Banorte, a Pioneering Institution in Bringing Impact Investment to Mexico, participates as a sponsor in the 2012 Latin American Forum on Impact Investing

Feb 29, 2012 8:00 PM ET
Campaign: Valor Ambiental

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) February 29, 2012 - The forum organized by New Ventures Mexico, took place February 13-15 2012 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico bringing together social entrepreneurs, investors, development agencies, foundations, investment funds, academics and major Latin American NGOs. 

For Banorte, as an institution committed to corporate responsibility, it is important to promote initiatives which help to develop and grow  impact investing in Mexico, promoting investment and development that benefits society at large. 

A recent report by J.P. Morgan and the Rockefeller Foundation estimates an investment opportunity of about $400 billion dollars with an earnings potential between $183 billion and $667 billion over the next decade. 

Along with Banorte, FEMSA and Nacional Monte de Piedad participated as sponsors of the event, joined by the founding partners of  the forum: AVINA, Promotora Social Mexico, Fundemex, Potencia Ventures, US-Mexico Foundation, Halloran Philanthropies and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB ).

During the forum, the panels and workshops focused on key trends and opportunities facing impact investing relevant to the diverse group of attendees. The topics  included: the prospect of market impact, alternative models of corporate structures, the role of development agencies, exit strategies and disinvestment, and the government's role in impact investing.  Also discussed were trends in incubation and acceleration, new forms of investment and joint financing or "crowdfunding," as well as the integration and strengthening of green and socially responsible value chains. The role of women as participants in the impact investing space was a theme throughout the forum, and was also discussed in a panel on the perspective of women entrepreneurs.

To provide greater value to the attendees, capacity building workshops for both investors and  entrepreneurs examined the methodologies for measuring the social impact of each project and the challenges that exist in financial intermediation. 

More than 20 entrepreneurs looking for investment partners presented pitches during the conference, showcasing  social, environmental and financial impacts generated, and opportunities for investment. Case studies of successful impact investments were also presented to attendees to  promote meaningful partnerships that in the future, will lead to long-term relationships and new investment deals.

Banorte will continue to support impact investing, which is one of the most innovative trends linking business with social development and sustainability.