Despite political headwinds, impact investing is evolving—not retreating. From China to the Gulf, capital is flowing to ESG ventures that align long-term financial returns with strategic reputation and trust.
My thoughts on strategy, communications and digital and technology, and how it’s creating opportunities and transforming service delivery in businesses and governments.
Sign-up to my RSS feed or follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Listen to my podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.
All tagged investment
Despite political headwinds, impact investing is evolving—not retreating. From China to the Gulf, capital is flowing to ESG ventures that align long-term financial returns with strategic reputation and trust.
In today’s multipolar world, diplomacy is no longer the sole domain of governments. Multinational corporations are stepping into roles once reserved for diplomats—navigating geopolitical risks, engaging regulators, and shaping public policy. Corporate diplomacy is now essential for business resilience, reputation, and global growth.
The risk register is flashing red. With Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs destabilising global trade, businesses and investors face heightened uncertainty. Strategic communications professionals must now act as navigators, mitigating risk through scenario planning, government engagement, and crisis messaging to protect reputations and ensure stability.
Venture capital is evolving rapidly, with AI, fintech, and climate tech dominating investment flows. According to CB Insights’ State of Venture 2024 report, global VC funding has hit an eight-year low, but key sectors and regions are still thriving. While the US, UK, and parts of Asia attract strong investment, China, Canada, and Germany face declines. As governments refine policies and start-ups adapt to investor demands, 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities for venture-backed innovation.
Strategic communications is a game-changer for CEOs, business leaders, and CVC investors, driving higher valuations, stronger acquisitions, and better ROI. Companies with proactive market positioning secure higher valuations and greater acquisition success. Learn how CVCs can unlock long-term growth and competitive advantage through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
A readout from Lord Livermore’s Number 10 briefing with public affairs professionals, outlining the UK government’s economic growth strategy and the critical role businesses play. The discussion and question and answers highlighted the government’s three-pillar approach—stability, reform, and investment—while addressing key challenges such as regulatory barriers, planning delays, and post-Brexit trade relations. This readout captures the key insights, business implications, and how companies can engage with policymakers to shape the UK’s economic future.
Strategic communication and stakeholder engagement are not optional for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and investors—they’re essential for driving growth and building resilience. This blog explores how embedding these strategies from the outset helps businesses overcome challenges, attract investment, and achieve sustainable success.
Creating an entrepreneurial and innovation mindset in governments needs strategic thinking and critical stakeholder engagement if it is to unlock growth for nations and businesses. Martin Wold and Mariana Mazzucato share insights on what the future could be like if the public and private sectors learnt to better support each other.
How strategy, strategic communications and stakeholder engagements can help mitigate the risks and turbulence of 2025.