CONSCIOUS HOLISTIC IMPACTFUL INVESTING
Chi Impact Capital is an independent Impact Investment Advisory firm based in Zurich.
Our focus as an Impact Investment Advisor lies on the deep end of social and environmental impact value creation via direct investments into core regenerative companies, where positive impact creation is an integral part of the company’s product or service. We believe in the need of a systems transformation towards both a regenerative economy and a more conscious form of investing.
We are advising a Luxembourg-based impact venture fund – the Nixdorf Kapital Impact Fund S.C.Sc., SICAV-RAIF – Burning Issues Impact Fund (BIIF) – that provides qualified professional investors with the possibility to create place-based and deep impact in Europe, while helping to contribute to the most critical and “burning” Sustainable Development Goals and to reverse climate change. The BIIF was closed for new investors at the end of March 2024 and is not in fundraising anymore.
Chi Impact Capital has a comprehensive Impact Methodology in place and defines, measures and reports impact goals for each advised investee company (in close collaboration with each advised investee company) and also applies a gender-lens as well as a multi-species-lens. The corresponding impact goals are tailored to the circumstances of each individual company and the specific sector in which it operates (examples can be within “Green Innovation & Energy Efficiency” i.e. reduction of CO2; “Food Safety & Security” i.e. reduction of food waste or reduced water use; “Circular Economy” i.e. reduction of single-used plastics).
We deeply care about social and environmental impact
If you care about positive impact, we are your partners.
We start from impact, we live our impact, and we sincerely believe in the impact potential of the BIIF‘s investee companies.
That is why we also tie the BIIF‘s fund carry 100% to the creation of positive impact outcomes.
Leading the transition to a Circular Economy
We are fully committed to leading the transition to a circular and regenerative economy. Building on our existing track record of the Burning Issues Impact Fund, we are sharpening our focus: We will launch/advise a second fund that will invest in European Circular Economy pioneers who help solve the most burning issues of our time. We are excited that Dr. Günther Dobrauz-Saldapenna has joined us as a new partner. Stay tuned for more. We will share more insights soon.
Investment Focus
The BIIF invests in a new species of entrepreneurs with an integrated business mission to solve a burning social or environmental issue. These companies are for-profit European-based enterprises that provide transformative and typically tech-heavy and scalable solutions across the following impact themes: Circular Economy & Conscious Commerce, Green Innovation & Energy Efficiency, Food Safety & Security, Smart Mobility & Transport as well as Affordable and Climate Resilient Healthcare.
Circular Economy & Conscious Commerce
Green Innovation & Energy Efficiency
Food Safety & Security
Smart Mobility & Transport
Affordable & Climate Resilient Healthcare
Our purpose is to assist qualified professional investors to achieve both attractive financial returns, while simultaneously being pro-active enablers and shapers of positive and systemic change.
We are deeply committed to making the systemic shift towards a circular- and regenerative economy a reality with impact investments. Time left to limit global warming to 1.5° is short – see below.
TIME LEFT TO LIMIT GLOBAL WARMING TO 1.5 °
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BIIF Portfolio Companies
Chi Impact Capital’s advisory activities go fully in line with Art. 9 of the EU Regulation on Sustainability-Related Disclosure in the Financial Services Sector (SFDR; EU 2019/2088). The BIIF qualifies as a ‘dark green fund’ according to Art. 9 SFDR.
MOSA MEAT
Pioneering food-tech (cultured meat)
VYTAL
Enabling Reusables
YASAI
Scaling vertical, circular farming
NEOOM
Advancing decentralised energy-transition
FARMY
Delivers regional food from sustainable agriculture directly to your home.
WORLD DATA LAB
Pioneering data for good
WE DON’T HAVE TIME
Communication and review platform for climate solutions
Impact Reports
Team
Dr. Christin ter Braak-Forstinger
Founder, CEO
Dr. Christin ter Braak-Forstinger, LL.M. is the founder and CEO of Chi Impact Capital. Christin is passionate about pro-actively making the shift towards a regenerative and deep impact economy a reality.
Christin has a long-standing experience and track record in the financial services sector & private equity, impact investing and sustainable investing; She completed her Doctoral Thesis at Harvard Law School (summa cum laude), her Master Studies at Duke Law School and studied Law and Business Administration before in Austria; Christin is a regular author, key-note speaker, juror and long-time university lecturer in impact investing.
Privately, Christin is the co-founder of award-winning NGO Braveaurora, active in North Ghana since 2009. Christin loves to spend her spare time with her family in nature; meditation forms an integral part in her life.
Dr. Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna
Partner, COO
Dr. Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna is a Partner at Chi Impact Capital. He is a venture capital veteran and passionate about circular economy which he believes will be one key part forming the future.
Guenther holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in law from Johannes Kepler University (Austria), an MBA from the University of Strathclyde (Scotland) and has completed advanced training programs at Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, IMD and Singularity University.
Guenther is co-founder and partner at Exelixis Capital AG and manages Dobrauz-Saldapenna 1858 AG, a single family office in Zurich. Previously, he was a partner at PwC, leading the Swiss legal department and serving on the Global Legal Leadership Team. Earlier, he worked at Deloitte, a hedge fund, and a Swiss venture capital firm. He has published 12 books and over 100 articles on innovation, circular economy, and law, and has spoken at conferences worldwide.
Privately Guenther loves sport and music and collects old vinyl records (which are unfortunately not yet circular but this way at least get to live longer).
Enrique Alvarado Hablutzel
Co-Founder, CIO
Enrique is passionate about the development of Circular Economy projects and the growth of individuals and communities using conscious, systematic approaches.
Enrique has a strong background in scaling technology start-ups. He was formerly a Partner at Bamboo Capital Partners, where he was involved in creating innovative investment fund structures, “tech4impact funds,” for emerging markets. Enrique is also part of the Seedstars and Impact Hub networks in Switzerland and played a crucial role in the early development of the Accelerate2030 program, supporting more than 100 companies worldwide. He holds a Master’s degree in Management and Consulting from the University of Lausanne with a specialization in Technology and Innovation from the EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.
Enrique is passionate about sports and music as a source of inspiration to thrive in life; he develops Circular Economy programs in Europe and Latin America and is part of an association helping preserve Indian American traditions in Mexico and Europe.
Martin Moser
Investment Associate
Martin is part of the rethinking that is taking place in society to move towards a more sustainable world, which is indeed urgently needed. He is deeply convinced that finance can be a force for good and used as a powerful tool for improving the state of society and the environment.
Martin did his Master’s degree in Banking & Finance at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. Before joining Chi Impact Capital, he worked at UBS AG in the Asset Management Private Equity Fund of Funds team and in Wealth Management, where he served high-net-worth clients. Before his Bachelor in Business Administration, he completed an apprenticeship at a Swiss regional bank.
Moreover, Martin is passionate about pretty much any kind of sports in his spare time. He especially loves football and general fitness sessions to follow an active lifestyle. The beautiful Swiss natural landscape and mountains help him to get a clear mind.
Anita Keij
Co-Founder and senior Impact advisor
Anita Keij is a co-founder and CIO of Chi Impact Capital. Anita deeply believes that moral values are as important as economic value, and working consciously on this basis, leads to a more holistic approach and better results.
Anita has experience in investment and development banking as well as a track record working with social enterprises. She holds a post-graduate degree in corruption studies from the Hong Kong University, and masters in philosophy and economics from Heidelberg University and the Erasmus University Rotterdam. Anita is also a regular guest-lecturer on environmental ethics.
Anita loves being outdoors and believes that nature and sports are crucial for a healthy and happy lifestyle. She is fascinated by animals and is also a beekeeper. Having worked in Virunga National Park in East Congo, Anita is still a supporter of the Virunga Alliance.
BIIF Fund Advisory Board
Corinne Heijn
Dr. Brigitte Mohn
Dr. Mariana Bozesan
Alexandra Kapusta
Dr. Charly Kleissner
Stephen Brenninkmeijer
Mag. Peter Scheuch
Dr. Rob Wylie
BIIF Impact Validation Committee
Ruurd de Fluiter
Prof. Dr. Michael Meyer
Awards
October 2024
February 2024
October 2023
October 2023
CHI Podcasts
Circles of Innovation: Minimizing Ecological Footprints Through Circular Economy
In the latest Chi Impact Capital podcast, Enrique chats with Harald Friedl, often referred to as a ‘Circular Economist’. Harald shares insights from his groundbreaking work aimed at reducing environmental footprints and advancing a greener future. The episode covers Harald’s ongoing projects and his visionary strategies that exemplify authentic leadership in circularity and sustainability. This inspiring conversation delves into the transformative power of circular economy practices, individual change, surrender, and peace—key elements in driving personal and systemic global change. The discussion emphasizes how communities adopting circularity models can make a significant, positive impact globally, showcasing Harald’s dedication to guiding companies from linear to circular models, significantly enhancing sustainability through innovative practices.
Community of Change: Collaborative Impact in Action
In this episode, Enrique engages in open discussions with John Dutton, head of the Uplink network, as they delve into the philosophical aspects of impact and systemic change. Join us as we explore the concept of “Community of Change” and how collaborative impact is put into practice in real-life and daily settings. We’ll discuss ways to enhance effectiveness, overcome existing bottlenecks, and examine the Uplink program from the World Economic Forum (WEF). Discover where collaboration is happening, how it drives meaningful action, and insights into fostering greater impact together. Tune in for an enriching conversation that promises to inspire.
Vytal-izing Schaffhausen: A Circular Vision for Urban Sustainability
Immerse yourself in a thought-provoking dialogue between Daniela Brunner, Environment/Nature employee for the city of Schaffhausen, and Tim, the visionary CEO of Vytal. In this episode, these key figures engage in a meaningful discussion about “reusables and circularity,” exploring the pivotal interplay between sustainable practices, urban development, and environmental impact. Discover how the collaboration of Schaffhausen’s government and Vytal, led by Daniela and Tim, is shaping a progressive example for cities worldwide. Join us on this inspiring journey towards a greener, more sustainable future, where the innovative solutions of Vytal play a central role in the urban resurgence of Schaffhausen.
Guest Appearance, Publications & Other
Rethinking Investment: Driving Systemic Change through Circular Economy, Enrique, September 2024
Seif Whitepaper; from niche to mainstream; with contribution from Chi Impact Capital, December 2023
Why we need impact investing to reach our 2030 goals, August 2023
“Conscious Investing”/Chi Impact Capital, in ExxecNews, August 2023, page 8
“More Impact 4 Lunch” Video with Dr. Charly Kleissner, FASE/DE and Chi Impact Capital/CH, July 2023
Chi Impact Capital at «The European VC podcast», May 2023
“More Impact 4 Lunch” Video with Vytal/DE, FASE/DE and Chi Impact Capital/CH, March 2023
Impact Investing in 2023, Pioneers Post, December 2022
Article in impactInvestor, WEF announces Top Innovation Fund winners, Sept. 2022
Conscious Investing Christin ter Braak-Forstinger in Alistair Langer’s Podcast, July 2022
Article with Dr. Brigitte Mohn on ‘Impact Investing for Family Offices’, Issue 1/2022, March 2022
Interview in impactInvestor on: “Gender lens investing gathers pace”, March 2022
Dagmar Nixdorf on impact & return, in Gabor Steingart’s morning briefing, December 2021
Conscious Investing mit Dr. Christin ter Braak-Forstinger – The Heidi Hauer Podcast – August 2021
Börsianer Ed. Grün: Guest Contribution on Impact Washing – July, 2021
IPE Magazine Guest Viewpoint: Let’s be clear what positive impact means – May, 2019
Our book on Conscious Investing
Conscious investors are part of a growing movement who believe they can do better things with their money when they deeply connect with their money and when they allow themselves to see the big picture: namely, the wider systemic impact that their investment decisions entail.
“Now is the time to rethink growth and radically change the way of investing in order to save the planet. With her book Conscious Investing, Christin ter Braak-Forstinger provides a comprehensive guide for the societal shift towards sustainability.” – Dr. Franz Fischler, President of the European Forum Alpbach
“These days stakeholders deal with a drastic change in investment approach facing an unavoidable responsibility for sustainable development. In her book “Conscious Investing”, Christin ter Braak-Forstinger outlines a series of impact-investing stories that provide vivid examples of how you can pursue positive economic outcomes and scalable societal impact in the same time.” – Ruben Vardanyan, entrepreneur, Investor & philanthropist
“Conscious investing makes the investor as happy as the investee, it is the joint creation of value for society.” – Martin Essl, Founder of the Essl Foundation
Our book on the Circular Economy
New solutions for a better tomorrow. Explore how we can transform our current take-make-waste economic model into a sustainable circular system—drawing inspiration from nature’s perfect cycles.
Every leaf that falls from a tree becomes part of a new circle. In non-human ecosystems, everything is re-used or re-purposed. The natural world is the perfect circular system. Why is the same not true for humankind? Most of the things we possess will ultimately not be used for a long period of time. The current take-make-waste approach is a given fact of our present economy that we have perfected since the industrial revolution.
Dr. Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna and Nicolas Huras believe that we urgently need to change our ways of producing, consuming and living. It is time to seriously consider circular economy as an alternative model.
This book brings together thinkers and innovators from academia as well as business who share their ideas. Does it deliver answers to all our challenges? Probably not, but it is a great place to start. The future must be circular and decentralized!
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