On-Purpose

Denise Holle

Denise is a finance professional with over 20 years of experience spanning development banking, investment banking and social investment. At the World Bank and Merrill Lynch, she was a financial institutions specialist, providing advice to governments, investors and bank executives and boards on strategy and investment. Moving into social investment in 2007, Denise helped develop and subsequently managed the CAN Breakthrough venture philanthropy fund. From 2015-2018 at Numbers for Good, she provided business and financing advice to social enterprises across sectors including health, employment and homelessness and has supported commissioners and investors in developing social impact bonds. In her current role as Interim Portfolio Director at Big Society Capital, she oversees management of existing portfolio investments with a particular focus on coordinating support for long-term business development. Denise has served on the board of several youth charities including the Unicorn Theatre, and currently is a trustee of the National Youth Arts Trust. She is passionate about social equality and theatre.