More than 100 funds, representing an estimated $60 billion AUM, have invested in the creative economy over the past 5 years. These include conventional, socially responsible, and impact funds focused on ethical fashion, sustainable food, social impact media, other creative businesses and creative places.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Impact Investing in the Creative Economy looks at creative activity beyond the limits of art and culture and across traditional investment sectors. Using a creativity lens, Upstart Co-Lab has found that impact investing in the creative economy is strong and growing.
(Note: 1/3 of the funds reviewed invested in multiple categories which is why the total exceeds 100%.)
Key learnings include how the creative economy offers impact value, commercial viability and innovative edge; how a creativity lens correlates with diversity, equity, inclusion; and how a creativity lens is relevant in both developed and developing markets.