When I joined IIX three years ago as part of the Impact Partners team, I stepped into an organization already reshaping how capital flows between investors and enterprises working at the frontier of change. With impact investing now valued at over $1.3 trillion, the space was evolving fast—and IIX was playing a key role in that transformation. My role, like many at IIX, was to build on that momentum and push the boundaries of what inclusive finance could look like.
At first, it seemed like a time of momentum and growth. But I quickly saw that progress in this space is rarely linear. For every success, there are setbacks, doubts, and delays. Connecting investors with enterprises that are changing lives is powerful—but far from easy. It demands trust, patience, and above all—resilience.
Before 2017, gender-lens investing was often dismissed as unviable. With global impact investing still under $120 billion, and few proven models, such as IIX’s Women’s Livelihood Bond™ faced resistance. Many investors saw social impact bonds as risky and untested. Without resilience, efforts like this wouldn’t have survived the early pushback.
That skepticism hasn’t disappeared. Even today, we still hear questions: Can underserved women deliver measurable returns? With added challenges like regulatory shifts and global ESG backlash, the path forward often feels uphill.
Turning Skepticism into Strategy
My experience at Impact Partners has taught me that resilience is not just a mindset—it’s a strategy. It is what keeps us moving through the uncertainty. We understood the concerns investors had, and rather than avoid them, we leaned in. What some saw as a weakness—being deeply embedded in local markets—we turned into our biggest strength. Having people on the ground means we’re closer to the realities enterprises face. It also helps us identify the ones that are truly investment-ready.
Because of this, we can match investors with enterprises aligned to both their impact goals and local contexts. Our ground-level insights have also made us a trusted source of regional knowledge—investors now turn to us not just for opportunities, but for macro perspective. That credibility has helped expand our network and scale our reach.
It’s easy to feel disheartened by setbacks, but resilience means playing the long game. When working with companies on capital raises, there are always ups and downs—positive developments and difficult news alike. These moments should be treated as learnings, not roadblocks. Similarly, the markets we operate in often face macro-level disruptions. Staying resilient through those short-term shocks is key to achieving long-term impact. It’s critical to be long-sighted, not short-sighted.
Zooming in, I’ve met entrepreneurs navigating difficult conditions with remarkable grit. Limited infrastructure, funding constraints, and social barriers haven’t stopped them from building solutions for their communities. Their ability to persist despite repeated “no’s” is a constant reminder that resilience is alive on the ground.
Where Resilience Has Brought Us—And What’s Next
What was once met with skepticism is now shaping global financial markets. To date, Impact Partners has proudly mobilized over US$225 million, impacted 45 million lives, collaborated with over 1,300 investors and 900 enterprises, and closed more than 120 deals. With our upcoming Investor Showcase featuring enterprises from Mauritius and Seychelles, we’re continuing to open new doors—strategically, inclusively, and with stronger resolve.
Yet the work is far from over. Markets shift. Barriers evolve. Doubt resurfaces. The future of sustainable finance depends on resilience. It’s what ensures that impact investing not only survives—but continues to thrive.
If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that real progress often starts with a “no.” What matters most is what we do next. And I’m optimistic about where this industry—and this movement—is headed.
Jonathan Abeywickrema
Director, Impact Partners