Research Center Events

Center for Sustainable Business Hosts Panel Discussion on Impact Investing in the Creative Economy

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From left to right: Sophie Rifkin, Sam Marks, Laura Callanan, Ward Wolff, Anna-Marie Wascher and Brian Murray
From left to right: Sophie Rifkin, Sam Marks, Laura Callanan, Ward Wolff, Anna-Marie Wascher and Brian Murray

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, NYU Stern’s Center for Sustainable Business hosted a panel discussion entitled, “Impact Investing in the Creative Economy.” Moderated by Stern alumnus Ward Wolff (MBA '17), senior associate, Upstart Co-Lab, the panel featured several industry experts, including:
  • Laura Callanan, founding partner, Upstart Co-Lab
  • Sam Marks, executive director, New York City Office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation
  • Brian Murray, co-founder, Shift Capital
  • Anna-Marie Wascher, founder and CEO, Flat World Partners

The panelists explored the intersection of impact investing and the creative economy, with a focus on how a thriving creative economy can offer an on-ramp to economic opportunity and quality jobs in low-income communities in New York City and Philadelphia.  They underscored the value and opportunities that the creative economy presents:
  • $12 trillion of assets under management in the US – 25% of all investable assets – are aligned to be socially responsible and to drive impact.  
  • 85% of millennial investors are focused on doing well financially while doing good in the world.  
  • Increasingly millennial investors – like other impact investors – seek to advance diversity, equity and inclusion through their investments.The creative economy is driving jobs and economic growth across the US.
  • Media, entertainment, fashion & apparel, design, food and more already contribute $763 billion to the nation’s economy representing 4.2% of US GDP.

Following the discussion, the panelists took questions from the audience.

For more information, please visit the Center's website.

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