Social Capital Markets

Social Capital Markets (SOCAP) operates as a pivotal thought leadership platform and conference series at the center of the impact investing ecosystem. Founded in 2008 by Kevin Jones and Rosa Lee Harden, among other early organizers, the entity was established to bridge the gap between financial markets and social good. The founders recognized a need for a common marketplace where investors, social entrepreneurs, foundations, and other changemakers could convene to drive capital towards solving significant social and environmental challenges. In June 2022, the Sorenson Impact Institute took over leadership of SOCAP, aligning the organizations under a shared mission to leverage market-based solutions for global issues.

The core of SOCAP's business is its annual flagship conference held in San Francisco, which has grown to become the largest and most diverse gathering for the impact investing community, convening over 100,000 people since its inception. This event serves as a critical nexus for a wide array of participants, including global innovators, investors, government and non-profit representatives, and social entrepreneurs from dozens of countries. Revenue is generated primarily through ticket sales for this conference and other year-round events, known as SOCAP 365, which continue the dialogue on money and meaning. The business model is centered on creating a marketplace for ideas and capital, facilitating connections that might not otherwise occur.

SOCAP's primary offering is the content and networking opportunities provided through its events. The annual conference is structured around specific themes and content tracks such as Climate and Capital, Gender Lens Investing, and Social Entrepreneurship, with programming co-created by councils of external experts to ensure relevance and diversity of thought. Beyond the main event, SOCAP offers a fellowship program for social entrepreneurs, providing them with scholarships and direct connections to funders. This multi-platform approach is dedicated to accelerating the flow of capital toward positive impact, positioning SOCAP as a key convener and facilitator in the global movement toward a more just and sustainable economy.

Keywords: impact investing, social entrepreneurship, sustainable economy, social capital, catalytic capital, money and meaning, blended value, ESG, social impact, market-based solutions, SOCAP conference, impact ecosystem, changemakers, sustainable finance, purpose-driven business, social enterprise funding, Sorenson Impact Institute, global innovators, community economic development, gender lens investing, climate capital, values-based investing