SI Network's System Investing Playbook

This guide summarises insights from the first iteration of the Si Systems Investing Lab held over two months in mid-2026. The lab featured workshops in which participants explored the current state of systemic investing, its challenges and opportunities, and available paths to build a core understanding and method for investing in systems innovation. As the landscape of global challenges grows increasingly complex, the limitations of traditional, linear funding models have become apparent. There is an urgent need to shift away from symptom-solving and isolated bets, moving instead toward strategic capital deployment that builds lasting structures and interconnected impact.

This guide helps people understand what systems investing is, why it matters, and how to approach investing through a systems lens. To support this journey, the playbook is divided into four key modules. First, it lays out the basics of systems investing and why it matters. Second, it dives into the challenges of systemic assessment and how to approach holistic evaluation effectively. Third, it explains what a systems fund is and the practicalities of building one. Finally, it examines the initiatives we should invest in and how to fundamentally rethink our approach to risk.