top of page

THE TOOLS

Glossary Detail

Catalytic capital

Investment capital that accepts higher risk or reduced returns to enable (‘catalyse’) other third-party investment in a new and unproven opportunity that would otherwise not be possible. Catalytic capital might mitigate risk for other investors by providing a guarantee, taking a higher-risk tranche or a ‘first-loss’ investment.

Example(s)

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation providing catalyst funding for innovative environmental projects in Scotland. Gower Street Foundation's funding of Extinction Rebellion.

bottom of page