Ethex is a direct impact investment platform that makes it easy to invest in line with your values. It’s also the co-creator of Energise Africa, its sister platform supporting clean energy access in sub-Saharan Africa.
The deal
Ethex is a UK-based direct impact investing platform that helps everyday investors to support projects that deliver positive social and environmental change.
Since launching in 2013, Ethex has raised more than £120 million for around 200 mission-driven organisations. From community-owned solar farms to affordable housing and zero-emission transport, the platform only backs initiatives that are building a fairer, greener future.
In 2017, Ethex co-created Energise Africa in partnership with Dutch platform Lendahand, taking its values global by helping to fund clean energy access for families across sub-Saharan Africa.
Unlike traditional funds, Ethex offers individual investment opportunities, meaning you choose exactly which projects you want to support and your money goes directly to fund those projects. Many are eligible for the Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA) – so returns can be tax-free – and most have a low minimum investment of £50.
User-friendliness
- Simple to get started. Signing up is quick and intuitive, and the platform makes the risks of impact investing clear without overwhelming you with jargon.
- Clear project listings. Each investment shows exactly what it’s aiming to achieve, what the financials look like, and what you need to know about the risks and timeline.
- Easy investing. Once you’ve picked a project, you can start investing in just a few clicks. If you pay by debit or credit card, there’s a small transaction fee of around 0.9 per cent plus 5p.
- Regular updates. You’ll hear directly from the projects you support through progress reports and impact updates, so you can see the difference your money is making.
Sustainable investing options
Every investment opportunity on Ethex is selected for its ethical mission, including clean energy, fair finance, affordable homes, and more.
Returns vary depending on the project but typically range from four to nine per cent over one to seven years. Ethex therefore suits people who are happy to take a longer-term view in exchange for tangible impact.
What you need to know about Energise Africa
Unique selling points
- Direct impact. Pick and choose the projects that resonate with your personal values.
- Total transparency. Detailed reporting helps you track the real-world change you’re supporting.
- Meet the changemakers. Ethex hosts webinars with each organisation listed, so investors can meet the people behind the project and ask any questions
- Low minimum investment. Start with as little as £50.
- Trusted platform. £120 million+ has been invested so far and Ethex has glowing customer reviews (Trustpilot rating 4.6/5).
- Measurable outcomes. You’re not just growing your money – you’re helping to fund solutions.
The plus points
- Tax-free investing. Many projects qualify for the IFISA.
- No hidden charges. Fees are clearly explained upfront.
- Educational support. Handy resources help you understand the process and manage risk.
- Wide choice of investments. Projects span renewable energy, housing, transport, finance, and more.
- Engaged community. Ethex has built a loyal base of values-led investors.
Any drawbacks?
- Higher risk. These are illiquid, unsecured investments, which means your money is not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
- Longer time horizons. Most projects are designed to run over several years. Returns are not immediate, and depend on performance.
Cost of use
It’s free to register and browse the platform. If you choose to invest by card, you’ll pay a small fee of around 0.9 per cent plus 5p. Expected returns and any associated fees are clearly laid out within each investment opportunity.
How this compares
Compared with mainstream ethical funds, Ethex offers a much more hands-on and transparent experience. It’s ideal if you want to see exactly how your money is making a difference. You’re not paying for layers of management, but for the chance to support real change, project by project.
Other options to consider
- Energise Africa
- Abundance Investment
- Triodos Crowdfunding
Risk warning: Investments offered on the Ethex platform are not readily realisable, which means that they may be difficult to sell and you may get back less than you originally invested. Investments are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and returns are not guaranteed. If you are in any doubt, you should contact an Independent Financial Adviser.
This article is in partnership with Ethex.
