Luis Couto (Goparity)
Overview
Luis Couto is a prominent figure in the impact investment sector, notably as the co-founder and CFO of GoParity, a Portuguese crowdlending platform. GoParity enables investments in sustainable projects that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Founded in Lisbon in 2017, the platform democratizes access to impact investing by allowing individuals to contribute as little as €5. Prior to co-founding GoParity, Couto held significant roles in the financial sector, including at Banco Popular Portugal. Under Couto's leadership, GoParity has grown to support over 153 projects, impacting more than 67,000 people globally, and has been recognized for promoting ethical finance and sustainability in investment.
Recent Developments
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2025: In May 2025, GoParity raised €2.9 million in an investment round led by 3XP Global, with support from various institutional investors. This funding aims to expand GoParity’s reach in sustainable investing, maintaining a low minimum investment threshold of €5. The platform now operates in Spain and Canada, facilitating broader access to impact investing.
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2024: GoParity celebrated a record year, reaching nearly €50 million in investments by the end of the year. This milestone was achieved amid global challenges, underscoring the platform's commitment to directing investments toward impactful projects.
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2024: GoParity initiated several new projects, including its first projects in Denmark and Colombia, emphasizing international expansion and diversification of their project portfolio.
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2023: In response to growing demand, GoParity successfully raised €2 million in a funding round at the beginning of the year to support international expansion and introduce new products.
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European Expansion: The European License granted in January 2024 allowed GoParity to operate across Europe, opening up significant new markets for funding aligned with sustainability goals.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luis Couto |
| Born | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Occupation | Co-founder and CFO at GoParity |
| Known For | Impact investment and sustainable finance |
| Education | Economics (Universidade Portucalense), MBA (Pontifíca Universidade Católica de São Paulo) |
Early Life and Education
Luis Couto was born in Lisbon, Portugal. His early life and education were deeply entrenched in economics and finance, paving the way for his future career. He completed his undergraduate studies in Economics at Universidade Portucalense and later pursued a postgraduate degree in Audit and Management Control at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. In 2010, Couto expanded his expertise by earning an MBA from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, cementing his credentials in finance and strategic management. These educational milestones equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate complex financial landscapes and lead initiatives that merge profitability with sustainability.
Career and Notable Achievements
Luis Couto began his career in the financial sector as a Risk Analyst at Banco Popular Portugal, where he gained significant experience in financial risk assessment and management. He rose through the ranks to become the Head of Funding & Financial Services, a role that provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry.
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Banco Popular Portugal (2002-2011): Couto worked in various capacities, culminating in a senior management position, where he pioneered innovative financial strategies.
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GoParity (2017-present): As co-founder and CFO, Couto has been instrumental in the launching and scaling of GoParity. Under his leadership, the platform has successfully democratized access to sustainable finance, connecting thousands of investors with impactful projects worldwide.
- Over 153 sustainable projects funded
- Enabled avoidance of 22,757 tonnes of CO2 annually
- Impacted over 67,064 people through funded projects
Current Work and Impact
Luis Couto continues to serve as the CFO of GoParity, focusing on broadening the platform’s reach and enhancing its sustainable impact investment offerings. His leadership has been pivotal in positioning GoParity as a key player in European sustainable finance. The platform's unique model allows small-scale investors to participate in significant impact ventures, promoting a more inclusive economic system.
Conclusion
Luis Couto's work with GoParity highlights a significant shift towards more inclusive and ethical financial practices. By lowering investment barriers and focusing on sustainability, Couto's impact on the financial sector encourages a broader population to align their investments with their values. As GoParity continues to expand and evolve, it sets a precedent for how technology and finance can be leveraged to support global sustainability goals, potentially inspiring future innovations in impact investment.