“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
– Robert Louis Stevenson

This is a lesson private equity (PE) and private capital clients must embrace, especially in the context of ESG and sustainability.

Integrating regenerative, responsible investment principles and prioritizing positive impacts on people and the planet are no longer optional—they are competitive imperatives.

By committing to visionary leadership, leveraging cutting-edge tools like AI, advancing new research and developing tailored thematic funds, PE firms can align financial performance with meaningful social and environmental contributions.

The seeds sown today will define a more sustainable and equitable future. Private investors have the power to decide whether their capital becomes the “bad” seeds that perpetuate harm or the “good” seeds that nurture progress for future generations.

A Personal Perspective: The Urgent Need for Mental Health and Neuromedicine Funding

Experiencing firsthand the devastating impact of underfunded mental health and neuromedicine sectors has been eye-opening. The lack of resources, information, and the outdated, “dinosaur-like” mindset of some professionals—spanning healthcare and education systems—amplifies suffering for individuals, parents and families.

Timely access to interventions and advanced treatments remains a luxury, not a norm.

Neurodegenerative conditions progress unchecked without adequate research funding, while mental health continues to carry stigma due to gaps in education and infrastructure.

This is why I strongly believe thematic impact funds targeting mental health and neuromedicine can drive both societal and family-focused transformation and financial returns.

I am much excited about some recent biotech studies – many going back to nature and nurture.  Medicine, powered by technology, is evolving rapidly, offering alternatives beyond traditional pharmacology.  Clinical trials show how we can address trauma, anxieties, PTSD and neurological challenges in ways that are both effective and non-invasive.

How could AI help? AI can revolutionize positive impact practices by enabling:

• Real-Time Monitoring: AI tools track metrics besides carbon emissions and other “E” related data to “Health” data such as absenteeism rates, turnover rates, utilisation of metal health resources, workplace stress indicators carbon emissions, mental health risks, days in hospital/off work/school, or diversity indicators (overtime hours, employee surveys/feedback, productivity metrics) or even email/text/sentiment analysis through tone and sentiment of workplace communications to identify stress, frustration and disengagement across portfolios.
• Risk Assessment and Anomaly Detection: Automated systems highlight potential risks early.
• Predictive Insights: AI simulates outcomes, like the environmental benefits of adopting net-zero policies.

For thematic funds, AI supports data-driven decisions, aligning investments with targeted societal challenges, from energy to mental health, work or school absence.

Thematic Funds: Medical Research in Focus

The healthcare sector offers a unique opportunity for impactful thematic funds. Funds can focus on:

• Neuro-Medicine Research: Supporting treatments for mental health and neurodegenerative diseases.
• AI-Driven Diagnostics: Investing in startups using AI to enhance early diagnosis and personalized medicine.
• Family Services and Health Education: Promoting access to essential services that address social determinants of health.

The time to invest in this space is now. The potential for change through embedded regenerative and responsible principles —both personal and collective—is immense.