In the historic Théâtre du Vaudeville in Brussels, the heart of the European Union, impact investors and entrepreneurs gathered once again for the PYM Belgium Impact Day. Executives from companies, private wealth funds, and family offices exchanged their philosophies and motivations on how capital can be used for a better future. This year’s theme: “How circularity can improve our future.” From the very beginning, it was clear that the diverse group of attendees and the representatives of the four presented funds were participating in a joint effort: openly sharing their visions and collaborating on sustainable systems.

Speakers

Several speakers presented the objectives and results of their funds so far. Each brought their own investment philosophy, with tailor-made strategies and examples of groundbreaking investments that drive system change in various sectors: from agriculture to water, from housing to batteries and more.

Rubio Impact Ventures

Machtelt Groothuis explained that the fund focuses on system change by investing in companies that address a wide range of social issues.

For example, RIFT is a pioneer in the field of closed industrial heat systems based on iron powder: the powder is burned and then regenerated with hydrogen.

Prets identified the need for better market accessibility for sustainable energy. They developed tools that provide insight into potential returns and financing options for household investments in sustainable energy.

NoPalm tackles deforestation and CO₂ emissions by producing palm oil alternatives from residual streams from the agri-food industry.

Astanor

Arne van Hautekiet spoke on behalf of Astanor and explained how the fund uses food and agriculture to achieve system change. "From soil and sea to the gut" is the ambition. With both venture and growth strategies, Astanor invests in companies at various links in the agricultural value chain.

For example, Tractor Junction supplies refurbished tractors to the 150 million farmers in India, helping to reduce unnecessary waste.

Matrix Pack produces alternatives to plastic packaging by making biodegradable straws, cups, cutlery, and more from a unique blend of natural fibers.

Microharvest aims to excel by producing proteins at record speed. Using bacteria instead of plants or insects, they can convert raw materials into protein within a single day.

Carbon Equity

Carbon Equity was also present. Jacqueline van den Ende shared insights into the fund's unique approach to making sustainable private equity accessible to a broader audience. Carbon Equity works with various strategies, including those focused on strengthening our strategic independence and recycling.

For example, Cyclic Materials reduces our dependence on mining imports by recycling minerals from scrap.

Another investment, Redwood Materials, contributes to circularity by recycling batteries. 

With multiple funds, each with its own minimum investment, Carbon Equity also offers investment opportunities for people with less capital.

Revive

Finally, Nicolas Bearelle spoke on behalf of Revive. Their unique approach to developing sustainable living communities has already proven itself. As the first project developer with a B Corp certification, they focus on repurposing and greening brownfields.

Their project ‘Minerve’ in Edegem illustrates their impact: where once stood concrete buildings and only two trees could be found, there is now an extensive green living environment with (social) housing. The public spaces are designed to encourage interaction and create a sense of community. The measurable natural impact includes the addition of 100 hectares of nature, while the financial return goes hand in hand with the quality of the project.

World Café and personal stories

At the end of the evening, attendees were invited to sit at tables and engage in conversation with representatives of the funds. This provided ample opportunity to discuss questions from the presentations in an informal setting. Personal stories were also shared.

Frank van Beuningen emphasized the importance of action: many individual impact initiatives together form the key to system change. Myleen Verstraete spoke about her journey into impact investing — starting in Amsterdam with sessions at Frank’s table, growing into a motivation to inspire other families to follow their green example. Her goal: let impact investing become the new standard.

During his performance on the balcony, he aptly summarized the evening: these impact meetings are real game changers. They facilitate human connections and give everyone the chance to learn more about impact investing in a relaxed setting, surrounded by people who share the same visions and dreams.

Circularity was central tonight. It became clear that achieving it requires large-scale system change, the involvement of investors with both large and small amounts of capital — and that capital can truly be used to make real impact.

We hope to welcome you again next year!