Mr. Urs Wietlisbach, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what drives you today?
«I am an entrepreneur, investor and foundation founder – but above all, someone who wants to take responsibility. What matters most to me today is that capital should not only generate returns but also create meaning. Capitalism must be socially and environmentally sustainable – otherwise, it leads to conflict. This conviction is what drives me now. I want to see more foundations, family offices, and other capital holders start investing their assets sustainably with impact».
Which field of study did you choose, and how did it influence your later career?
«I studied economics at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), a school with a strong entrepreneurial mindset. There I learned to think strategically and recognize opportunities. It was an excellent foundation for my career. Today, my focus is on connecting economic logic with social and environmental positive impact – a perspective that, thankfully, has now also found its place at HSG».
What role did your family play in your development – were there values or experiences that shaped you in particular?
«I grew up in Dietikon and later in Schaffhausen. Groundedness, a strong work ethic, and mutual respect were firm values in my family. They shaped me deeply and still guide me today».
What mattered most to you as a young person – were there ideals or dreams that still accompany you?
«Sports have always been a life lesson for me – I was an active handball player for many years. I learned early what team spirit, discipline and fairness mean. Even today, I stay active – cycling, skiing, and other outdoor pursuits keep me balanced. Sport helps us stay healthy, which is also why I serve as Co-President of the Swiss Sports Aid Foundation (Schweizer Sporthilfe). A powerful signal for sport in our country would be for Switzerland to host the 2038 Winter Olympics – not only for medals, but because sport brings society together».
Did you have a mentor who particularly inspired you along the way?
«There were several people who influenced me – not so much individual names, but role models with integrity and a sense of responsibility, including my two co-founders at Partners Group, Marcel Erni and Alfred Gantner. People who think entrepreneurially but act responsibly. They continue to inspire me to this day».
How do you personally define a responsible economy – and what role does philanthropy play in it?
«To act responsibly means to think long-term. Entrepreneurs should ask themselves: what impact will my actions have on future generations? Philanthropy is not the opposite of business – it’s an extension of it. It shows that capital can do good. More than that: capital must do good».
How did you come to your philanthropic engagement – was there a turning point or inspiration?
«The idea of using capital to create positive social and environmental impact has been with me for a long time – certainly since the IPO of Partners Group in 2006. I remember a key moment when I was presented with two investment ideas on the same day: one company produced solar lamps for remote villages in South Africa, the other aimed to expand a coffee chain across Europe. It became instantly clear to me where my capital could make a real difference. Soon after, I began exploring impact investing – and that idea led to the founding of Blue Earth Foundation who owns Blue Earth Capital, a leading impact investment company based in Switzerland».
What is Blue Earth Capital, and how does your approach differ from traditional investment firms?
«Blue Earth Capital is an impact investing platform with currently CHF 1.6 billion in assets under management, targeting both financial returns and measurable social and environmental outcomes. The entire endowment of the Ursimone Wietlisbach Foundation – over CHF 250 million – is fully impact-invested through Blue Earth Capital. We want to demonstrate that performance and responsibility are not mutually exclusive».
What does impact investing mean to you in concrete terms – how do you measure impact?
«At Blue Earth Capital, we measure impact based on clear key performance indicators. These include CO₂ reduction, water usage, access to education, and health-related metrics. In 2024, Blue Earth Capital’s investments provided access to financial services for over 130,000 people, supported 15,000 medical patients in developing countries, and helped avoid 37,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. It shows the tangible power of capital».
How do you want to inspire other philanthropists to share your vision?
«I have many conversations with other founders and family offices. In Europe, foundations hold over €540 billion – yet less than two percent of that is invested through impact vehicles. Unlocking this potential would be a true lever for change, and that’s my goal. Foundations must lead by example».
What do you owe to your wife on this journey?
«A great deal. Simone brings deep joy for life and a holistic perspective. She constantly reminds me that economic success without humanity is empty. Her outlook was decisive in our joint decision to join the Giving Pledge in 2022 – not out of obligation, but out of conviction».
Urs Wietlisbach
Urs Wietlisbach is a Swiss investor and entrepreneur. Together with his wife Simone, he co-founded the Ursimone Wietlisbach Foundation. He is co-founder of Partners Group, one of the world’s leading private markets investment managers. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Blue Earth Capital AG and as a board member of the Blue Earth Foundation, which focus on global impact investing. He is also Co-Chairman of the Swiss Sports Aid Foundation (Schweizer Sporthilfe) and Chairman of Passion Schneesport.
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