Saskia Leenstra

The panel “The need of impact investing” discusses the critical role of investment decisions in combating climate change and creating positive social change. We explore the facts surrounding impact investment and its relevance to our planet. Impact investing has gained significant traction contributing to sustainable solutions worldwide, e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and other climate-related sectors. However, many argue that the current changes in the industry may not be enough to meet the ambitious climate targets set forth by global agreements. We will navigate the complexities and challenges, striving to bridge the gap between ambition and action, talking about the innovative approaches, partnerships, and policy frameworks that can enhance the startup ecosystem’s ability to drive meaningful change in the face of climate crisis.

Saskia Leenstra has a corporate finance background. She started her career in investment banking at Credit Suisse. Thereafter, she was employed at an investment firm where se co-created impact startups in the building environment. Now she is Team Manager Tech Capital at Oost NL where she and her team invests in impactful technology startups and scaleups in the eastern part of the Netherlands.