Anna Goldstein Speaks on Prime’s Impact Strategy at the New Private Markets Investor Summit

Earlier this month, Prime’s Chief Program Officer, Anna Goldstein, joined peers at the New Private Markets Investor Summit, the leading gathering on thematic investing across private markets. Anna spoke at the workshop “How to Build a Good Impact Strategy,” alongside Joohee Rand from the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), Kelly Gauthier from Rally Assets, Kenza Himmi from the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund, and Michael Dymond from APG Global Private Equity.

The discussion focused on what makes an impact strategy credible in today’s market. Anna reflected on the emergence of a wider field of managers who are adopting a catalytic approach by creating funds that emphasize investor additionality, as Prime has done with Prime Impact Fund and Azolla Ventures Fund I. 

Panelists also explored how investors identify and manage impact risks. Anna shared how Prime’s in-house investment programs partner with entrepreneurs to surface and address potential unintended consequences during diligence, depending on the stage of investment. Risks of harm for communities can be monitored and resolved in the near-term for projects funded by Trellis Climate, whereas Prime’s venture programs take an active management strategy so that risks can be identified and understood over time.

Finally, the group addressed accountability and the role of tools and verification in strengthening impact practice. Anna highlighted Prime’s vantage point as the convener of Project Frame, observing how impact approaches have strengthened and evolved among the community of climate investors in recent years.