Wharton Impact Investing Partners

Wharton Impact Investing Partners (WIIP) stands out as one of the oldest MBA impact investing groups in the nation.  

WIIP sources and conducts diligence on early and expansion-stage companies with venture-grade growth potential and intentional, measurable social impact. Since its origins in 2007, WIIP has focused on companies in education, environment and sustainability, health and wellness, food and nutrition, financial inclusion, and urban development. Through a highly selective process, new members—both MBAs and Penn graduate students—are chosen based on commitment, experience, and industry knowledge. We provide high quality training on the investment process, impact investing, and portfolio management.

We use our diverse backgrounds and expertise to provide value-added support to companies in WIIP portfolio. Historically, we’ve considered companies in education, environment and sustainability, health and wellness, food and nutrition, financial inclusion, and urban development.

2007-2008

2009-2012

Organization created as a student-led advisory group called the Wharton Social Venture Fund.

WSVF provided professional development training to student members who contributed advisory support on projects for impact investing firms like Bamboo Finance, Acumen Fund and SJF Ventures. 

2012

Participated in the inaugural competition of the MBA Impact Investing Network and Training (MIINT) program. 

Won first prize at the MIINT Competition Finals, resulting in a $50,000 investment in LearnSprout, an education technology startup. LearnSprout has since been acquired by Apple.

Won Runner-Up for Best Investment at the MIINT Competition finals for an investment presentation on RaiseMe. RaiseMe has since been acquired by CampusLogic.

2015

Won Runner-Up for Best Investment at the MIINT Competition finals for an investment presentation on Care at Hand, Inc. 

Partnered with OurCrowd, an equity crowdfunding platform, to become their first Social Impact Channel Partner. Led to equity investment of $550k in Revolution Credit.