We are very pleased to announce the successful completion of a first close of For Purpose Investment Partners’ Social Impact Fund I (“SIF I” or “the Fund”), with $67m committed. The Fund will target social impact investments generating appropriate risk-weighted returns, and a roughly even mix between real asset-backed investments and investments in operating companies. The blended return target for the Fund is 9-10% post fees.
The first close was supported by over 100 investors and we are delighted that the Fund has a level of commitments that will enable us to take advantage of the healthy pipeline of investment opportunities we have. It is particularly gratifying for us to welcome funders to SIF I who have been investors from the early days of the impact investing journey. There is significant continuity from a range of investors who committed to the purchase of ABC Childcare Centres in June, 2010, resulting in the landmark acquisition by Goodstart Early Learning. Many of these investors also committed to Catalyst Education which For Purpose Investment Partners acquired early this year. We are also delighted to welcome nearly 80 new investors to the For Purpose family. We look forward to establishing the long-term trusted investment partner relationships with all these investors that will be key to achieving our goal of building a large-scale social impact investing market in Australia.
By funds committed, approximately 70% of investment has come from individuals and families, with the remaining 30% from institutions, predominantly charitable foundations. 30% of funds came from clients of advisors, with whom we had not had previous contact, with the remainder from existing investors and other contacts as well as 6% from the For Purpose team.
FPIP co-founder and Executive Director Michael Traill said; “It is critical for our goal of growing the large-scale Australian impact investing market to establish a fund and to have the funding access to move from a ‘deal by deal’ capital sourcing basis. We are delighted that we have attracted a range of new investors to the pioneering investment opportunity of SIF I which offers a portfolio of social impact investments in our target sectors, in a unique social purpose entity with a not-for-profit investment manager. There is a real sense that for many clients the initial investment commitment is a ‘toe in the water’, and this gives us great confidence in the capacity to build on the foundations of the first close and in line with meeting our first close target, to achieve a second close target that builds a fund size of around $150m.”
During the course of the first close investor presentations, we reinforced the evidence of the growing understanding of mainstream institutional funds of larger scale impact investing opportunities. We continue to be confident that the pioneering support of SIF I founding investors will create the proof point transactions that will attract institutional investment particularly from profit for member superannuation funds in the next iteration of this market.
We would finally like to thank our advisory partners Gilbert + Tobin and PwC, who worked on the documentation and structuring of the Fund.
Catalyst Education Pty Ltd and For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) are proud to announce the acquisition of ARC Training, a NSW-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with a strong track record in aged care, disability care, and business training. This acquisition strengthens Catalyst’s ability to deliver high-quality, learner-focused education and ensure a well-trained workforce for Australia’s most vital care sectors.
"At Catalyst Education, we believe that education has the power to change lives. By welcoming ARC Training into our group, we are expanding our ability to support more learners, empower more communities, and provide greater opportunities for those pursuing careers in the care sector," said David Barnett, Chair of Catalyst Education. "This acquisition enhances our capacity to deliver high-quality, accessible training that equips people with the skills they need to make a real difference."
With this expansion, Catalyst Education is better positioned to support the increasing demand for skilled workers in the care industry. “I am grateful that Catalyst Education will be the new owner and steward [of ARC Training]. Our organisations have very similar vision and values, and I can see the group growing stronger together into the future”, said Cameron Ryan, previous CEO of ARC Training.
By integrating ARC Training’s expertise and reach with Catalyst’s existing RTOs - Selmar Institute of Education and Practical Outcomes, more learners will have access to nationally recognised, industry-aligned education that leads to meaningful employment.
"This acquisition is not just about growth - it’s about impact. The care sector relies on passionate, well-trained professionals, and we are committed to equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in these critical roles," David added.
Executive Director of FPIP, Michael Traill said “Skills education is vital to the social sectors where we seek to make a difference through impact investment, including aged care and early childhood education and care. We are building impact at scale with a platform of aligned businesses and the combined strength of ARC Training and Catalyst Education means we will reach more learners and employers in the vital markets of NSW, SA and the ACT while generating long-term value for investors.”
This acquisition represents a shared commitment to ensuring that the care and education sectors continue to thrive and evolve. As part of Catalyst Education, ARC Training will continue to combine purpose with action, working to drive workforce development, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact. We are excited for the future and look forward to what lies ahead as we work together to create a stronger, more connected Australia.
For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) are delighted to announce the appointment of Robert Blackwell as Executive Chair of FP Ability, an investment platform comprising of specialised meal delivery businesses Able Foods and Tender Loving Cuisine (TLC).
Mr Blackwell brings to the businesses an extensive background of successful leadership with world-class corporations, including in the fast moving consumer goods sector. More recently, he has been particularly focused on roles working in partnership with executive teams to transform and grow organisations to their potential.
“We have been especially impressed with Rob’s alignment with the For Purpose Investment Partners mission of social impact by applying business disciplines for social purpose” said Michael Traill, Executive Director of FPIP. “Rob will be working closely with CEO Spencer Ratliff and the Able Foods and TLC management teams through a pivotal time of growth and transformation. We welcome Rob to the FPIP portfolio and we are looking forward to working together as Able Foods and TLC grow their mission of providing high quality, nutritious food across the aged care and disability sectors.”
Mr Traill continued “We also wish to thank and recognise the inaugural Chair Paul Robertson AO for his significant contribution to the establishment and strategic growth of the FP Ability platform, and his invaluable experience in steering the board. Paul has been part of the succession planning to welcome Rob, ensuring future success for FP Ability – a mark of his enduring leadership and character.”
The FP Ability board is pleased to announce that Spencer Ratliff has been appointed as CEO of Tender Loving Cuisine (TLC), while maintaining his current role as CEO of Able Foods. This strategic decision underscores our commitment to strengthening both businesses while preserving their unique identities in the meal delivery sector.
"Having witnessed Spencer's exceptional leadership at Able Foods, we are confident that his appointment will drive innovation and growth across both brands," said Paul Robertson, Chair of FP Ability. "His track record of building client-focused businesses and navigating change makes him ideally suited for this expanded role."
Spencer Ratliff shared his vision for the future, "Both organisations share a unified mission: to deliver exceptional services and outcomes for their clients, driven by their expertise and deep specialisation in the market.
"I’m thrilled to lead TLC into its next chapter of growth, building on its 30-year legacy of outstanding service in the disability and aged care sectors. My priority is to collaborate closely with the team to explore opportunities that harness the strengths of both businesses while preserving their distinct brand identities."
Spencer added, "This common foundation will enable growth that is firmly focused on our clients.”
Spencer will be working with the board, stakeholders and suppliers to identify opportunities for mutual growth and learning between both organisations.
Paul concluded, "This appointment represents a significant step forward in our growth strategy. We're confident that under Spencer's purpose-driven leadership, both TLC and Able Foods will continue to excel in delivering exceptional meals and customer service to our valued clients."
Keypoints
- Both TLC and Able Foods will maintain their distinct brands and current operations
- A comprehensive strategic plan will be developed through collaboration with staff, senior management, customers, board members, and suppliers
- Knowledge and expertise will be shared across both businesses to enhance operations and service delivery.
ENDS
About FP Ability
An investment platform by For Purpose Investment Partners, FP Ability is committed to removing obstacles for people who require support, with a focus on people living with disabilities, their families, and older Australians. Nutrition is vital to people’s good health and wellbeing, and for customers of Able Foods and Tender Loving Cuisine (TLC), their services support choice and independence. Our aim is to improve the quality of services, for the elderly and Australians living with a disability, and address food insecurity in these sectors.
Able Foods
Able Foods mission is to enable healthier, happier and more independent lives for each and every ability. Its dedicated team understands what it means to create meals that cater for each client’s unique needs. Through years of experience, they assist clients to best manage both the NDIS and Aged Care (HCP) processes.
Tender Loving Cuisine
TLC offers customers high quality frozen ready-to-eat meals that are home delivered. With a focus on supporting older people maintain independence at home and supporting health outcomes, many clients access government funded support.
For Purpose Investment Partners acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion at For Purpose Investment Partners are critical in our efforts to create significant social impact. Diversity in the team allows us to better represent the diversity of thought and experiences of the communities that we are aiming to serve, promotes a healthy and thriving working environment, and delivers innovative and sustainable outcomes for our communities, our people, our investors and our partners.
