Sir Ronald Cohen is a name synonymous with the world of venture capital and impact investing. As the founder of the UK’s largest venture capital company, Apax Partners, he has been a driving force in shaping the investment landscape in the UK and beyond.
A graduate of Oxford University, Sir Ronald Cohen has deep roots in the academic world. After completing his degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the renowned institution, he went on to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School. It was during his time at Oxford that he laid the foundation for his future success.
Following his education, Sir Ronald Cohen embarked on a career in finance and investment, co-founding Apax Partners in 1972. Under his leadership, the firm became one of the leading venture capital companies in the world, with investments in a wide range of industries including technology, healthcare, and media.
However, Sir Ronald Cohen’s impact extends beyond just financial success. He is a pioneer in the field of impact investing, advocating for the use of investment capital to generate positive social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. In 2012, he co-founded the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the scale and effectiveness of impact investing worldwide.
In addition to his work in venture capital and impact investing, Sir Ronald Cohen has also been involved in philanthropy and public service. He served as the chairman of the UK’s Social Investment Task Force and has been a vocal advocate for the role of the private sector in addressing pressing social and environmental issues.
Throughout his career, Sir Ronald Cohen has remained connected to his alma mater, Oxford University. He has served as a trustee of the university’s endowment fund and is a founding trustee of the Oxford Foundry, a center for student entrepreneurship and innovation. His commitment to fostering the next generation of business leaders is evident in his ongoing involvement with the university.
Sir Ronald Cohen’s impact on the world of finance and investment cannot be overstated. As a leader in venture capital and impact investing, he has paved the way for a new approach to investing that prioritizes both financial returns and positive social and environmental outcomes. His legacy at Oxford University and beyond serves as a testament to the lasting impact of his work.