Ashoka Manchala

Impact investments should not only bring financial returns but also create positive social and/or environmental impact. In the sustainable finance sector, a range of different methodologies to measure, assess and quantify social and environmental impact are used. For impact investments, choosing the right method to measure impact is central. As of 2024, Switzerland is the third largest country in the world in terms of assets managed through impact investment, at CHF 180 billion. This sector has seen significant growth worldwide over the last decade.

So far, social impact metrics based on econometric modelling often do not solve complex social contradictions inherent in societies where the projects take place. In the worst case, poorly managed impact investment can result in overall negative social impact, leading to further problems for the companies in terms of finding the right target groups and managing reputation. With CSC Impact, companies are enabled to mitigate and avoid these problems. The Consultancy produces impact reports with in-depth KPIs for this industry using a novel social impact methodology, containing a stronger proof of social impact. The methodology relies on social science insights and uses specific social parameters designed to target positive impact to relevant project types in specific regions.

The new methodology used by CSC Impact is based on Ashoka’s PhD research at the University of Zurich’s Historisches Seminar, which investigated the nature of so called “social paradoxes”. He uncovered how the “coal paradox” functioned during the energy transitions over the last century and how during the varying stages coal was viewed both dirty and desirable. In regions with social paradoxes, a context-specific approach is needed to create positive and sustainable impact.

During the UZH Entrepreneur Fellowship, Ashoka is engaging with the industry to further sharpening the value proposition of CSC Impact and establish initial pilot projects to test the MVPs. He is also working towards expanding the team with talents skilled in social entrepreneurship and sustainable finance.

Affiliation: PD Dr. Judith Vitale
Start date: 1.10.25