IRIS+ Metrics

IRIS+ is the generally accepted system for measuring, managing, and optimizing impact, maintained by the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN). It provides a catalog of standardized metrics organized by impact theme (e.g., clean energy, financial inclusion, affordable housing) and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. IRIS+ goes beyond a simple metric dictionary by providing curated sets of core metrics for specific impact themes, evidence maps linking metrics to outcomes, and guidance on how to use metrics in investment decision-making. For venture funds, IRIS+ provides a common language for impact reporting that enables comparison across portfolio companies and funds. Key metric categories include organizational metrics (describing the company), product metrics (describing what is delivered), and outcome metrics (describing the change created).