Impact investment has a scale problem. Capital is moving, but not fast enough and not always to the right places. Platforms that bring founders, fund managers and partners into the same room are increasingly seen as part of the solution.
That’s the idea behind ChangeNOW, the global impact summit which will be hosted at Paris’s Grand Palais from March 30 to April 1 this year. In its ninth edition, the event has developed into an international gathering dedicated to climate and social innovation, drawing more than 40k participants from over 140 countries, including around 1,200 investors.
But beyond these numbers, ChangeNOW remains increasingly relevant to the investment community from the deals sourced and funds raised to the introductions that evolve into long-term partnerships.
A structured marketplace for impact capital
Impact investing has matured over the past decade and so has the investor ecosystem at ChangeNOW. The summit now attracts a broad spectrum of capital providers all looking for the same thing: curated dealflow in one of the fastest-growing segments of the global economy, as well as meaningful connections with their peers to exchange insights, explore co-investment opportunities and strengthen the impact investing ecosystem.
A central pillar of this ecosystem is the Funds for Change program, which connects limited partners and fund managers active in the impact investment landscape.
This year:
- 105 funds have applied to participate
- These funds represent more than $10.9bn in fundraising ambitions
- 80% of participating funds are international
Countries represented include the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and the US.
The program is designed to bring together around 100 LPs and 100 GPs, creating a rare environment where institutional capital, emerging impact managers and experienced fund operators can source deals and explore new partnerships.
As the impact ecosystem expands globally, these interactions are crucial for investors looking to understand where capital is moving — and where the next generation of impact funds is emerging.
Turning conversations into dealflow
ChangeNOW has increasingly focused on building the infrastructure needed to turn conversations into real opportunities. At the centre of this approach is the Dealflow Lounge, a dedicated space designed to facilitate one-to-one meetings between investors and founders.
At last year’s event, 1,394 meetings were scheduled through the platform and 160 follow-up meetings were scheduled.
The summit also hosts thematic pitch sessions across sectors such as climatetech, the circular economy, food systems and AI for impact. In 2025, 35 investors served as jurors, reviewing pre-selected startups and providing live feedback.
For investors, the format offers a selection of early-stage companies looking for capital. For founders, it provides something often harder to secure: meaningful time with decision-makers.
The summit’s Open Office Hours also pairs entrepreneurs with investors for focused advisory sessions facilitating discussions around fundraising strategies, impact metrics, talent recruitment and potential investor introductions.
Where impact capital is heading
Among the funds applying to this year’s Funds for Change program:
- 71% focus on climate solutions
- 65% on circular economy models
- 61% on food and agriculture innovation
- 48% on inclusion and social impact
- 48% on technology and AI applications
- 47% on energy transition
These trends reflect a broader shift in how impact investors are constructing portfolios. Rather than focusing on a single transition pathway, many funds are now building exposure across sectors where measurable environmental or social outcomes can align with scalable commercial models.
A growing global investor network
Over the past few years, ChangeNOW has expanded beyond the annual summit itself. Its investor community now spans more than 8k members worldwide, creating a network where funds, institutions and entrepreneurs exchange insights throughout the year.
For many investors, the Paris gathering has become an annual calibration point to compare perspectives on emerging sectors, track the maturation of specific technologies and meet the next wave of impact founders.
As climate regulation tightens across Europe and blended finance options continue to scale, the role of platforms that connect capital with high-impact innovation is only growing.
For investors looking to access climate and impact dealflow in Europe, ChangeNOW 2026 is positioning itself as a key meeting point in the global impact investment calendar.
