Frequently Asked Questions
At a Glance: what is 2XIgnite?
The 2XCollaborative is a global industry body for gender lens investing. It brings together a broad range of investors deploying capital with a gender lens. It provides members with access to peer learning networks, knowledge, co-investment platforms, partnership and training opportunities and innovative investment tools. The 2XCollaborative is designed to serve investors making their first gender-focused investment equally as well as those at the leading edge of the field. Core partner of the 2XCollaborative is GenderSmart – together we act as a one-stop-shop for gender lens investing.
What is the opportunity?
COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on women has emphasized the importance of inclusive finance as we rebuild. Interest in gender lens investing is growing rapidly, in part due to rising interest from development finance institutions (DFIs), pension funds, family offices, and retail investors. A robust business case coupled with a strong impact case make GLI attractive to the full spectrum of capital providers. Globally 67% of asset owners identify gender diversity as an area of interest within their investment portfolios. As of the end of 2019, an estimated 138 private equity and venture capital funds were deploying capital with a gender lens, totaling $4.8 billion in AUM. The DFIs in the 2X Challenge alone have invested almost $7 billion with a gender lens from 2018 to 2020.
What do we offer?
The new 2XCollaborative is a global industry body for gender lens investing for the full spectrum of capital providers. Its mission is to convene and equip investors with the resources they need to increase the volume and impact of capital directed towards women’s economic empowerment. Members may join structured networks by peer group such as pension funds or fund managers, sector such as energy or agriculture, or themes such as climate & gender or the care economy. Members make an annual contribution (based on type of institution and size). The 2XCollaborative is run by a small, dedicated team devoted to its members and driving the offerings in response to members’ demand. The governance structure aims to uniquely combine investment practitioners with women’s organizations to merge investment acumen with gender expertise.
Where do we work?
Peer Learning: members access peer networks for mentorship, networking events, problem solving, and for a directory of experts willing to help their peers.
Trainings: members may access 2XCollaborative-led gender lens investing trainings designed by investors for investors.
Public Platform: the 2XCollaborative provides visibility and credibility to public commitments by its members to invest in women through the 2X Challenge.
Knowledge Center: members may access an investors tools database, research, harmonized indicators, analysis, and insights.
Co-Investment Opportunities: members have access to 2X Flagship Funds and a co-investment platform.
Innovation Lab: members have access to cutting edge initiatives, research, and tools, such as the 2X Pioneer Fund Acceleration Facility.
2X Certification: members may seek 2X Certification by the 2XCollaborative (planned).
Who is behind 2XIgnite?
Members share a common interest in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment through their core business. 2XC members also share a commitment to keep up the collaborative spirit of 2X and to share their experience with others in the network.
How can you work with 2XIgnite?
The 2XCollaborative is designed for a broad range of investors, financial institutions and corporates, including: DFIs, MDBs, Public Development Banks, Pension Funds, Asset Managers, Fund Managers, Financial Institutions, Corporates and industry shaping organizations. The governance structure aims to combine investment practitioners with women’s organizations to merge investment acumen with gender expertise. International and local women’s organizations can be nominated to join the 2XCollaborative’s Advisory Council.