Generation Investment Management

Office address: 555 Mission Street, Suite 3400, San Francisco, CA 
Website: www.generationim.com 
Year established: 2004 
Company type: investment management firm 
Employees: 160+ 
Expertise: sustainable investing, global equity, Asia equity, growth and private equity, climate impact investments, ESG integration, long-term investment strategies, technology-driven renewable energy, corporate sustainability research, responsible AI practices 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Al Gore (chair); David Blood and Clara Barby (senior partners); Lisa Anderson, Mark Ferguson, Esther Gilmore and Tom Hodges (partners) 
Financing status: N/A 
 

Generation Investment Management is a private investment management firm based in London with an additional office in San Francisco. Specializing in sustainable investing, the firm integrates sustainability research with fundamental financial analysis across its global investment platform. With over 160 employees from 20 countries, Generation managed $33.8 billion in assets and supervised an additional $10.5 billion as of mid-2024. 

History of Generation Investment Management 

Generation Investment Management was founded in April 2004 by Al Gore, David Blood, and five other partners to merge finance with sustainability principles. The firm began managing investments in 2005, aiming to balance profitability with positive environmental impact. In 2007, it joined forces with Kleiner Perkins to accelerate green technologies and policies for addressing climate issues.  

The organization launched the Climate Solutions Fund II in 2014 and collaborated with George Serafeim to advance sustainable investment insights. By 2018, it secured a $3 billion partnership with Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec to expand sustainable private equity. In 2023, Generation reported that emissions from power grids are approaching a peak, with Gore urging banks to reconsider their oil investments. 

Products and Services of Generation Investment Management 

Generation Investment Management offers investment strategies centered on sustainability across both public and private markets: 

• global equity: invests in public companies worldwide that demonstrate sustainable practices and long-term growth potential 
• Asia equity: focuses on Asian companies aligned with sustainable growth in emerging and developed markets across the region 
• growth equity: supports private companies with sustainable business models aimed at growth and market expansion 
• private equity: targets private firms with a focus on sustainability and long-term resilience in diverse industries 
• Just Climate: dedicated to high-impact climate solutions, investing in companies that prioritize measurable climate goals 

Generation Investment Management’s services commit to long-term growth through a rigorous blend of financial and sustainability analysis. By integrating this research into traditional investment strategies, Generation pursues responsible, high-impact outcomes. Its four core strategies span public and private equity, providing a comprehensive approach to sustainable investing. 

Culture at Generation Investment Management 

Generation Investment Management’s culture is centered on collaboration, mission alignment, and growth within a supportive environment. As a smaller firm with low turnover, the company attracts driven employees who share its values. Employees appreciate the benefits offered, which include: 

• comprehensive health insurance with family support options 
• generous 401(k) and retirement matching programs 
• flexible time off, including vacation and sick days 
• parental leave and family benefits 
• supportive mental health and wellness resources 

As a fully sustainable investment firm, Generation integrates ESG principles into every level of decision-making. The company evaluates the quality of its investments and management teams through ESG factors, which play a key role in its long-term strategy. Generation Investment Management’s commitment to helpful practices and global change includes several significant ESG initiatives: 

• Certified B Corporation: prioritizes transparency and accountability in social and environmental impact 
• global ESG-focused investments: manages approximately $44.3 billion, supporting sustainable economic systems 
• client engagement: advocates for sustainable investing and risk-adjusted returns 

Generation Foundation, the firm’s philanthropic arm, promotes systemic change through grants, research, and advocacy. The foundation collaborates on projects with aligned organizations, aiming for a sustainable world with broad prosperity. Key initiatives include: 

• Legal Framework for Impact: developed with the PRI and UNEP FI to support sustainability in capital markets 
• Greyston Foundation partnership: supports Open Hiring to promote inclusive employment practices 
• Ada Lovelace Institute collaboration: advances gender equality in industry policies and practices 

Generation Investment Management emphasizes building long-term client relationships, aligning its objectives with client interests. The firm is independently owned and values an entrepreneurial approach and boutique investment structure. With a strong focus on social responsibility, Generation supports employees’ philanthropic efforts and aims to make a positive impact globally and locally. 

About Generation Investment Management Chair Al Gore and Key People 

Al Gore, chair and co-founder of Generation Investment Management, served as the 45th vice president of the US. He previously worked as a journalist in the Army during the Vietnam War and as an investigative reporter for The Tennessean, uncovering local corruption. Gore graduated cum laude from Harvard with a degree in government and later attended Vanderbilt’s divinity and law schools. 

Generation Investment Management’s leadership team includes experienced partners guiding the firm’s strategies: 

• David Blood serves as a senior partner, directing investment strategy and sustainable finance initiatives 
• Lisa Anderson, partner and COO, oversees operations and ensures effective management across the firm 
• Clara Barby acts as the senior partner of Just Climate, focusing on high-impact climate investments 
• Mark Ferguson is a partner and co-chief investment officer, managing portfolio development and investment research 
• Esther Gilmore, partner and global head of client team, strengthens client relationships and engagement 
• Tom Hodges, serving as partner and co-head of private equity strategy, leads private equity investments and portfolio growth 

The Future at Generation Investment Management 

Amid rising ESG investor concerns over generative AI, Generation Investment Management actively works with its tech portfolio companies to explore responsible AI applications. The company maintains a proactive approach to managing AI-related risks, aligning with its dedication to their goals. Through these initiatives, Generation aims to balance innovation with accountability, fostering AI practices that reflect ethical values. 

Recently, the company shared plans to strengthen its Global Equity Strategy, highlighting opportunities in sectors like AI where Nvidia and Microsoft show potential. The firm emphasized Microsoft as a key investment, noting areas for growth in managing emissions within its AI and data operations. This update underscores Generation Investment Management’s commitment to enhancing both financial and ESG outcomes across its portfolio.