Sustainability & Impact

Impact Investing

We refer to our impact investing orientation as ‘profit with a purpose’. Impact investing is a term that captures the concept that investments can provide financial returns and positive social outcomes while also protecting the environment. A study by JP Morgan and Global Impact Investing Network found that over 90% of impact investors stated that their investments were meeting or surpassing their predictions – impact investing just works. Thus, we consider that an investment with a positive social, climate and environmental footprint is more likely to generate higher and especially secure returns. Involving the interests and risks for local communities enhances the acceptance of a company and thus prevents disturbances in the business operation, most likely avoiding losses.

Nowadays, companies guided by sustainability and diversity best practices are those attracting and retaining the most talented and skilled people. This being especially important for the Caribbean region as it faces challenges in finding and keeping highly skilled people.

"The team at Portland Private Equity understands the property and casualty insurance business and the nuances of business building in Jamaica. They have proven to be deeply knowledgable and well connected investors and I view them as valuable mentors and constructive contributors on the board of directors."

"When we first met Michael and his team they immediately understood our objectives and shared our vision of the opportunity in telecommunication infrastructure throughout the Americas. They have been intelligent, active and supportive business partners in all dimensions of our growth."

"It was an honor to be AIC Caribbean Fund's first investee company in the Dominican Republic. As investors, they understand the pragmatic realities of the infrastructure construction business through different business cycles and were very responsive to the needs of Moya. We look forward to partnering again with ACF in the near future."

Putting it to work

Our investment activity throughout the Caribbean region reinforces the concept that “long-term value creation and sustainability are inextricably linked”. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices are part of our firm’s daily workflow and are captured in our Environmental and Social Monitoring System, available here for our stakeholders and all interested parties. For more information on Portland’s ESG program, or our portfolio companies’ ESG programs, please contact us at your convenience.

As part of our general assessment, environmental and social impacts and risks are reviewed for each investment. This review also includes climate risks, and diversity and equity aspects. Our review process is based on international environmental and social standards, such as the Sustainability Standards of the International Finance Corporation, the Women’s Empowerment Principles, and the 2X criteria. If we detect gaps between those standards and the performance of an investment, we develop adequate corrective measures, which we detail in an Environmental and Social Action Plan. This action plan provides details on the gaps, the necessary actions, the responsible parties and a timeline for the implementation of each action. Of course, during the whole process we work closely with our investee companies as a respectful and supporting business partner.

Supporting Global Initiatives

To tackle global challenges and seize opportunities, we believe it is key to follow international environmental and social initiatives. Portland is a proud signatory of the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment and the Women’s Empowerment Principles, and a founding member of the 2XGlobal. We are also committed to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and use the goals and indicators as guidance in defining our sustainability objectives.