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Joel Solomon
Co-Founding Partner at Renewal Funds
Joel Solomon is a prominent figure in impact investing and environmental sustainability who serves on the Board of Governors at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Here's an overview of his background and role:
Professional Background
Joel Solomon is a Founding Partner of Renewal Funds, which has grown to become one of Canada's largest mission venture capital firms, managing over $240 million in assets.23 His career has focused on aligning investment strategies with social and environmental goals.
Contributions to UBC
As a provincial appointee on the UBC Board of Governors, Solomon has been a strong advocate for sustainability initiatives:
- He played a key role in catalyzing a unanimous vote for UBC's commitment to fully divest from climate-damaging companies and sectors in its endowment portfolio.2
- Solomon has publicly supported full divestment of fossil fuel production investments from UBC's Endowment strategy.1
Broader Impact
Solomon's influence extends beyond his role at UBC:
- He is the author of "The Clean Money Revolution: Reinventing Power, Purpose & Capitalism," which calls for redirecting trillions of dollars from damaging practices to regenerative efforts to combat climate change.2
- He has been instrumental in launching several prominent organizations, including the Social Venture Institute and MakeWay.2
- Solomon is recognized as a 2021 Clean50 Canada "Lifetime Achievement" honoree.4
Leadership Positions
In addition to his role at UBC, Joel Solomon:
- Serves as Chair of Hollyhock, a nonprofit organization.5
- Has been a member of Canada's Advisory Board to the G8 Social Impact Investment Taskforce.6
Joel Solomon's work at UBC and beyond demonstrates his commitment to leveraging financial power for positive environmental and social change, particularly in addressing the climate crisis through responsible investment practices.