Liesel Pritzker Simmons and Ian Simmons Discuss Impact Investing, Competitive Returns, and Environmental Change

In this episode of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Liesel Pritzker Simmons & Ian Simmons, founders of Blue Haven Initiative, on using innovative impact investing to enhance competitive returns and positive social and environmental change.

In this episode of Investing in Impact, I chat with Liesel Pritzker Simmons and Ian Simmons, the dynamic duo behind Blue Haven Initiative—one of the first family offices designed from the ground up for impact investing.

We explore how they’ve leveraged innovative strategies to achieve competitive financial returns and drive meaningful environmental and social change.

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Investing in Impact is an impact investing podcast that interviews impact investors, General Partners, and impact VC’s from around the world. Each week conversations will bring on industry insiders to discuss the latest news, topics, and trends in impact investing.

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This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

👥 Meet the Founders

Liesel Pritzker Simmons

Role: Co-Founder & Principal, Blue Haven Initiative
Expertise: Investment Strategy, ESG Integration, Philanthropy

Liesel leads investment strategy at Blue Haven, overseeing a diverse portfolio designed to generate both strong financial returns and measurable impact. The portfolio includes:

Public and private equities
Direct investments
Fixed income
Philanthropic initiatives

She is also the Co-Founder of the IDP Foundation, where she launched the IDP Rising Schools Program—an initiative supporting 450+ low-cost private schools across underserved global regions using microfinance networks.

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Ian Simmons

Role: Co-Founder & Principal, Blue Haven Initiative
Focus: Democracy, Civic Leadership, Multi-Asset Impact Investing

Ian shares leadership of Blue Haven and is passionate about aligning investment with civic and democratic progress. His multi-asset approach includes:

Direct investments
Public/private equity
Alternatives and fixed income
Philanthropic capital

Ian also serves as:

President, Foundation for Civic Leadership
Chair, Youth Engagement Fund
Board Member, U.S. Impact Investing Alliance, Social Finance, Issue One, Organizing for Action, and Karibu Homes (Kenya)

🌍 What is Blue Haven Initiative?

Blue Haven Initiative is a trailblazing family office fully dedicated to impact investing—seeking both market-rate financial returns and maximum social and environmental benefit.

Core Principles:

Apply ESG criteria across the portfolio
Align for-profit and philanthropic capital under one strategy
Pursue returns appropriate to each asset class or venture
Source and manage direct investments in-house

Areas of Impact:

Frontier markets and the United States
Early-stage businesses that:
- Raise living standards
- Deliver sustainable products and services
- Create equitable economic opportunities
Partnerships with other investors to accelerate scale and influence

💡 Final Thoughts

Liesel and Ian’s story is a powerful case study in what’s possible when legacy capital is intentionally redirected toward a better future. From education to entrepreneurship, from civic leadership to clean innovation—Blue Haven Initiative exemplifies the future of investing with purpose.