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Emma Steele

Emma Steele

Partner at Ascension, Impact Investor focused on Tech for Good

London, United Kingdom
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Joined April 2026
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Summary

Emma Steele is a dedicated impact investor, serving as a Partner at Ascension where she leads impact funds. She is responsible for fundraising, deployment, and portfolio management of Ascension's Fund III, a £50 million tech-for-good fund. Her work focuses on leveraging technology to build more resilient societies by tackling social inequalities in areas such as financial inclusion (Fintech/Insurtech), energy cost reduction, transport, and creating healthy food environments. ascension+2
Her investment philosophy is deeply rooted in inclusive capitalism and the belief that profit and purpose can scale together. She champions impact investing not merely as a strategy, but as a lens and intent through which investments are made, aiming to create both social and commercial value. eu+1
Prior to joining Ascension in 2018, Emma gained significant experience in both the corporate banking sector at Santander UK Corporate & Commercial, holding roles such as Credit Partner and Associate Director in Healthcare Finance, and in the charity sector at Eastside Primetimers, where she advised on investment readiness and capacity building for social enterprises. This diverse background contributes to her holistic approach to impact investing. ascension+2
Emma has a strong academic foundation with an MSc in Development Economics from the University of Sussex and a BSc in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from the University of Warwick. She is French and English, having grown up in France before pursuing her higher education in the UK. ascension+3

Work

Education

Writing

VC spotlight with Ascension

July 1, 2024

An interview discussing Ascension's new £50m tech-for-good fund, its impact-driven thesis, and the journey of fundraising, with insights into Emma Steele's role and philosophy.

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EUVC #210 Emma Steele, Ascension VC

September 1, 2023

Podcast episode and article featuring Emma Steele discussing impact investing, the confluence of profit and purpose, fundraising strategies, and addressing critiques of the VC business model, emphasizing her belief in inclusive capitalism.

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Emma Steele is made Partner to spearhead the new £50m fund

January 1, 2022

Announcement of Emma Steele's promotion to Partner at Ascension, detailing her journey from Investment Manager, her role in leading impact investments, and the launch of the £50m Ascension Fund III focused on tech ventures improving lives and work.

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Hobbies

Emma enjoys foodie interests, practicing yoga, and planning travelling adventures. ascension+1

Notes

BLBriony Limsaid that if they had to pick a VC for a pre-seed stage company,
ESEmma Steele
would be one of their top choices.

Nov 11, 2025