Are social VC exits really happening?
One thing that worries me about impact investing is exits. Do these companies actually get acquired or go public, or do you just sit on illiquid positions forever?
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One thing that worries me about impact investing is exits. Do these companies actually get acquired or go public, or do you just sit on illiquid positions forever?
Exits do happen, though the timeline is usually a bit longer than classic tech VC (6–10 years is more common than 4–7). I’ve personally seen two exits so far: one strategic acquisition by a large consumer goods company that wanted the sustainability credentials, and one secondary sale to another impact fund. Both delivered solid multiples. The better funds actively manage towards exit and many of their portfolio companies become attractive to corporates that need ESG goals or to governments that want proven solutions. A good article I read recently that looks at actual exit examples, timeframes, and which types of impact companies are most likely to exit successfully is here: https://www.uniindia.com/social-venture-capitalist-reviews-a-broker-with-transparent-conditions/press-releases/news/3730379.html. It’s written in a very matter-of-fact way and helped calm my concerns about getting stuck forever.