Giant Leap Fund

Giant Leap Fund, based in Melbourne, Australia, is Australia's pioneering venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to impact investing. Established in 2016 as an integral part of the Impact Investment Group, the fund backs rapidly scalable businesses that seamlessly blend financial returns with measurable social and environmental benefits. Giant Leap's investment philosophy is rooted in the belief that addressing humanity's most pressing problems presents the greatest opportunities for innovation and growth, actively supporting founders who are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. Their commitment lies in identifying and nurturing companies that drive positive change across critical areas such as climate, health, and empowering people.

What truly sets Giant Leap apart is its unwavering focus on a dual mandate: achieving both significant financial returns for investors and profound, quantifiable positive impact. They employ a rigorous impact assessment process to ensure that portfolio companies are genuinely delivering measurable outcomes, such as reductions in carbon emissions or improvements in healthcare access. The firm embraces a "missionaries not mercenaries" approach, seeking out founders deeply committed to their purpose, fostering long-term relationships and offering guidance even before formal investment. This dedication to purpose-driven entrepreneurship defines their investment strategy.

Since its inception, Giant Leap has made substantial strides in the Australian impact investment landscape. Launched with an initial fund in 2016, it successfully closed its second fund at $45 million in May 2023, bringing its total funds under management to over $65 million by April 2023 across two Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESVCLPs). The fund has invested in 30 companies to date, with a notable commitment to diversity, ensuring over 55% of its portfolio comprises women-led businesses. Key achievements include portfolio companies collectively avoiding over 205,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and generating $200 million in healthcare system savings.

The leadership team at Giant Leap comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in venture capital, private equity, and impact investing. Managing Partner Will Richardson, alongside Partners Rachel Yang and Adam Milgrom, spearhead the fund's strategic direction and investment decisions. Rachel Yang was notably recognised as Climate Tech Investor of the Year in 2023, highlighting the team's expertise and influence in the sector. This experienced team is united by a shared mission to invest for lasting change, providing mission-aligned capital, robust impact measurement support, and valuable networks to their portfolio companies.

Giant Leap continues to be a catalyst for the growth of the impact sector in Australia, publishing benchmark reports and fostering an ecosystem where purpose and profit can thrive together. Their portfolio spans innovative solutions in clean technology, sustainable agriculture, digital health, and inclusive education platforms, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to solving global challenges. By empowering visionary founders, Giant Leap is actively building a future where business success is synonymous with positive societal and environmental transformation.