Type: High Impact Investments, Real Assets
Topic: Agriculture, Clean Transportation, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Water
Status: Current
Instead of investing in traditional “real assets” like commercial real estate and oil wells, Vision Ridge sees opportunity in new kinds of assets such as the largest public network of electric vehicle charging stations, EVgo. Its vision is to “unleash capital markets to solve our generation’s greatest challenges.”
Investment
Sustainable Asset Funds II: $7.5 million; originated in 2018
Sustainable Asset Funds III: $10 million; originated in 2021
Rationale
Vision Ridge Partners identifies idiosyncratic sustainable real assets that fly below the radar of more traditional investors. Areas of focus include water, transportation, agriculture, land, and energy efficiency. The portfolio could include anything from digesters that turn organic waste into energy to innovative farms that grow non-GMO table grapes with less water.
Returns
Financial Returns: Too early to evaluate; fund is in the investment phase.
Social & Environmental Impact: Examples of previous investments made by Vision Ridge include EVgo, the nation’s largest network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Deep decarbonization of our transportation system is a priority for McKnight’s Midwest Climate & Energy program.
Lessons Learned
Too early to report.
Photo Credit: Mariordo
Disclaimer of Endorsement: The McKnight Foundation does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or service providers.
Last updated 8/2018