ESG at 17Capital
ESG is an important area of focus for 17Capital as we seek to be the leading source of strategic finance for the private equity industry. We are committed to playing our part in achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.
Our ESG journey
17Capital ESG strategy
17Capital is committed to playing our part in achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. Watch the video below to find out about our latest updates and the progress we have made.
Previous reports
Epic Partnership
17Capital’s longterm partnership with Epic includes our sharing pledge, providing pro bono office space and sponsors of their events.
Find out more about our partnership here:
17Capital was the first private equity firm in the US & UK to sign the Epic Sharing Pledge and pledged to give 1% of the carried interest on its €1.2bn Fund 4 to Epic.
17Capital has again Pledged to donate a percentage of the carried interest on its $2.9bn Fund 5 to Epic.
17Capital collaborations with Epic
Haven House
Epic introduced 17Capital to Haven House Children’s Hospice and commissioned Harry Luxton to create a one-off painting for their London office. Find out more here.
ThinkForward
Epic introduced 17Capital to ThinkForward and in 2021 we completed a virtual mentoring programme with young people from a school based in Kent. The programme involved 15 mentors from 17Capital partnering with young people to help them develop a range of skills.
Sports dans le ville
17Capital has partnered with SDLV on a number of initiatives, most recently 3 of our team volunteered with them, mentoring young people weekly over the year to help them improve their language skills and prepare them for the workplace. Find out more about it here.
More about Epic
Epic is a global nonprofit startup which amplifies people’s potential to make a difference through giving.
Founded in 2014 by serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Alexandre Mars, Epic finds, funds and scales high-impact social organizations through a curated portfolio, and promotes innovative giving solutions for individuals and companies.
Epic offers several painless, systematic and optional ways for companies to place social impact at the heart of their economic model.
- Payroll Giving
- Strategic Giving
- Transactional Giving
- Sharing Pledge
Signatories
UN PRI signatory
17Capital is a UN PRI signatory and has committed to implementing the six Principles for Responsible Investment set out by the UNPRI (the “Principles”) and will contribute to developing a more sustainable global financial system.
In signing up to the Principles, 17Capital publicly commits to
- Contribute to the overall effort to reduce the impact of its activities on the environment
- Contribute positively to wider society through Epic and other initiatives
We believe this will improve our ability to meet 17Capital’s commitments to our beneficiaries and better align 17Capital’s investment activities with the broader interests of society.
The Principles for Responsible Investment were developed by an international group of institutional investors reflecting the increasing relevance of environmental, social and corporate governance issues to investment practices. The process was convened by the United Nations Secretary-General.
We encourage other investors to also adopt the Principles:
Principle 1: We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
Principle 2: We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
Principle 3: We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
Principle 4: We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
Principle 5: We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
Principle 6: We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.
ILPA Diversity in action signatory
17Capital is a signatory to the Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA) Diversity in Action initiative.
The Diversity in Action initiative brings together LP’s and GP’s who publicly acknowledge their commitment and to take concrete steps to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both in the workplace and the industry more broadly.
The initiative focuses on a foundational set of DEI actions spanning talent management, investment management and industry engagement.
By becoming a signatory, 17Capital publicly demonstrates its support and signals that we:
- Believe in the importance of DEI to the future success and sustainability of the private equity industry
- Agree that only by sharing information about specific actions taken will we encourage the mainstream implementation of DEI best practices and be able to measure our progress over time.
- On a best-efforts basis, will voluntarily provide up to date information on specific actions being undertaken
Recent ESG firm news
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Read nowNov 20 2020The Epic Investor: A Real Life Story
17Capital Partner Thomas Doyle and Supervisory Board member Myriam Vander Elst recently spoke at the Fund Finance Association Virtual Symposium. The session The Epic Investor: A real life story looks at 17Capitals partnership with the Epic Foundation and how this has developed over time. Watch the 15 minute video here: To find out more about the Fund Finance Association click here: https://www.fundfinanceassociation.com/
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Read nowApr 24 2020
17Capital supports Haven House Children’s Hospice with its Emergency Appeal
17Capital through its partnership with Epic is proud to continue to support Haven House Children’s Hospice, we recently donated to their emergency appeal to support them during this incredibly difficult time, if you can also donate please visit their website. Haven House remains on the frontline in providing care for some of the most vulnerable children in their local community. They are supporting the NHS at this critical moment, through offering both beds and expertise, working closely every day with their NHS colleagues to ensure children at end of life and in non-emergency situations can be swiftly transferred out of hospital to free up hospital beds. Haven House rely on the local community for 80% of their income and that need remains and will continue. Read more about Harry the artist 17Capital commissioned last year and Haven House here.
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Read nowJul 16 2019
17Capital commissions young artist
17Capital commissioned Harry Luxton to create a one-off painting for their London office. Harry who has a rare genetic disorder has a produced an amazing self-portrait emphasising that physical disability is no barrier to creativity. Harry has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which means he finds it difficult to use his hands as his muscles are weakening. But this hasn't stopped him from creating incredible contemporary art on canvas. His latest piece, a bright self-portrait, made with acrylic paint, depicts Harry amongst the beautiful grounds at Haven House Children’s Hospice – a charity that has supported him. This was no mean feat taking Harry a month to complete and requiring fine brush strokes and methodical control. Along with his parents and hospice staff, Harry proudly presented the artwork to 17Capital. Speaking at the presentation Augustin Duhamel, 17Capital’s Managing Partner, said: “We are very proud to receive this wonderful piece of art. Harry has demonstrated that there is no limit to what you can achieve. We are going to display it proudly in the reception area of our office and look forward to telling people the story behind it and about Harry and Haven House.” 17Capital were initially introduced to the hospice by Epic Foundation, long standing and valued supporters of the charity. While visiting the hospice last year some of the 17Capital team met Harry and heard about his love of art and painting. They were so taken by Harry’s energy and enthusiasm that they commissioned him to produce a piece of art for them to exhibit at their London-based office. Harry decided to donate his fee to Haven House. Harry began using Haven House in 2015 and has benefited from respite care and transitional support which has developed his independence and confidence. Over the years he has been able to have fun and pursue his passion for art enjoying trips to art exhibitions. Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive at Haven House, added: “Harry is a brilliant artist and this latest piece is personal, striking and beautiful. What I enjoy most is that you can almost feel his passion come through. It really captures his personality. We are immensely proud of him.” To view Harry’s art please visit his website at www.harryluxtonart.wordpress.com
The ESG committee
The committee
The ESG Committee is here to:
• Define and implement the ESG policy and principles;
• Monitor ESG and review ESG reporting;
• Support 17Capital and our team in “making ESG happen”; and
• Listen to ideas and input on how 17Capital can continue to make a meaningful impact across the ESG agenda.
ESG Policy
Read hereOrganisations we contribute to
Wider partnerships
17Capital has a number of partnerships to support our wider communities with a focus on supporting young people. Some of the organisations we contribute to are:
Industry-wide initiatives
We are members of the following industry bodies
