Defining a Creativity Lens

A lens brings things into focus, magnifying what may be hard to see with the naked eye, and allowing viewers to spot what’s approaching on the horizon.  In the context of impact investing, a lens is a viewfinder that reveals new opportunities.

Upstart Co-Lab proposes a Creativity Lens to help bring into focus the impact investment potential of the Creative Places and Creative Businesses, to reveal opportunities that up until now have not been fully recognized, but are undoubtedly coming as the creative economy grows.

Businesses in the creative economy make markets by informing and educating consumers about products that are organic, sustainable and ethical. These fashion, food and design businesses create demand throughout the supply chain, completing the work that impact investors supporting sustainable fisheries and organic farming have made possible.

Media businesses producing video games, film, television, apps and other content harness the power of creativity and culture to educate our youth, help patients manage their chronic disease, teach tolerance and empathy, and catalyze positive action for the planet. These are high leverage opportunities that can have a big impact on attitudes, individual behavior and even government policy.

A Creativity Lens gives investors the chance to spot these opportunities, and to help shape a creative economy that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable.