Duke University
Raising Impact Investment Capital Specialization
Duke University

Raising Impact Investment Capital Specialization

Attract the Right Capital to Amplify Your Impact. From Investment Ask to Deal Close.

Cathy Clark

Instructor: Cathy Clark

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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Describe the impact investing marketplace and what investors look for.

  • Diagnose and improve your investment readiness and get to a clear, justifiable ask.

  • Build a financial model and evaluate what kind of capital is the best fit.

  • Manage investor relations, from outreach, diligence, and negotiation, to closing the deal.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

October 2025

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Specialization - 5 course series

Impact Investment Finance

Impact Investment Finance

Course 12 hours

What you'll learn

  • Define impact investing, different types of impact investors, and their key characteristics

  • Explain how capital, financial return, and impact flows between investors and enterprises

  • Describe the common errors entrepreneurs make when raising impact investing capital

Skills you'll gain

Category: Entrepreneurial Finance
Category: Entrepreneurship
Category: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)
Category: Fundraising
Category: Financial Market
Category: Capital Markets
Category: Financial Management
Category: Business Management
Category: International Finance
Category: Fiscal Management
Category: Finance
Category: Business Strategy
Category: Stakeholder Analysis
Category: Investments
Category: Due Diligence

What you'll learn

  • Diagnose a venture’s business growth readiness using a structured seven-element framework

  • Build a four-step impact management process aligned with investor expectations

  • Integrate business and impact insights to craft a compelling and credible investment ask

  • Communicate investment needs in a way that aligns with both financial and impact goals

Skills you'll gain

Category: Business Development
Category: Growth Strategies
Category: Entrepreneurial Finance
Category: Investment Management
Category: Performance Measurement
Category: Business Modeling
Category: Capital Budgeting
Category: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)
Category: Finance
Category: Business Management
Category: Due Diligence
Category: Investments
Category: Business Metrics
Category: Stakeholder Communications
Category: Capital Markets
Category: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Category: Financial Management
Category: Entrepreneurship
Category: Return On Investment
Category: Business Strategy

What you'll learn

  • Build a complete financial model using a structured Excel template

  • Calculate a venture’s funding gap and determine the capital needed to reach financial break-even

  • Model and compare different investment scenarios, such as equity or debt financing

  • Analyze and refine financial projections to withstand investor scrutiny and support fundraising efforts

Skills you'll gain

Category: Financial Modeling
Category: Entrepreneurial Finance
Category: Negotiation
Category: Return On Investment
Category: Cash Flow Forecasting
Category: Microsoft Excel
Category: Financial Statements
Category: Investment Management
Category: Capital Budgeting
Category: Investments
Category: Business Modeling
Category: Financial Forecasting
Category: Financial Analysis

What you'll learn

  • Identify and compare 12 types of impact capital, including their benefits, risks, and ideal use cases

  • Evaluate which capital types best align with a venture's mission, growth stage, and financial strategy

  • Describe how innovative capital structures are designed to meet the needs of impact enterprises

  • Make informed decisions about financing options that support long-term impact and sustainability

Skills you'll gain

Category: Entrepreneurial Finance
Category: Financial Planning
Category: Case Studies
Category: Stakeholder Engagement
Category: Business Strategy
Category: Return On Investment
Category: Strategic Partnership
Category: Fiscal Management
Category: Investments
Category: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)
Category: Asset Management
Category: Financial Management
Category: Portfolio Management
Category: Capital Markets
Category: Business Management
Category: Market Dynamics
Category: Entrepreneurship
Category: Finance
Category: International Finance
Category: Investment Management

What you'll learn

  • Develop a cohesive investment story across all investor-facing materials

  • Describe investor expectations and areas of leverage throughout the due diligence process

  • Define and evaluate key investment terms commonly used in impact deals

  • Negotiate investment terms that align with the venture’s financial and impact goals

Skills you'll gain

Category: Due Diligence
Category: Negotiation
Category: Financial Management
Category: Entrepreneurship
Category: International Finance
Category: Fundraising
Category: Entrepreneurial Finance
Category: Business Strategy
Category: Business Development
Category: Investments
Category: Strategic Partnership
Category: Investment Management
Category: Finance
Category: Storytelling
Category: Business Management
Category: Value Propositions
Category: Capital Markets
Category: Financial Market
Category: Presentations
Category: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)

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Instructor

Cathy Clark
Duke University
6 Courses41,889 learners

Offered by

Duke University

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