Impact investor and advisor Christian Tooley recently challenged the audience at SXSW London to consider a different approach to investing. What if embracing social taboos could lead to positive change beyond just financial returns?
### Embracing Human Contradictions
Tooley discussed the concept of vice clauses, restrictions placed by investors to limit certain types of investments. While traditionally avoided, sectors like sex, substances, and gambling could actually hold potential for innovation and societal benefit.
### Breaking the Stigma
Investors tend to shy away from taboo topics due to social stigma, missing out on opportunities for both financial and cultural returns. For example, the sex tech market is projected to reach $200 billion by 2032, yet struggles to attract mainstream funding.
### A New Opportunity
By challenging conventional norms and embracing discomfort, smaller investors have a chance to explore untapped markets and drive innovation. Tooley believes that funding taboo industries could lead to advancements in sexual health, psychedelic therapies, and biohacking tailored to underrepresented communities.
In a world where risk-taking is essential, it’s those willing to push boundaries who have the potential to create real change. Let’s rethink our approach to investing and unlock the possibilities hidden within social taboos.
