select Work 4 impact

Repositioning strategy for the Impact-Linked Finance Fund (ILFF)

In my communication mandates for impact clients, I typically work holistically, i.e. by developing an overarching communications strategy that is then fleshed out into social media campaign waves, website(s) (revamps), articles, blog series, interviews, videos, webinars and other content forms.

One recent example is a repositioning strategy and campaign for the Impact-Linked Finance Fund (ILFF) that I implemented together with Daniela Bolivar Rosalez, an experienced communications expert with a strong focus on visual storytelling. We also developed the ILFF's brand, style and website from the outset. Check out our campaign from September 2025 to February 2026 on  the ILFF's LinkedIn account.

Rebranding strategy for the European Catalytic Impact Investing Fund II (ECIIF II)

A wonderful challenge: Uniting two very different brand identities when two impact pioneers joined forces in February 2026 to collaborate as investment advisors for the ECIIF II. The result: A unique visual language that both clients were quickly excited about. Based on a mixed media approach and a harmonious merge of brand colors, the mandate involved a new style guide, visual website revamp, social media campaigns and pitch deck upgrades, while keeping the prominent ECIIF logo firmly in place. Check out the results!

Wie wird Europa fit für die Impact Zukunft - auch jenseits von VC?

Beyond VC: How can Europe get fit for an impactful future?

One of my latest articles written for the European Catalytic Impact Investing Fund II (ECIIF), whose communications I'm managing since 2025. The ECIIF pursues a larger universe of investments that also includes more unusual models such as cooperatives or steward-owned companies. Interested? Read the article in German or the English version here.

Impact-linked compensation: How to move from kids’ shoes to a grown-up model

One of the latest articles written for my client FASE in the context of their annual Impact Fire Talks. Published on Pioneers Post in October 2024, it highlights a discussion with fund managers on the "impact carry" model and its pros and cons. Experts cited are Diederik Wokke (Wire Group), Alex Bakir (Norrsken Accelerate), Lara Viada (Creas) and Kelley Luyken (Aurum Impact). Read this article here. 

Deep impact - or just managing risk: pathways from ESG to investing for systems change

I wrote this piece for my client FASE in the context of their annual Impact Fire Talks. It was published on Pioneers Post in July 2023 and explains why ESG investing helps manage risk and conveys an idea of impact, but won't change the wider system. Based on a session with experts Charly Kleissner and Laurence Laplane-Rigal from Amundi, we discuss market-rate myths, France's ‘90/10 funds’ and embracing impact NFTs. Find this piece here. 

Impact Investing in 2023: Doom and gloom or silver linings?

Another insightful discussion with impact experts, which I covered for my client FASE on Pioneers Post. COVID, war, economic downturn: impact investors are feeling the pinch. But will they retreat and focus on keeping existing portfolio companies alive and kicking, or can we feel optimistic about further growth? Impact investors from around Europe shared their views and you can recap their sentiments here.

Beyond warm glow: why early-stage ventures need more impact-first finance

In this piece that I co-wrote with FASE's Dr. Markus Freiburg, published on Pioneers Post in June 2021, we make a case for more impact-first and catalytic capital to support high-impact enterprises in the famous "missing middle". Check out innovative ways to mobilize the financial fuel that these enterprises urgently need to thrive in this article from June 2021.  An equivalent German article was published in a FAZ Special on the purpose economy in December 2021.

Skalierung für Sozialunternehmer: Bereitet Euch auf Start (und Landung) vor

Dieser Beitrag entstand im Rahmen eines Kick-Off Events des Skalierungsprogramms "Scalerator" der Initiative Social(i)Makers (gefördert von Interreg). Was sind eigentlich die Fallstricke und Höhenflüge beim Skalieren und welche Tipps haben erfahrene Experten und Mentoren für aufsteigende Sozialunternehmer parat? Die Antworten sind  hier spannend nachzulesen (an English version called "Scaling a social enterprise: how to get ready for take-off (and landing)" was published by NextBillion).

Impact-Linked Finance Essentials

Another focus of my Work 4 Impact is to develop engaging learning content in impact finance for various stakeholders. For my client Roots of Impact, we created the first ever online course on an innovative finance approach called Impact-Linked Finance. The mandate included developing the narrative, ensuring clarity and consistency of important terms and definitions, creating the videos with the help of AI and designing custom infographics. This was again a collaboration with Daniela Bolivar Rosalez. Dive into the free course on Roots of Impact's YouTube channel.  

Desiging Capital for Impact: Innovations, Incentives & Blended Finance (IIBF)

Since 2018, I've been managing 9 iterations of this successful 3-day executive education program for catalytic capital providers for my client Roots of Impact, in collaboration with the CSP and Convergence. This role includes curriculum co-design, cohort composition, application process and speaker management, marketing & communications outreach, and managing the training program as such. More about this unique education program on the IBF website.

Can Europe’s foundations step up?

When fundraising for the European Catalytic Impact Investing Fund (ECIIF), FASE CEO and ECIIF founding partner Dr. Markus Freiburg saw that some European foundations  seem to rethink their role in the wake of the “big crunch” and might choose another, more progressive route: The more forward-thinking players are pondering structural changes like managing their endowments for impact or even giving up on the idea that foundations should exist in perpetuity. I wrote this opinion piece for the ECIIF published by Impact Alpha under "Impact Voices".

Wir wollen mehr Beete als Kickertische in den Büros

Kontakt zur Natur und Wertschätzung für Nahrungsmittel: diese Themen sind nicht nur für Kinder lebenswichtig. Christoph Schmitz, Gründer von Ackerdemia und AckerCompany,  berichtet in diesem erfrischend authentischen Interview über das Säen von Teamgeist, kritischen Gegenwind, hybride Finanzierungen und den Mehrwert einer professionellen Transaktionsunterstützung. Here's the English version.

IESO Digital Health: digital therapy can provide the same level of impact as a human therapist can

For many years now, I had the pleasure of leading inspiring discussions with passionate impact entrepreneurs and investors from Ananda Impact Ventures' network for their investor reporting. Authentic encounters with mission-driven personalities and their big visions and challenges are always enlightening. Just one example: Andy Blackwell and Valentin Tablan from IESO Digital Health shared their highlights and struggles with creating a digital (AI-based) therapy solution with me. If you would like to get the juice of the story, continue reading here!

Wir wollen Chancengeber für Integration sein

Die Integration von Geflüchteten ist aus den großen Schlagzeilen verschwunden, doch nach wie vor brandaktuell. Wie kann man die Hürden zwischen Arbeitgebern und Flüchtlingen wirksam überwinden? Zarah Bruhn, Mitgründerin von Social Bee, plaudert sehr inspirierend mit mir in diesem Interview für meinen Kunden FASE über geteilte Visionen, Denkblockaden, Impact Investoren und ein innovatives soziales Zeitarbeitsmodell.

Impact Investing - Wie viel Wirkung braucht eine Benchmark?

Die Impact Investing Benchmark von GIIN und Cambridge Associates - von manchen gefeiert, von anderen kritisch hinterfragt. Ist sie der Heilsbringer oder nur ein vermeintlicher Wohltäter mit eher unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen? Für das Portal von DIE STIFTUNG habe ich mir damals eine differenzierte Meinung gebildet.