Ex-PM backs software for good works
We can use data and technology tools and evidence of what works to make a difference in people’s lives. Emily Mason, Impact Lab
FormerPrime Minister Bill English has teamed up with two excolleagues to launch a start-up designed to measure and compare the impact of philanthropic investment.
Wellington-based Impact Lab uses data to show social service providers that have been invested in, the aspects of people’s lives they are trying to change, and how well each performs in terms of social value return on investment.
The web-based application breaks up the improvement and change made in people’s lives into regions, ethnic groups and populations to “help philanthropists make better investment decisions”.
Impact Lab was founded in April by Emily Mason, Kylie Reiri, Dr Todd Nicholson and English, who chairs the company.
They began working on the business in December last year and together have invested just under $1 million.
Frances Wyborn, the former wife of Auckland property investor Mark Wyborn, holds a 25 per cent stake.
Mason and Reiri worked under English during his time as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, at the Social Investment Agency.
“We truly believe that we can use data and technology tools and evidence of what works to make a difference in people’s lives to serve New Zealand better,” Mason told the Herald.
“Like [philanthropists] invest their money into the rest of their lives and know what return they can expect, we wanted to do a much better job of helping them make investment with their philanthropic dollar.”
Impact Lab is focused on introducing its tools to social service providers in New Zealand before it looks to take the business into Australia, the United States and the Pacific Islands. Mason said the tools could be used in foreign aid, philanthropy, corporate social good and responsibility, ethical investing and government spending.