A George Soros-backed litigation funder that focuses on driving social and environmental change closed on its first fund for about $67.2 million (£52 million).
Aristata Capital Ltd, based in London, describes itself as the first litigation funder of its kind, as it finances lawsuits that aim to deliver systemic change and empower marginalized voices. The portfolio, anchored by money from Capricorn Investment Group, will target issues globally, including environmental protection, climate change, indigenous rights and human rights.
Litigation finance is a $13.5 billion industry in which outside investors pool money into lawsuits in exchange for a portion of any award that results from cases. Funds range in size from around around $25 million on the smaller end to more than $250 million.