Better Society Capital Reaches £1 Billion Milestone in Social Impact Investing

Funding | Apr 25, 2025 | Big Society Capital

Over the past 13 years, Better Society Capital (BSC) has become a cornerstone of the UK's social investment sector, having raised nearly £4 billion in funds and co-investments to support over 3,750 charities and social enterprises. Their initial £600 million, partly sourced from dormant bank accounts and major UK banks, has been leveraged to make significant commitments to tackle complex social issues, including housing, employment, and education. The firm's capital recycling strategy has seen the impact expand to support millions, including housing for over 15,000 people. Moving forward, BSC plans to enhance government partnerships and create a Social Impact Investment Vehicle, focusing on entrenched social issues and fostering strategic alliances with stakeholders.

Sectors

  • Social Impact Investment
  • Financial Services
  • Nonprofit Sector

Geography

  • United Kingdom – The article focuses on investments and impacts within the UK, addressing social issues prevalent across the country.

Industry

  • Social Impact Investment – The article centers around the activities of Better Society Capital in supporting social impact initiatives, making it a significant player in the social impact investment industry.
  • Financial Services – Better Society Capital's operations of raising funds and co-investment align with the broader financial services industry.
  • Nonprofit Sector – The article discusses the significant support given to charities and social enterprises, highlighting its relevance to the nonprofit sector.

Financials

  • £1 billion – Total investment from Better Society Capital.
  • £2.9 billion – Amount of co-investment brought in from other investors.
  • £600 million – Initial capital sourced from dormant bank accounts and major UK banks.
  • £400 million – Initial funding from dormant bank accounts.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Better Society CapitalSocial Impact InvestorCompanyUK's leading social impact investor, focusing on tackling social issues and inequalities.
BarclaysFunding PartnerCompanyContributed to the initial funding of BSC from dormant bank accounts.
HSBCFunding PartnerCompanyContributed to the initial funding of BSC from dormant bank accounts.
Lloyds Banking GroupFunding PartnerCompanyContributed to the initial funding of BSC from dormant bank accounts.
NatWest GroupFunding PartnerCompanyContributed to the initial funding of BSC from dormant bank accounts.
HM TreasuryGovernment BodyGovernmentPartnering with BSC on social impact investment policy areas.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)Government BodyGovernmentInvolved in the creation of the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group.