We are reinvigorated by the insights and perspectives shared by impact leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who joined us at SOCAP25 in San Francisco. United by a shared mission — to connect capital with solutions to the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges — participants focused on collaborating for systemic change and moving impact from niche to mainstream. In this newsletter, take a look at our compilation of standout moments and impactful lessons.
The time spent together at SOCAP25 positions our community to carry forward this mission long after the conference. As shared by Sarah Sterling, Executive Director of Programming and Convening, in our Closing Ceremony: “SOCAP is not meant to be a place where conversations happen only once a year. We want to move the needle and make a meaningful impact, so we are committed to doing this work intentionally, every day.”
In This Edition
Read actionable highlights, takeaways, and inspiration from SOCAP25.
Listen to a new podcast episode about AI investments that aim to support Gen Z.
Standout Moments and Impactful Lessons From SOCAP25
“The world has fundamentally shifted. We are out of time for being indecisive. … Let’s work harder, bridge those gaps, and let’s move those resources.” — Vanessa Roanhorse, Roanhorse Consulting | SOCAP25 Opening Ceremony
With 100 speakers and 80+ interactive sessions across five tracks, SOCAP25 invited attendees to think bigger and engage deeply and openly with one another. We’ve compiled several key takeaways from SOCAP25, highlighting some of the standout moments and impactful lessons that were shared on stage and in conversation. Read the article for meaningful insights that you can apply to your work, life, and impact. READ MORE.
The AI Generation: A High-Impact Opportunity for Investors
Featuring Matt Wilkerson | Extern.com, Sam Hyams | Springpod, Yesenia Gallardo Avila | Lemnis, and Rilwan Meeran | American Student Assistance
This new episode of the Money + Meaning podcast explores how emerging edtech and workforce innovations can help young people thrive because of AI — not despite it. Recorded at SOCAP25 and co-curated with American Student Assistance, this conversation highlights early-stage ventures that enable continuous reskilling, upskilling, and smarter career navigation. Tune in to hear from speakers who offer a hopeful and practical roadmap to a more resilient and equitable future of work.TUNE IN.
🎁 Explore the 2025 Socially Conscious Gift Guide
Support an ethical company, make an impact, and give a gift that truly matters this season.
Choosing holiday presents that create social impact not only spreads joy to your loved ones but also supports the entrepreneurs and communities working to build a more equitable world. As you shop for the 2025 holiday season, consider gifts from social ventures that are making a measurable difference around the globe. We’ve curated a selection of ethically and sustainably made products crafted by entrepreneurs who were part of the SOCAP Conscious Marketplace at SOCAP25. These innovators are redefining what it means to do business for good. EXPLORE THE GUIDE.
In the Community
From Our Partners | Join the Center for Growth to Scale Action and Impact Across Our Communities!
Wouldn't it be powerful to see the inspiring impact we witnessed at SOCAP25 unfold across all of our communities? The Center for Growth believes small groups learning together can set big changes in motion. Through in-person and online programs, coaching, and supported Impact Groups, the Center brings people together to scale learning, action, and impact. The Center also helps corporate teams and movement leaders maximize their impact. LEARN MORE.
💬 SOCAP25 in the News:
Journalists, industry experts, and impact community members are sharing learnings, insights, and inspiration from SOCAP25. Check out a few of our favorite reflections below, and follow us on LinkedIn for more takeaways from the community.
In a Time of Peril, Strategies for Community Power, Local Impact and Climate Resilience (ImpactAlpha) Urgent challenges have always driven our field in pursuit of a greater purpose — taking impact mainstream. We are inspired by the many ways SOCAP25 attendees are creating positive impacts in the world, even amid these challenges. This article features insights from SOCAP25 attendees and showcases the ripple effects our community is having. READ MORE.
Sorenson Impact Helps Push Impact Mainstream at SOCAP25 (Sorenson Impact Institute) At SOCAP25, leaders from Sorenson Impact offered fresh perspectives on outcomes-based financing, Nature-based Solutions, and impact measurement — sparking new ideas and actionable solutions to help move impact from the margins to the mainstream. Read highlights from four SOCAP25 sessions and the takeaways that emerged. READ MORE.
A Day in the Life: SOCAP25 (Halcyon) We love this video that captures what it’s like to attend the annual SOCAP conference! Watch the video to see a day at SOCAP25 through the lens of Halcyon Investment Manager Adam Caplan. WATCH.