Venture Philanthropy
Venture Philanthropy enables R&Co4Generations to amplify its capacity to make a difference by using investment profits to continue its mission of supporting social and environmental causes, locally and globally.
In collaboration with Five Arrows, R&Co4Generations is backing pioneering social or environmental purpose startups with self-sustainable business models addressing youth unemployment, biodiversity protection and climate change.
R&Co4Generations benefits from the support of a dedicated pro bono network primarily in Paris and London, including colleagues from Global Advisory. They lend their time and expertise to identify and analyse potential companies that could benefit from funds, professional guidance and connections.
An “impact first” investment strategy lies between donating to an association and traditional equity investment in a company. Our objective with the R&Co4Generations foundation is to be able to support these innovative companies by providing them with the necessary financial resources, advising them and allowing them to benefit from the Rothschild & Co group network to help them develop. I am proud to be part of this new tool for R&Co4Generations that fosters cross-collaboration, skills development and networking for our colleagues while driving tangible change for a sustainable future.
Our investment strategy
Equity investments are set up to support the development of innovative startups and deployed in compliance with several criteria:
- The company needs to have a strong environmental or social impact, part of its core business.
- The start-up must prove highly innovative: technical, technological or methodological.
- The company must show scalability opportunities and growth potential.
Our portfolio
Earthwake
Earthwake is transforming plastic waste into fuel using mobile pyrolysis ovens known as Chrysalis, which are packaged in containers. This innovative approach helps address the problem of plastic pollution while providing a sustainable source of energy. Chrysalis was selected among the Solar Impulse Foundation’s “1000 solutions to change the world”.
Biscornu
Biscornu is a French catering enterprise that proudly embraces social responsibility by providing employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Their culinary creations are crafted with a sustainable touch, utilising partially downgraded fruits and vegetables rescued from food waste.
Stokelp
Stokelp is a comprehensive software as a solution (SaaS) dedicated to minimising food waste within the food industry. This innovative platform empowers manufacturers to maximise the value of their surplus food inventory, encompassing a wide range of items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and more, by facilitating their resale to fellow industry players who require them. Additionally, Stokelp enhances transaction transparency, ensuring a more efficient and accountable food supply chain.
Redemption Roasters
Redemption Roasters is the UK's leading impact-led specialty coffee business with a unique social mission. The social enterprise specialises in coffee roasting and operates as both a wholesaler and coffee chain, training and employing prison residents and leavers to break the stigma associated with hiring individuals with criminal records.
Our ambition to mobilise an additional financial tool, strategically aligning our investment strategy with our primary mission — to empower future generations and protect the environment — is an integral extension of R&Co4Generations. Our Venture philanthropy strategy is a comprehensive and impactful approach that combines financial resources, expertise, and collaborative efforts to create a tangible impact in addressing critical social and environmental challenges.