the Institute’s network of Global Impact Leaders.
“SOCAP24 did a great job bringing emerging themes to the forefront of the impact investing conversation. For example, it was exciting that an entire content track was dedicated to the ownership economy. For investors who are focused on closing the wealth gap, focusing on wealth-building opportunities such as home, employee, community, and individual asset ownership are all important components. SOCAP’s focus on this invited powerful conversations that will help advance this further.” — Lauren Sercu, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Sorenson Impact Advisory
Learn more about opportunities to address the wealth gap through ownership.
Sorenson Impact’s Lauren Sercu in conversation with Janine Firpo during the session, “Invest for Better.”
What’s something new you learned or were inspired by at SOCAP24?
“SOCAP is a great platform for bringing together different sectors to tackle big social issues. One session, for instance, looked at how trauma affects people’s relationship with money and how impact investing could help. We talked about “Systemic and Financial Shame” — basically, pressures from things like individualism and consumerism that shape how people deal with money. We also looked at a tool called the “Trauma of Money Map,” which explores factors like family background and support networks. This kind of understanding can lead investors to go beyond just financial returns. For example, an affordable housing project might offer flexible payments and mental health support, helping people find financial stability and emotional security. It’s an approach that aims to make a real, lasting impact.” — Furui Yang, Impact Investing Analyst Intern at Sorenson Impact Institute
Learn more about the critical impact of affordable housing projects.
“I was very excited to learn how many people are making a push forward for funding founders from traditionally marginalized groups. In the Funder Showcase sponsored by JPMorgan, I learned about different funds and their strategy to focus on founders of diverse groups. I came across a similar conversation at the fireside chat with Janine Firpo. She prompted women to increase their financial outcomes via impact investing. This conversation also recommended investing in ventures that align with personal values and beliefs. I was glad to see that focusing on female founders and groups that have experienced unjustly difficulty receiving funding has become part of this conversation. These conversations not only gave me hope that real, tangible, and crucial change is happening in the impact world but also gave me a personal motivation to seek these types of impactful investments myself. I had no idea the conversation around empowerment was this widespread in the impact space, and I could not be happier to have left SOCAP with this new insight.” — Kian Crawford, Student Analyst at Sorenson Impact Institute
U of U pride with Sorenson Impact Institute’s CEO, Katie Macc, with Managing Director and SOCAP Global President, Robert Munson.
What effect, if any, might SOCAP24 have on the future of your work?
“One investment theme that was particularly relevant to our work on the impact investment team is the ownership economy. This theme permeated through panels and private meetings alike. More often than not, I found a natural transition from panel presentations to deep conversations that shaped my perspective in a powerful way. The ownership economy is broad, but a common thread I heard was the need for innovative financing structures to couple equitable outcomes with risk-adjusted returns. The term ‘innovative’ is thrown around often, but the ideas circulated among attendees are a real demonstration of the word.” — Camron Zavell, Senior Associate, Sorenson Impact Institute
Read about the Institute’s pivotal role in outcomes-based finance.
“SOCAP24 was a great place to meet people from cleantech, NGOs, and finance who are all focused on making an impact. As a volunteer, I connected with people who shared insights on global industry trends and ways to collaborate on key issues. I also received some valuable internship referrals, which is helpful as someone looking to start a career in this field. Everyone brought their own questions and challenges, and SOCAP24 created the perfect space for us to share ideas, find connections, and explore real opportunities together.” — Furui Yang, Impact Investing Analyst Intern at Sorenson Impact Institute
Learn more about internship opportunities at the Sorenson Impact Institute.
We aim to facilitate meaningful events that increase the impact investing community’s ability to scale solutions and achieve global change. Are conferences like SOCAP effectively meeting the needs of the field? We surveyed the impact community to find out. Explore the findings from our research here.
Photos by Hardwig Media
