August 31, 2021
Susan Leerkes, Commercial Director of Van Lanschot Kempen, explains in this blog why this independent wealth manager is investing in Borski Fund.
Responsible and sustainable
All investment solutions from Van Lanschot Kempen are sustainable and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a sustainable investor, you evaluate companies not only on financial results but also on how they treat their employees and the environment, and their stance on ethical issues. For example, we do not invest in nuclear energy producers, arms manufacturers, or companies guilty of violating human rights or the working conditions of their employees.
Impact investments
In addition, we believe it is important that private investors can more easily invest in impact investments. Therefore, Van Lanschot clients can invest in the Kempen Global Impact Pool. This fund aims to make a positive contribution to 5 of the 17 UN SDGs. For instance, the fund contributes to affordable, high-quality healthcare & financial services, a sustainable food chain, and affordable and sustainable energy.
Social return
We invested in Borski Fund for both financial and social returns. Borski Fund performs negative screening on sectors such as tobacco, in which we also do not invest. Furthermore, the fund contributes to SDGs 3, 5, 8, 12 & 17, which largely overlap with our own investment policy. SDG 5: gender equality, involves a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities for men and women. Borski Fund offers a great opportunity for this, and it is something you want to be part of. It is no coincidence that Klaas Knot of De Nederlandsche Bank and Queen Máxima were present at the fund’s launch.
Gender equality
At Van Lanschot Kempen, we believe that diversity among employees leads to better decision-making, a better working environment, and fewer ‘blind spots’. An inclusive and diverse workforce stimulates the business performance, innovation, flexibility, and resilience of our organization. Furthermore, we believe that diversity provides access to a much larger talent pool, where performance and capabilities coexist with diversity. Diversity is therefore part of our policy for recruitment and talent retention.
Opening doors
Another important reason to invest in Borski Fund is that the fund opens doors for us. In addition to major banks, various high-net-worth individuals are investing. These include entrepreneurs who have previously sold their own companies. We had been wanting to approach some of them for a while, and we have now succeeded. At the fund’s meetings, we also come into contact with other investors for whom we can play a role in managing their wealth or related matters such as a (family) mortgage. It is a win-win situation.
Standing on its own feet
Furthermore, we have a responsibility to our shareholders: every investment must be able to stand on its own feet. Borski Fund does exactly that. The founders have a proven track record, the fund has access to a broad network of female entrepreneurs, and the operational aspects are guaranteed by the infrastructure of StartGreen Capital: the umbrella over Borski Fund. All the necessary ingredients are present to achieve the intended return. Beyond that, we are happy to support an initiative that, like our own policy, is designed to give a wider range of talents an opportunity.
Educational collaboration
The collaboration with StartGreen Capital is also a great opportunity for us to increase our knowledge and experience in the field of impact investing. In the first year and a half of Borski Fund, they have already made some very impressive investments. I also think it is fantastic that Simone Brummelhuis, Director of Borski Fund, has been named one of the ten most influential women in European startups. Kudos!
