TCD School of Business Hosts Lecture on Venture Philanthropy

Posted on: 24 March 2009

The School of Business at Trinity College in association with the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA), Ashoka Ireland and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, hosted a special lecture by the founder of the European Venture Philanthropy Association, Doug Miller on ‘Venture Capital Meets Venture Philanthropy – A Match Made in Heaven?’ on March 19th last in the Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin.

Speaking about the growth of venture philanthropy in Europe, Doug Miller said: “The venture philanthropist’s approach, based on lessons learned from within the venture capital community, is to invest long-term in high potential and impact-driven social sector organisations. Doing so results in significant returns on investment for the venture philanthropist, the difference being that the returns, in this case, are social impact rather than financial gain.”

“Engagement by universities with the concepts and practice of venture philanthropy and social entrepreneurship is essential if these exciting trends are to be harnessed and channelled into our society’s future social and economic well-being,” stated the Head of Trinity College’s School of Business, Dr Gerard McHugh.

Doug Miller, Founder International Private Equity Ltd. And European Venture Philanthropy Association Trustee, Dr Gerard McHugh, Head of the School of Business and Maurice Roche, Delta Partners.

An invited audience of IVCA members, academics, social entrepreneurs and students participated in the questions and answers session with Doug Miller and a panel including Maurice Roche of Delta Partners Ltd, Mary Redmond of Arthur Cox Solicitors, Seán Coughlan of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Paul O’Hara of Ashoka Ireland and Denise Crossan of School of Business, TCD.

Doug Miller has been a leading figure in the international finance industry for over 30 years. He is the founder of International Private Equity Limited, a highly successful fund placement company, and co-founder of the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA). Miller is associated with this organisation’s remarkable achievements in mobilising the European Private Equity community to promote and expand venture philanthropy in Europe, applying venture capital principles to the social economy.