OXFORD, UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 12, 2025 / Ethex, the UK’s leading positive impact investment platform, has secured £0.5m in funding from an impact investment consortium (‘the Consortium’) to expand Ethex’s mission of enabling people to align their money with their values, while driving meaningful change across UK communities, the economy, and the environment.

The Consortium comprises forward-thinking organisations united by a shared vision of democratising finance and supporting the UK’s transition to a more regenerative and inclusive economy. Members include CO2Sense and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), alongside reinvestment from long-standing Ethex backer Friends Provident Foundation. Ethex also benefits from the continued endorsement of its founding investors, including Barrow Cadbury Trust, Better Society Capital, and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Building Infrastructure for Just Transition

The funding will enable Ethex to scale its platform’s reach and impact, enabling more people to invest in projects ranging from renewable community energy to financial inclusion initiatives. By mobilising individual investors and community stakeholders, Ethex is driving the transition to a more equitable and sustainable economy.

Lisa Ashford, CEO of Ethex, explains:

“Ethex exists to give individuals the power to align their money with their values and contribute to building a fairer, more sustainable world. With the support of our backers, we can take the next step in mobilising wealth towards projects that address the pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to financial inclusion and have all UK investors to join us in this.

“This funding reinforces our commitment to democratising finance, fostering community ownership, and creating the infrastructure needed to accelerate the UK’s transition to a low-carbon and equitable economy. Together, we can build a future where people and planet truly flourish.”

Empowering Change Through Community and Climate Action

Ethex’s proven ability to connect impactful projects with mission-aligned investors has already led to £120 million being raised through the platform to date, with over £86.7 million supporting community renewable energy projects. With the backing of the Consortium, Ethex is poised to broaden its scope, enabling more people to participate in the movement toward social and environmental change.

Denise Holle, Head of Social Investment at Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlights:

“Ethex’s platform exemplifies how we can reimagine finance as a tool for positive transformation. By enabling everyday people to invest in projects they believe in, we are not only supporting segments such as community energy and affordable finance but also promoting a shift toward more democratic and equitable ownership models. This aligns with our vision of building the infrastructure for transition and advancing climate justice.”

Hugh Goulbourne, Director at CO2Sense adds:

“Community-led investment plays a critical role in empowering people to take control of their future, whether through lowering energy bills, creating local jobs, or addressing financial exclusion. Ethex is a proven leader in mobilising the power of the crowd, and we are proud to support their work in reshaping how resources flow to communities.”

James Anthony, Social Investment Portfolio Manager at Friends Provident Foundation says: 

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Ethex by increasing our investment in the platform, building on over a decade of collaboration. Ethex continues to play a crucial role in democratising ethical investment, empowering individuals to align their financial decisions with their values. The Ethex platform’s community-led investments help to address some of the UK’s most pressing social and environmental challenges, fostering a fairer, more sustainable economy.”

Transforming Finance to Transform Lives

The Consortium’s vision encompasses:

• Democratising access to impact investing through Ethex’s platform, enabling individuals to invest in line with their values. 
• Advancing financial inclusion by supporting organisations like credit unions and CDFIs, helping address the needs of financially excluded individuals and SMEs. 
• Accelerating climate justice through community energy initiatives that build local resilience and contribute to the UK’s clean energy transition.
• Fostering community ownership of assets, promoting more democratic and equitable ownership models, like community owned affordable housing or farms.

Ethex calls on individuals, organisations, and policymakers to join the movement for a greener, fairer, and more inclusive economy.

To learn more about Ethex and its role in empowering positive change, visit www.ethex.org.uk

Note to Editors:

Images, interviews, and additional information on the campaign are available upon request.