Winner of The Pros Awards’ Healthcare Campaign of the Year
ESPR has proudly won The Pros Awards’ Healthcare Campaign of the Year for its NHS Black Heritage Blood Donation campaign. Delivered in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant this campaign was launched to encourage more Black heritage blood donors to come forward, raise awareness of sickle cell and the importance of ethnically matched blood, and encourage repeat donations from younger Black heritage audiences.
Campaign Successes:
Launch: Achieved a 318% increase in donor registrations compared to the daily average.
Week after launch: Saw a 33% increase in new Black heritage donor registrations.
Media Coverage: Secured extensive coverage in mainstream media outlets such as BBC News, The Guardian, and The Independent, as well as in media targeting Black communities, amounting to almost £1.4 million in advertising equivalent coverage.
New Benchmark: Set a new record for NHS Blood & Transplant with the highest number of registrations ever achieved by a Black blood donation campaign.
The campaign’s strategy involved leveraging influential Black role models from The Powerlist, the annual list of the top 100 most influential Black people in Britain, to resonate with the target community and inspire participation for this worthy cause. Dame Sharon White and Lord Simon Woolley, both in the top 10, donated blood at the newly opened Stratford Blood Donation Centre in London. Other Powerlistees supported the campaign by posting our content on their company intranet and social media channels, and resharing the content on their platforms.
ESPR’s Founder and Director, Eva Simpson, was presented with the award at The Pros Awards ceremony at The Plaisterers’ Hall on July 18th.
About The Pros Awards: The Pros Awards, hosted by BME PR Pros and supported by Google, is the first PR/Comms industry awards judged by Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and Ethnic Minority (BME) PR & Comms professionals. The awards celebrate talented BME PR and Comms professionals and inclusive work.
Multi Award Winning Event & Music Photographer James Bridle www.JamesBridlePhoto.co.uk
Europe largest celebration of African Polo back for the sixth time
Dubbed “Black Ascot” the festival has established itself as a key date on the social calendar
Event will see the launch of new fashion line from Hollywood star Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
BAFTA Award Winner Big Zuu’s water brand Drip on board as first time sponsor
Saturday, July 27th 2024, Hurtwood Park Polo Club, Surrey
London: Lux Afrique Polo Day, Europe’s largest celebration of African Polo, is back for an incredible sixth year, and once again promises to bring guests an incredible feast of fashion, fast cards, food and of course incredible polo with some of the world’s best African polo players in action.
This unique day will unfold on the stunning grounds of Hurtwood Park Polo Club, Surrey, on Saturday, July 27th, 2024.
As well as the exhilarating polo matches, Lux Afrique Polo Day is an exciting social gathering attracting celebrities and VIPs from entertainment, business, politics and sport who all come together under the summer Surrey skies in their finest African attire, for a day of highly anticipated glitz and glamour as they gather to watch the incredible spectacle of the Sport of Kings.
For the first time this year, Lux Afrique Polo is delighted to be sponsored by Drip, a canned water brand founded in 2023 by British TV Chef , rapper and BAFTA winner Big Zuu disrupting the bottled water market. The brand aims to shake up the packaged water industry with its aspirational lifestyle branding while also being committed to sustainability, choosing to use recyclable cans over single-use plastic bottles.
Fashion is at the heart of Lux Afrique Polo Day, and once again, it will take centre stage with unique displays of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, and handbags with an African theme.
Lux Afrique is thrilled to announce that Hollywood actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, star of Lost and The Mummy Returns, will be launching his brand new fashion line at the event.
Culinary delights will be served by a range of high-end restaurants and chefs, including Enish, the world’s largest African restaurant chain. Entertainment on the day will be provided by Minor Seventh Band, Coffee Music and former Britain’s Got Talent act Asande.
Founder of Lux Afrique Polo, Alexander Amosu shared his excitement saying: “Each year, this event grows in stature and genuinely proves that it is the Black Ascot – and this year is another year where we will celebrate and showcase the best of Africa. I’m delighted our event is fast becoming a permanent fixture on the social calendar and to also be playing a part in breaking down stereotypes and preconceptions of Africa.”
Tickets are available fromhttps://luxafriquepolo.com/tickets/. Prices range from £69 for Bronze tickets to £345 per person for Platinum tickets, each offering differing levels of access to this unique event. Private hospitality suites, which may also be purchased, cater to ultra-VIP corporate and celebrity guests. The party continues with an after-party so the fun may continue long after the day is over.
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MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
For further information and press accreditation:
Ashkii Taylor and Eva Simpson: launch@es-pr.co.uk +447432124321
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Notes to Editors
Lux Afrique is a lifestyle and concierge company catering to UHNW across Africa, as well as a luxury multimedia platform for marketing and promoting luxury brands, targeting an audience on the African Continent. It introduces luxury-focused brands to the high net-worth consumer markets growing throughout Africa, through a number of means, including high profile events, such as the Lux Afrique Annual Polo Day and the Nigerian Independence Dinner at Claridges Hotel.
List also recognises Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Burna Boy and Anthony Joshua
Award winners include Mo Abudu, Tom Ilube and Eva Omaghomi
Late CEO of Access Holdings Plc., Dr. Herbert Wigwe honoured with a posthumous tribute in the new publication: The Global List, 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide
For Immediate release:
London, July 22nd, 2024: The first Global List of 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide named Professor Benedict Oramah as the world’s most influential Nigerian at a glittering VIP ceremony held at London’s luxury Peninsula Hotel on Friday evening.
Professor Oramah, President of African Export-Bank (Afreximbank), was joined on the inaugural List’s Top 10 by business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and global music superstar Burna Boy.
Produced in partnership with lead sponsor ProvidusBank, The Global List was launched to honour the remarkable achievements of Nigerians worldwide across various sectors, including business, technology, the arts, and philanthropy, showcasing the immense talent from the Nigerian diaspora.
The new List and awards are the brainchild of Powerful Media, the organisation behind the annual Powerlist, which has celebrated the 100 most influential individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage, annually, for almost 20 years.
Also sponsored by Premier Invest Inc., the list includes heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, Tope Awotona, Founder of Calendly, and singer and actress Tiwa Savage.
The full Top 10 Global List of 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide is as follows:
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Dangote Group
Adebayo Ogunlesi, Founding Partner, Chairman and CEO, Global Infrastructure Partners
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organisation
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author and Advocate for Women’s Rights
Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu), Music Artist
Bennet Omalu, Neuropathologist
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Group
Allen Onyema, Founder, Air Peace
A delighted Professor Oramah said: “I am deeply honoured to be recognised among such distinguished individuals. This award is a testament to the collective achievements of my team and the unwavering support of my family and colleagues.”
In addition to unveiling the Global List, the following awards were also presented on the night:
Community Empowerment Award:
Tunde Onakoya, Chess master with a Chess marathon record of the Guinness World Records
Excellence in Public Service Award:
Eva Omaghomi, LVO, PhD (h.c) Director of Community Engagement to King Charles III and The Queen
Excellence in Finance Award:
Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank
Philanthropist Award:
Tom Ilube CBE, CEO/Founder Crossword Cyber Security, Chair, England Rugby, Chairman, African Gifted Foundation, Non Executive Director, WPP, Chair, The Prince’s Trust
Media and Entertainment Award:
Presented to: Mo Abudu, CEO EbonyLife
Publisher and CEO of Powerful Media, Michael Eboda, said: “The Global List and these awards reflect the global impact and excellence of Nigerians in various fields. It is an honour to celebrate their achievements and highlight their contributions to the world.”
A spokesperson from ProvidusBank said: “We are delighted to be the lead sponsors of the Global List. Congratulations to everyone on the list and to all the award winners. We look forward to a continued partnership and supporting the recognition of outstanding Nigerian talent worldwide.”
The event was held at the newly opened 5-star, £1billion pound Peninsula Hotel, which has already established itself as one of London’s most prestigious new venues.
1. The Nigeria Global List Awards 2024 was selected by an independent judging panel.
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The Global List: 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide
Top 10
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder; Chairman; CEO, Dangote Group
Adebayo Ogunlesi, Founding Partner, Chairman and CEO, Global Infrastructure Partners
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organisation
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author and Advocate for Women’s Rights
Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) Music Artist
Bennet Omalu, Neuropathologist
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Group
Allen Onyema, Founder, Air Peace
The list below is not ranked:
Business, Corporates, Entrepreneurs
Mike Adenuga, Entrepreneur
Tony Elumelu, Entrepreneur, and philanthropist
Samad Rabiu, Businessman and philanthropist
Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Anap Jets
Haresh Aswani, Managing Director at Tolaram Group, Africa
Austin Avuru, Executive Chairman, AA Holdings
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO, Fidelity Bank PLC
Technology
John Obara, Founder and CEO, SystemSpecs
Sola Akinlade, Co-Founder and CEO of Paystack + Ezra Olubi, Co-Founder and CTO, Paystack
Tope Awotona, Founder and CEO, Calendly
Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne
Mitchell Elegbe, Founder, Interswitch
Olugbenga Agboola, Founder, Flutterwave
Arts & Media, Entertainment
Pearlena Igbokwe Chairman of Universal Studio Group
Nduka Obaigbena, Founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel
John Momoh, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Channels TV
Yinka Sonibare, Artist
Funke Akindele, Film-maker and Actress
Adesegun Adeosun Jnr and Obi Asika, Co-founders, Afro Nation
Don Jazzy, Founder and CEO Mavin Records
KSI, Social Media Influencer, Professional Boxer, Musician
Tiwa Savage, singer and actress
David Oyelowo, Hollywood Actor
Law
Gbenga Oyebode, Co-Founder, Of-Counsel of Aluko & Oyebode
Olisa Agbakoba, Founder Olisa Agbakoba and Associates, Human Rights Lawyer
Wole Olanipekun, Founder, Wole Olanipekun & Co
Oghogho Akpata Founder and Managing Partner, Templars Law
Hairat Balogun, Founder and Senior Partner, Libra Law
Public & Third Sector
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations
Sir Ken Olisa, Entrepreneur; Chair, BusinessLDN; Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London
Science, Medicine, Engineering
Anthony Adegbulugbe, Chairman and CEO of Green Energy International Limited; Climate and Energy Policy Expert
Olufunmilayo Olopade, haematology oncologist; director, University of Chicago Hospital’s Cancer Risk Clinic; Cancer risk assessment expert
Charles Rotimi, Scientific Director, the National Human Genome Research Institute; leading genetic epidemiologist; genomics researcher
Akin Abayomi, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Lagos State
Sport
Victor Osimhen, Professional Footballer
Anthony Joshua, Professional Boxer
Tobi Amusan, World record holder, 100m hurdles
Mike Emenalo, Director of Football, Saudi Pro League
Tunde Onakoya, Founder, Chess In Slums Africa
Nwankwo Kanu, Former Professional Footballer and Philanthropist
Hall of Fame
Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate and Literary Icon
The Global List Award winners:
Community Empowerment Award
Presented to: TUNDE ONAKOYA
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to community development through the teaching of chess.
Sponsored by ProvidusBank.
Excellence in Public Service Award
Presented to: EVA OMAGHOMI, LVO PhD (h.c)
In recognition of her exceptional dedication and impactful contributions to the community.
Excellence in Finance Award
Presented to: Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina
In recognition of his exceptional leadership, innovation, and outstanding contributions to the field of finance. His commitment to excellence sets a benchmark for all.
Philanthropist Award
Presented to: Tom Ilube CBE. CEO/Founder Crossword Cyber Security, Chair, England Rugby, Chairman, African Gifted Foundation, Non Executive Director, WPP
In recognition of his philanthropic works as founder of the African Science Academy, which is the first all-girls science and maths school in Africa.
Media and Entertainment Award
Presented to: Mo Abudu
Recognising her transformative work in reshaping Africa’s narrative through exceptional film and TV production.
Industry’s Brightest and Best gather in London for Inaugural event
Saturday, July 13th, 2024, 2:00pm, Queen Mary’s University, London
Twitter: @tn_naija LinkedIn: @TN Naija
For Immediate Release:
London, UK – Rising stars of the Nigerian tech industry are gathering for one special day, for the first ever TN Naija conference, an incredible event celebrating the brightest and best Nigerian talent in the UK.
Organised by TN Naija, an organisation of Nigerian tech professionals fostering collaboration, the tech festival will see tech professionals, startup founders, industry experts, and investors all come together under the title of “Connect & Ignite: Building Prosperity Through Collaboration & Community”.
Taking place at London’s Queen Mary University on Saturday July 13th 2024, the inaugural event will showcase the incredible achievements and contributions of Nigerian talent in the UK tech landscape.
Comprising over 500 Nigerian tech professionals awarded the UK’s Global Talent Visa in Digital Technology, the TN Naija community spans fintech, edtech, insurtech, and cleantech sectors. Dedicated to making significant contributions, and fostering a reliable network, the community also aims to positively influence Nigeria’s digital and socio-economic landscape. More details are available at TNNaija.com.
Event organisers said: “The event will provide a unique opportunity for networking, and attendees will be able to interact with industry-leading speakers and connect with like-minded collaborators. It really is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the brightest and best tech talent outside of the continent.”
While primarily for community members, Connect and Ignite has limited slots open for other tech professionals from the African diaspora., including startup founders, industry operators, venture capitalists, mid-level managers, and executives.
The event features an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
– Diji Adu, CTO, ShieldPay
– Peace Itimi, Founder, Founders Connect
– Dami Hastrup, CEO & Co-Founder, Moonhub
– June Angelides MBE, GP, Levare Ventures
– Nina Mohanty, Co-Founder CEO, Bloom Money
– Yemi Edun, Founder & Managing Director, Daniel Ford International
– Francisca Otu, Director, TN Naija
– Bade Adesemowo, Partner, Bincom Global
– Olanrewaju Idowu “Oladiamomds”, People Amp Tech, UK
– Francis Osifo, Founder, Rayda
– Jeffrey Williams-Edem, Business Development Specialist, Leyton Group
– Eva Simpson, Founder and Director, public relations firm ESPR
This stellar lineup will drive vibrant discussions, offering invaluable insights and experiences.
The event is proudly powered by Moniepoint with support from Lemfi.
Ends
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
For more information and enquiries, please contact:
What: Connect & Ignite: Building Prosperity Through Collaboration & Community When: Saturday, 13 July 2024, 2:00 PM Where: Queen Mary University of London, 327 Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London E1 4NS
About the Organisers – TN Naija
This event is organised by a dedicated group of Nigerian tech professionals who hold the UK’s Global Talent Visa in Digital Technology. The community thrives on creativity, collaboration, and excellence, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tech. Their goal is to foster a supportive network that drives innovation and creates opportunities for all its members. The 2024 event has been put together by Dele Bakare, Francisca Chiedu, Damilare Ogunleye, Yanju Lawal (Speakers), Ibukun Salau (Operations) Damilola Aderinto (Sponsorship) and Wale Ogunjobi (Media & Marketing).
The Belong to the Legend series celebrates the journeys of 12 remarkable trailblazers hailing from diverse backgrounds, spanning business, the arts, and beyond. These individuals share a common vision of curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive, enduring impact on the world.
Eric, a renowned investor, founder, and serial entrepreneur, leads Impact X Capital, a double-bottom line VC firm focused on investing in underrepresented innovators in Europe, particularly women and founders of colour, in key sectors: digital and technology, health, education and well-being, and media and entertainment.
He was invited to lend his voice to this esteemed collection of thought leaders. In his featured episode, filmed in the vibrant cities of London and Rome, Eric shares his unique perspective on effecting change and challenging the status quo to drive social progress.
In this captivating documentary, viewers will have the opportunity to delve into Eric’s remarkable journey – from his upbringing amidst the American civil rights movement to his advisory role with former President Barack Obama. Eric also shares insights into why he views investing as a potent catalyst for driving meaningful change in society.
Witness Eric’s inspiring story unfold in the fourth episode of the Belong to the Legend series. Prepare to be captivated by his compelling narrative and profound insights into the power of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of positive change.
Stay tuned as we celebrate Eric Collins’ unwavering commitment to reshaping the world for the better, one bold step at a time.
Agency shortlisted for NHS Black Heritage Blood Donation campaign
ESPR was shortlisted alongside many of the UK’s leading PR agencies in the PRWeek Corporate Affairs Awards’ Best Public Health Awareness Campaign category for its NHS Black Heritage Blood Donation campaign.
The agency was announced as a finalist for this prestigious industry award as a recognition of the work undertaken during the campaign, media coverage gained, and results achieved.
The campaign in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant, aimed to encourage more Black heritage blood donors to come forward, raise awareness of sickle cell and ethnically matched blood, and encourage repeat donations from younger target audiences of Black heritage.
The strategy involved using influential Black role models from The Powerlist to resonate with the target community and inspire them to get involved for a good cause. Dame Sharon White and Lord Simon Woolley came forward to donate blood at the newly opened Stratford Donation Centre in Stratford, London. The Powerlist is the annual list of the most influential Black people in Britain.
Other Powerlistees, as they are known as, supported the campaign by posting our content on their company’s intranet and social media channels and resharing the content on their platforms.
Media coverage generated almost £1.4m of advertising equivalent coverage with coverage secured in many mainstream media outlets such as BBC News, The Guardian, and The Times, as well as those targeted at black communities.
Impact on registrations resulted in a 33% increase in new Black heritage donor registrations week ending April 23rd. On April 20 – the day of the launch – there was a 318% increase compared to the daily average. The results set a new benchmark for NHS Blood & Transplant, as the highest number of registrations ever achieved by a black blood donation campaign.
The PRWeek Corporate Affairs Awards celebrates the best campaigns, projects, agencies, in-house teams, and individuals across sectors covering corporate, city, pharma, public affairs, and beyond.
Gareth Mostyn and The Right Reverend Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon, Chair of the Oversight Group
Church of England’s investment arm accepts the report in full
London, March 4, 2024: Following its appointment last year by the Church Commissioners for England, an independent Oversight Group is today releasing its report and recommendations into how the body should implement a new impact investment fund. The Fund and grant-funding programme are being set up as part of the Church Commissioners’ journey to heal and repair the damage caused by the legacy of African chattel enslavement.
The recommendations include:
Recognition that £100m initially earmarked by the Church Commissioners is not enough, relative to the scale of the Church Commissioners’ endowment or of the moral sin and crime of African chattel enslavement, and that the organisation, in partnership with others, should target an initiative of £1bn and above
That the timeline for the delivery of the fund should be accelerated and delivered faster than the nine years originally envisaged
A call for the Church of England to fully acknowledge and apologise for the harms caused by its historic denial that Black Africans are created in the image of God, for its deliberate actions to destroy diverse African religious belief systems and to facilitate work that builds the spiritual connection of Africa and the African diaspora with the Gospel and the diverse spiritual practices of African forebears
The Oversight Group is recommending that the new impact investment fund be called the Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice. Following consultation with members of the global African diaspora, the recommendations call on the Church Commissioners to use this Fund to invest in Black-led businesses focusing on education, economic empowerment, health outcomes and improving access to land and food as well as provide grants to address these and other issues brought up for communities impacted by the legacies of African chattel enslavement.
The report says: “Crimes against humanity rooted in African chattel enslavement have caused damage so vast it will require patient effort spanning generations to address. But we can start today, in small and large ways.”
The report and recommendations were drafted by a Black-led Oversight Group, which had a majority of members from the impacted communities, using consultation and research conducted with the global African diaspora, to ensure the voices of those affected by African chattel enslavement were central to the process and the final recommendations.
The Right Reverend Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon, Chair of the Oversight Group said: “No amount of money can fully atone for or fully redress the centuries long impact of African chattel enslavement, the effects of which are still felt around the world today. But implementing the recommendations will show the commitment of the Church Commissioners to supporting the process of healing, repair and justice for all of those across society impacted by the legacy of African chattel enslavement.”
The Oversight Group has also recommended that the programme should be ultimately owned and run by Black communities. The aspiration is for the impact investment and spending programme to start operating later in 2024.
Bishop Rosemarie continued: “This work and the Fund matter because the legacy of African enslavement continues to have a significant impact on communities today and inequalities persist till this day. The impact is measurable and apparent in everything from pregnancy and childbirth outcomes to life chances at birth, physical and mental health, education, employment, income, property, and the criminal justice system. We hope this initiative is just the start and is a catalyst to encourage other institutions to investigate their past and make a better future for impacted communities.”
Another recommendation calls on the Church Commissioners and Church of England to conduct further research into how else they were enriched by their involvement in African chattel enslavement.
The Church Commissioners, which manages the Church of England’s investment arm, has welcomed and accepted the report in full while acknowledging that no amount of money can make up for the past, it had to be done. The Fund is an essential act for the Church of England, on theological and humanitarian grounds. The setting up of the Fund is the most significant act of acknowledgement and repair yet made by any UK institution that was in receipt of funds earned through the enslavement of African people and their descendants.
“In seeking justice for all, we must continue to work together remembering that all are created in the image of God,” said The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. “The Oversight Group’s independent work with the Church Commissioners is the beginning of a multi-generational response to the appalling evil of Transatlantic chattel enslavement. My prayer is that this work will stimulate further visionary and practical co-created action.”
In January 2023, in response to research revealing historical links to African chattel enslavement, the Church Commissioners announced a funding commitment of £100 million, to be delivered over the next nine years, through a programme of impact investment, research and engagement. The Church Commissioners then recruited an Oversight Group, who were to help design the impact investment fund and the grant funding programme.
The Oversight Group, which is chaired by The Right Reverend Dr Bishop Rosemarie Mallett, is made up of experts across a mix of technical backgrounds, including law and history to development and finance. They have made recommendations on the aims and criteria for the fund and grant programme, suggested areas for further research, commissioned work to inform the group’s proposals, and advised on engagement plans.
The Oversight Group members are:
Chair: Bishop Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon
Vice-Chair: Geetha Tharmaratnam, Chief Impact Investment Officer of the WHO Foundation
Derek Bardowell, CEO, Ten Years’ Time
Rev. Canon Dr Michael A Clarke, Principal, Codrington College, Barbados
Tara Sabre Collier, Director of Impacting Investing and Sustainable Finance at
Chemonics UK
Professor Richard Drayton, Professor of Imperial and Global History, King’s College, London
Dr Christienna Fryar, Historian and Writer
Jonathan Guthrie, Journalist and Financial Commentator
The Rev Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Senior Lecturer in Theology, Lancaster University and Bishop Designate of Edmonton, Diocese of London
Alex Renton, Journalist and Author
Priscellia Robinson, Barrister and Academic
Esther Xosei, Legal Specialist and Activist
Roy Swan, Director, Mission Investments, Ford Foundation
Patrick Vernon, Campaigner and Equity System Leader
About The Church Commissioners for England:
The Church Commissioners administers the property and historic endowment of the Church of England, and provides financial support, services, and expert advice to the Church of England. The Church Commissioners manage the Church of England’s £10.3bn long-term endowment fund to support the Church in perpetuity, with a strong focus on responsible investment.
Bank of America joined by Visa Foundation, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation and Atomico
LONDON, England [March, 2024] – Impact X Capital Partners, a pioneering double bottom line venture capital firm which invests in underrepresented entrepreneurs, has announced that Bank of America is making a key equity investment in its IX Global I fund.
The fund will address access to capital inefficiency by investing in founders and start-ups across the UK and Europe, which are led by women and entrepreneurs of colour. It will target businesses in Impact X’s growth sectors that include digital and technology, media and entertainment, health, education and well-being.
In a move that underscores a growing awareness of the significant ROI potential of investing in historically underrepresented groups, Bank of America is joined by the Visa Foundation, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation and Atomico in investing in the fund.
Bernard Mensah, President of International, Bank of America said: “Bank of America’s investment in Impact X’s IX Global I fund underscores our ongoing commitment to advance economic opportunity for diverse people and communities. We look forward to working with Impact X to create long term value for shareholders and more equitable and sustainable future for all.”
Eric Collins, CEO and Impact X Founding Partner said: “At Impact X, our purpose has always been to create ROI and future resistant jobs by supporting and empowering innovators who have historically been underrepresented in the portfolios of other venture capital companies. Our mission is to shine a light on the market inefficiency that exists when it comes to that particular demographic in the UK and Europe and this collaboration will lean into that inefficiency.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Bank of America, the Visa Foundation, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation as well as Atomico. This historic capital allocation not only validates our track record but also equips us with the resources to make a lasting impact on diverse-led businesses.
“Amplifying the intention to provide catalytic capital to innovators in Europe and the UK, the first investment from Impact X Global I is in iKnowa, a UK proptech company.”
Paula Groves, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer added “Until underrepresented entrepreneurs reach economic parity in terms of the access to and allocation of capital, this work will continue to be very important. The persistent statistics over the last 25 years have been that less than 4% of venture capital goes to women and less than 1% goes to Black entrepreneurs. With our other partners, Impact X plans to make a powerful increase in these stats.”
This is the second fund from Impact X. Its pilot fund Impact X Launch, included outstanding founders and companies such as Marshmallow, named as Europe’s second fastest growing company, device subscription start-up Raylo and epic superhero fantasy series IYANU from YouNeek Studios.
Note to Editors:
Impact X Capital
Impact X Capital Partners is a double bottom-line venture capital firm headquartered in London, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on investing in underrepresented innovators in Europe, particularly women and founders of colour, in key sectors: digital and technology, health, education and well-being, and media and entertainment.
The company’s founding members include Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox and the first Black woman to head a Fortune 500 company; Sir Lenny Henry; and Ric Lewis, chairman of Tristan Capital Partners, a London-based real estate investment firm, who are all dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).
At Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, our mission is to build the foundations of a healthier society. For over 500 years, we’ve been a constant in London’s ever-changing landscape, at the leading edge of health. Our commitment and work is backed by our endowment, which allows us to take a long-term view while addressing the real and urgent health issues of today. Our focus is on backing people and ideas to drive more equitable health.
We invest, partner, engage and influence to come at big health challenges from all angles. Through our family of forward-looking organisations, we collaborate with our communities, partners and hospitals, and use our assets to transform lives. Across everything we do, we look to increase our impact by sharing and connecting with others working on better health – from our part of the city to cities around the world. Because a healthier society is our collective endeavour.
Visa Foundation
Visa Foundation seeks to support inclusive economies where individuals, businesses and communities can thrive. Through grant-making and investing, Visa Foundation prioritises the growth of gender diverse and inclusive small and micro businesses.
The Foundation also supports broader community needs and disaster response in times of crisis. Visa Foundation is registered in the USA as a 501(c)3 entity.
Atomico
Atomico is a venture capital investment firm based in London, United Kingdom, that invests in innovative technology companies around the world. with a particular focus on Europe.
Founded in 2006, Atomico has partnered with over 100 ambitious teams – including those at Klarna, Supercell, Graphcore, Compass, MessageBird, Masterclass, Attentive Mobile, Pipedrive and Hinge Health.
Atomico’s team of founders, investors and operational leaders have been responsible for global expansion, hiring and marketing at companies from Skype and Google to Twitter and Uber.
The firm currently has $4.7B in assets under management.
