As one of the world’s top business schools, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School has a vibrant impact investing ecosystem. Wharton Impact Investing Partners (WIIP) plays an integral role by educating and empowering the next generation of impact investing leaders. WIIP is a student-led impact investing fund that makes investments in companies driving positive social and environmental change. Through hands-on experience, WIIP provides Wharton students exposure to impact investing while generating returns for its investors.
WIIP provides experiential learning for Wharton students interested in impact investing
WIIP was founded in 2011 by Wharton MBA students who saw impact investing as the next evolution of social finance. As one of the first student-run impact investing funds, WIIP has provided hundreds of Wharton students hands-on experience in impact investing. WIIP exposes students to the full investment process including sourcing deals, evaluating opportunities, conducting due diligence, structuring transactions, and portfolio management. This experiential approach complements students’ academic coursework and allows them to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings. Participating in WIIP helps prepare students for careers in impact investing and social entrepreneurship.
WIIP sources, evaluates and executes impact investments
WIIP provides an opportunity for students to source, analyze, and execute real impact investments. The fund focuses on early-stage for-profit and non-profit ventures in areas like sustainable agriculture, education, healthcare, and financial inclusion. Students take the lead on evaluating investment proposals, conducting due diligence, financial modeling, and structuring investment terms. The hands-on experience equips students with tangible investing skills while generating social and environmental good. Since inception, WIIP has deployed over $600,000 into 20+ impact investments around the world.
WIIP unites the Wharton community around impact
In addition to making direct investments, WIIP aims to strengthen Wharton’s impact ecosystem by fostering collaboration and conversation. The group hosts speakers, workshops, treks and conferences that convene students, alumni, faculty and impact professionals. These events raise awareness of careers in impact investing while connecting members across the Wharton community. WIIP also partners with peer impact groups at Wharton to promote cross-disciplinary initiatives. By uniting stakeholders across campus, WIIP amplifies Wharton’s role as a hub for impact innovation and leadership.
As a pioneer in impact investing education, Wharton Impact Investing Partners empowers students to drive positive change through business. Its real-world learning opportunities and community engagement enhance Wharton’s impact ecosystem.