Episodes
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----------------------------------------Welcome to Episode 83 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, we’re joined by Dan Fishman, Co-Founder and General Partner of Regeneration.VC, a venture capital firm at the forefront of Consumer ClimateTech. Regeneration.VC specializes in supporting early-stage companies that are redefining consumer industries through sustainability-focused innovation.
Takeaways
The next generation of founders is focused on solving climate issues.Sustainable brands are outpacing conventional brands in growth.Technology is key to transforming material science and production methods.Supply chains can be innovated without complete overhaul.Creativity in entrepreneurship is being overshadowed by data-driven decisions.The U.S. has potential to lead in climate tech but needs to evolve.California remains a leader in climate legislation and innovation.The future of work in climate tech is about creating lasting careers.Regeneration.VC’s mission is to drive systemic change by investing in groundbreaking solutions that prioritize circularity, sustainable materials, and carbon reduction technologies. By addressing the intersection of consumer demand and environmental impact, Regeneration.VC aims to create a future where business growth aligns with planetary health.
Through their portfolio, the firm champions visionary startups working on innovative solutions in sustainable fashion, eco-friendly packaging, renewable products, and more. Regeneration.VC is not just funding businesses but fostering a movement toward a regenerative economy that prioritizes environmental restoration and resilience.
Dan brings a unique perspective to this work, shaped by his diverse career spanning entertainment, fashion, and food industries. He co-founded Bulldog Entertainment Group, worked with major celebrity brands, and launched successful fashion ventures like House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate. In the food sector, he was the first investor and President of Coolhaus, leading its vegan product line launch and eventual acquisition by Perfect Day. His entrepreneurial expertise and passion for sustainability drive the vision of Regeneration.VC.
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----------------------------------------In episode 82 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with David Lynn, Co-Founder and CEO of Mission Driven Finance (MDF), an organization focused on closing capital gaps and catalyzing economic opportunities in underserved communities.
In this conversation, David shares his unconventional journey from tech to finance and the catalysts that led him to establish MDF.
We dive into MDF’s mission to bridge capital gaps by focusing on private credit and real estate to support local businesses, and David highlights the importance of community-driven due diligence, where relationships are prioritized over traditional metrics.
David also discusses the diverse sources of capital backing MDF, including foundations, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional investors, and MDF's expansion from its roots in San Diego to a national scale.
Looking forward, he outlines MDF's ambitious goal of moving a billion dollars into communities by 2027 and the broader potential for blended finance policies to drive growth in impact investing.
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----------------------------------------In episode 81 the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Dan Barker, President and CEO of Halcyon, an incubator and investor in early-stage, impact-driven startups from around the globe.
About Dan
Dan is a seasoned leader in impact investing and social entrepreneurship. As the President and CEO of Halcyon, he's dedicated to nurturing and funding innovative startups making a positive global impact. Before joining Halcyon, Dan held leadership roles at Mastercard, BlackRock, and Deloitte, where he focused on driving social change through research, strategy, and investment.
His academic background, including a master's degree from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree from NYU, further complements his deep understanding of international finance and economic policy. Dan's commitment to fostering a more equitable world is evident in his service on various advisory boards and his role as a judge for the Inclusive Fintech 50.
Halcyon: Accelerating the Impact-Driven Future
Halcyon is a leading incubator and investor dedicated to fostering the growth of early-stage, impact-driven startups. Since 2014, Halcyon has empowered social entrepreneurs with the resources, community, and expertise they need to succeed. By providing fellowships, mentorship, and investment opportunities, Halcyon helps startups address critical global challenges in Health, Climate, and EquityTech.
Halcyon House: A Historic Hub for Innovation
Halcyon House, a historic 18th-century mansion nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood, serves as the beating heart of Halcyon. Once home to the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, this iconic building now provides a unique and inspiring workspace for Halcyon’s fellows.
With its rich history and elegant surroundings, Halcyon House fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Its grand rooms, including the historic library and the modern boardroom, provide the perfect setting for Halcyon's programs, events, and community gatherings. Whether it's a fellowship retreat, a speaker series, or a networking event, Halcyon House offers a distinctive backdrop that elevates the experience.
For Halcyon’s fellows, the mansion is more than just a workspace. It's a place to connect with like-minded individuals, seek inspiration, and grow their businesses. The serene atmosphere and stunning architecture create an ideal environment for focused work and creative thinking.
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----------------------------------------In episode 80 the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Cole Shephard, founder of Legacy Group, on his mission to become a leading coffee producer in Colombia while maintaining a focus on sustainability and social impact.
About Cole ShephardCole is a Partner at Legacy Group, an alternative asset manager focused on high-impact investment opportunities in the U.S. and Latin America.
Founded in 2015, Legacy Group aims to bridge the gap between financial capital and ventures with significant social and environmental impact across various sectors, including real estate, agriculture, and technology.
Before founding Legacy Group, Cole spent eight years with Pricewaterhouse Coopers, working across the U.S., Bermuda, Hong Kong, and Beijing. His expertise spans accounting, advisory, and consulting, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions in industries like financial services, real estate, and healthcare.
In this episode, Cole shares valuable insights on building business models that integrate environmental and social initiatives, emphasizes the importance of adaptability for aspiring entrepreneurs, and outlines the ambitious future goals for the Green Coffee Company.
Key Takeaways from the Interview:
Green Coffee Company is Colombia's largest coffee producer.The company focuses on sustainability and social impact.Building a business for the long term is crucial.Education and talent development are key to success.Entrepreneurship involves facing numerous challenges.Aspiring entrepreneurs should learn from experiences.Identifying strengths and weaknesses is essential.Future goals include becoming a public company.The company aims for nationwide expansion in Colombia.Building a community around the business is important.----------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------In episode 79 the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Ed Marcum, the Managing Partner of the Working Capital Fund, on the innovations creating a more transparent and responsible global supply chain.
With over 20 years of experience in human rights and venture capital investing, Ed has worked across the for-profit, nonprofit, and public policy sectors.
Previously, he spent more than a decade at Humanity United, guiding initiatives to address forced labor in corporate supply chains.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA/MA from The Wharton School and the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania.
About the Working Capital Fund
The Working Capital Fund is on a mission to improve the lives of marginalized workers, catalyzing economic justice by investing in innovative solutions that address the deep-seated challenges of global supply chains.
Global supply chains are enormous, involving millions of workers across thousands of businesses. On average, a Fortune 500 company works with over 10,000 suppliers, producing the goods that consumers rely on daily.
However, these supply chains are often associated with some of the most pressing challenges humanity faces, including forced labor, unfair wages, and environmental degradation.
Annually, over $354 billion worth of goods are at risk of being tainted by forced labor, with more than 17 million workers trapped in modern slavery conditions.
These challenges are often hidden deep within supply chains, making them difficult to detect and resolve. Moreover, supply chains are a primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis.
How the Working Capital Fund Works to Create Impact
The Working Capital Fund focuses on investing in technologies and solutions that address the injustices inherent in global supply chains.
Through its strategic investments, it aims to create a positive impact on workers and the environment. Key areas of focus include:
1. AI-Enabled Transparency Tools
One of the biggest challenges in addressing supply chain issues is the lack of transparency. Corporations often do not have visibility into the practices of their suppliers, making it difficult to identify labor violations or environmental concerns.
By investing in AI-enabled transparency tools, the Working Capital Fund is empowering companies to map their entire supply chains and assess risks in real time.
These tools offer a clear view of potential human rights abuses or environmental risks, helping businesses make more informed decisions about their suppliers.
2. Worker-Voice Solutions
Empowering workers is a critical part of creating a fair and just supply chain. The Working Capital Fund invests in worker-voice solutions that give laborers the tools they need to hold their employers accountable.
These solutions allow workers to anonymously report unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or other violations, providing valuable feedback to companies and regulators.
With this data, stakeholders can take action to improve labor conditions and ensure that workers’ rights are respected.
3. Financial Technology for Fair Pay
Ensuring fair wages for workers is another priority for the Working Capital Fund.
By investing in financial technologies, the Fund is helping to create systems that ensure workers are paid promptly and fairly.
These technologies also help gather sustainability data on upstream suppliers, providing insights into whether they are adhering to ethical labor practices.
With this information, companies can work towards ensuring that their entire supply chain is both economically and socially responsible.
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----------------------------------------In episode 78 the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Gavin Smith PhD, Managing Director, Head of Equity Research and Sustainable Investing for PGIM Quantitative Solutions, on his journey into sustainable investing and the evolution of ESG and SDGs.
Gavin Smith, PhD, is the Managing Director and Head of Equity Research and Sustainable Investing at PGIM Quantitative Solutions. In this role, he leads the integration of ESG factors into the firm’s investment platform and oversees research and analysis for Quantitative Equity portfolios.
Prior to this, Gavin was a portfolio manager and a key member of PGIM’s Research team, focusing on alpha and implementation strategies. Before joining PGIM, he led the North American Quantitative Research team at Macquarie Capital and held research roles at Barclays Capital and Plato Investment Management in Sydney, Australia.
Gavin holds a BComm (Honors) in finance from the University of Wollongong and a PhD in finance from the University of New South Wales, Australia.
Takeaways
Gavin's dual role combines quantitative equity research with sustainable investing.The evolution of ESG has been significant since the Paris Climate Accord.Data quality is crucial for effective ESG and SDG investing.Key metrics for evaluating companies include carbon emissions, water usage, and diversity.Engagement with companies is essential for improving data transparency.SDGs provide a framework for assessing the impact of investments.Greenwashing poses a challenge in identifying truly sustainable companies.The future of sustainable investing relies on better data and education.Investors are increasingly interested in the financial performance of sustainable companies.The integration of ESG and SDGs can lead to more impactful investment strategies.Thrive in the Impact Economy.
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----------------------------------------In episode 77 the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Lawrence Williams III, Partner at the De-Carceration Fund, on the fund's mission to support startups that address the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and those reentering society.
The U.S. criminal justice system affects over 6.6 million people and costs the nation more than $80 billion per year.
Preventing Entry: Advocating for reforms in gun control, cash bail, foster care, law enforcement, and domestic violence to reduce the number of individuals who enter the criminal justice system.Reducing Suffering: Supporting efforts in juvenile justice, legal costs, prison programming, family support, and sentence reduction to ease the burdens placed on those within the system.Ending the Cycle: Addressing recidivism by promoting reform and rehabilitation that help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society and avoid re-incarceration.
The De-Carceration Fund is unique in its mission to support and invest in enterprises that directly address the failings of the U.S. criminal justice system. The fund’s multipronged strategy includes backing companies that work in areas such as:The Economics of Incarceration
The current system perpetuates a cycle of financial exploitation and human suffering. Private companies make approximately $7 billion from prison operations, with over $3 billion of that coming directly from the families of incarcerated individuals.
Each inmate costs an average of $35,000 per year, yet over half of those released return to prison within three years.
This broken system not only drains resources but fails to provide meaningful solutions to reduce crime or support rehabilitation.
The indirect costs of incarceration, estimated at $260 billion annually, further highlight the deep flaws in the system.These costs ripple through society, affecting families, communities, and the overall economy.
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----------------------------------------In episode 76 the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Amy Duffuor, General Partner of Azolla Ventures, on combining catalytic capital with traditional venture capital to support climate tech companies.
Takeaways
Azolla Ventures combines catalytic capital with traditional venture capital to support climate tech companies.Portfolio companies of Azolla Ventures include Lilac Solutions, Noon Energy, and Carbon Reform, which are working on innovative solutions in lithium extraction, long-duration energy storage, and carbon capture.There is a need to integrate equity and justice into climate investments and prioritize underfunded areas like rice cultivation, ocean-related projects, and alternative proteins.About Azolla Ventures
Azolla Ventures partners with visionary founders to accelerate transformative climate solutions. Their mission is clear: to invest in breakthroughs that can avert catastrophic climate change and return our world to balance.
By focusing on ventures at the earliest stages, where risk and reward are highest, Azolla Ventures prioritizes impact above all, ensuring that each investment holds the potential for large-scale greenhouse gas reductions and a more just climate for all.
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----------------------------------------In episode 75 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Larry Selzer, the CEO of The Conservation Fund, on his journey and the organizations path to being the investment bank for Conservation.
Larry Selzer, the CEO of the Conservation Fund, discusses his journey in conservation and the mission of the organization. The Conservation Fund is a nonprofit that buys land for conservation and promotes sustainable economic development. They work with public agencies to acquire land and hold it until the agencies are ready to purchase it back.The organization focuses on protecting working forests and farms, which provide clean air, clean water, and jobs for rural communities. Selzer also discusses the importance of carbon markets and the need for regulations to ensure transparency and integrity.
Takeaways
The Conservation Fund buys land for conservation and promotes sustainable economic development.Working forests and farms are important for clean air, clean water, and jobs in rural communities.Carbon markets and carbon credits play a crucial role in achieving climate solutions.Regulations and standards are needed to ensure transparency and integrity in the carbon offset market.The future of conservation lies in the convergence of the environmental movement and the free enterprise system.Sound Bites
"Conservation and economic development is where we like to play."
"Land conservation is part of the solution to some of our great challenges."
"We need to build and deploy hundreds of thousands of miles of new transmission capacity."About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund is an American nonprofit organization founded in 1985, committed to the dual goals of environmental preservation and economic development. With a mission to protect America’s most critical lands and waters, The Conservation Fund has become a leader in advancing sustainable, community-based conservation efforts.Mission and Vision
The Conservation Fund aims to create solutions that make environmental and economic sense. By blending the benefits of conservation and development, they strive to address pressing environmental challenges while also supporting community prosperity. The organization’s vision is a future where both natural and human communities thrive together, ensuring that the natural world is conserved for future generations while current communities benefit from sustainable development.
Key Initiatives
1. Land Conservation:
The Conservation Fund works to protect landscapes critical to the health of America’s natural environment. This includes preserving forests, rivers, and wildlife habitats. They acquire land to protect it from development and work with government agencies and private partners to ensure its long-term stewardship.
2. Working Lands:
Recognizing that productive land use and conservation can go hand in hand, The Conservation Fund supports working forests, farms, and ranches. By promoting sustainable practices, they help landowners manage their lands in ways that support both economic livelihoods and environmental health.
3. Community Development:
The organization focuses on enhancing community resilience through sustainable development projects. This includes creating parks and green spaces in urban areas, revitalizing historic landmarks, and supporting local economies through eco-friendly tourism and recreation initiatives.
4. Waterways and Coasts:
The Conservation Fund is dedicated to protecting America’s rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. They work to preserve water quality and safeguard critical aquatic ecosystems, ensuring that water resources are managed sustainably for both people and wildlife.
5. Climate Solutions:
Addressing climate change is a core focus of The Conservation Fund. They implement projects that sequester carbon, restore ecosystems, and promote renewable energy. By integrating climate resilience into their conservation strategies, they help mitigate the impacts of climate change on natural and human communities.
Impact and Achievements
Since its inception, The Conservation Fund has protected over 8 million acres of land across the United States. Their innovative approach to conservation finance has enabled them to leverage private, public, and philanthropic investments to achieve significant conservation outcomes. Key achievements include:
• Large-scale land acquisitions: Preserving vast tracts of forestland and critical habitats.
• Urban green space creation: Transforming underutilized urban areas into community parks and recreational spaces.
• Economic benefits: Supporting local economies through eco-friendly initiatives that create jobs and boost tourism.
• Climate action: Implementing projects that have sequestered millions of tons of carbon dioxide.
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----------------------------------------In episode 74 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Scott Saslow, Founder of ONE WORLD Investments, on his journey into impact and sustainable investing, family offices, and his new book.
About Scott:
Scott is an accomplished entrepreneur and impact investor with a proven track record of developing successful businesses and products. He is the founder ONE WORLD Investments, and had key roles at The Institute of Executive Development, Microsoft, and Siebel Systems, among others.
Scott is the author of the book, "Building a Sustainable Family Office: An Insider's Guide to What Works and What Doesn't," published by Greenleaf Publishing Group and available on Amazon.
As an impact investor, advisor, and consultant, Scott works with both for-profit and non-profit social enterprises. He founded ONE WORLD Investments, an organization that provides training and investment capital to social impact enterprises in the Bay Area, aimed at improving lives globally.
About ONE WORLD Investments:
ONE WORLD Investments leverages its Silicon Valley base to offer innovative and profitable approaches to increasing social impact. The organization supports a diverse network of entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate professionals, and provides capital through various investment vehicles to early-stage companies, impact private equity and venture capital funds, and public markets, all aimed at scaling social impact.
About the episode:
Scott discusses his journey into impact investing and the importance of building sustainable family offices. He explains that family offices are the infrastructure created to manage wealth and philanthropy for wealthy individuals and families. However, many family offices are not sustainable and fail during generational transitions.
Scott emphasizes the need for a new model in managing family offices to ensure their longevity and impact. He also explores the role of family offices in impact investing and the ripple effect their failures can have on society.
Family offices are increasingly interested in sustainable and impact investing, but many are still in the early stages of incorporating these strategies. The younger generation within family offices is often the driving force behind these initiatives, as they have a socially minded approach and a desire to make a positive impact.
While many family offices already engage in philanthropy, there is an opportunity to go beyond traditional giving and use investment capital to address social and environmental concerns. The change towards more sustainable and impact-focused family offices can come from both the principles themselves and the non-family professionals they work with.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
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----------------------------------------In episode 73 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Andrea and Jessica La Mesa, co-CEOs of The Life You Can Save, on their journey into the philanthropic sector and the mission of the organization. Since 2013, the organization has catalyzed $100 million in donations to high-impact charities.
They share their backgrounds and how they transitioned from their previous careers to dedicating their time to philanthropy.The Life You Can Save focuses on connecting donors with effective nonprofits in the global health and development space.
They curate a list of organizations that have been independently verified and offer donors confidence in the impact of their donations.
The La Mesas emphasize the importance of strategic and evidence-based philanthropy and the need for ongoing funding partnerships with nonprofits.
About The Life You Can Save
The Life You Can Save was founded in 2013 by philosopher Peter Singer and former executive Charlie Bresler.
The organization was born out of Charlie Bresler's personal quest for impact, inspired by Peter Singer’s book The Life You Can Save. Charlie, a psychologist and business executive, reached out to Peter, and together they formed an organization dedicated to spreading Peter’s ideas and encouraging effective philanthropy.
Over the past decade, their collaboration has inspired global change, resulting in over $100 million in donations to high-impact charities.----------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------In Episode 72 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Alix Lebec, Founder & CEO of LEBEC, on helping visionary founders, funders, and investors maximize value creation and scale solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges.
LEBEC is a pioneering women-owned and led firm that specializes in innovative finance and philanthropy. With a strong presence in both the U.S. and Europe, LEBEC is dedicated to helping visionary founders, funders, and investors maximize value creation and scale solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges.
About Alix
For over 20 years, Alix Lebec has been advising and growing organizations across the philanthropy and sustainable finance ecosystem.
As a member of the founding and executive leadership team at WaterEquity, alongside co-founders Gary White and Matt Damon, Alix spent the past decade building this high-performing global asset manager that invests in water, women, and sanitation in emerging markets.
She has also worked at the World Bank in Paris and Southeast Asia, the Clinton Global Initiative, and Water.org, where she mobilized $260 million in capital and built winning teams.
In 2020, Alix launched LEBEC to support philanthropists, investors, and entrepreneurs worldwide and to shape a paradigm shift in our global financial ecosystem. She is also a Limited Partner and impact advisor at Polymath Ventures, a member of 100 Women in Finance, and a co-founder of the World Climate Tech Summit in Miami.
Alix serves on the Board of iDE Global and is a regular media contributor on philanthropy, innovative finance, and investing in women in emerging markets.
Catalytic Philanthropy: Accelerating Impact
In this interview, Alix emphasizes the concept of catalytic philanthropy—a method that accelerates impact by leveraging philanthropic funds in innovative ways.
She identifies key strategies for philanthropists and investors to dramatically increase their impact beyond writing a check:
Guarantee First Loss: Utilize philanthropic funds as a cushion for investors, encouraging them to engage in high-impact projects.Engage in Impact Investing: Direct capital towards ventures that not only promise financial returns but also generate social and environmental benefits.Foster Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Collaborate across sectors to pool resources, expertise, and networks, maximizing the scale and sustainability of interventions.Measure and Manage Impact: Employ robust impact measurement and management practices to ensure transparency and guide continuous improvement.Reimagining Global Capital Markets for Good
At Lebec, the belief is that it’s critical to think bigger and reimagine how global capital markets can be a force for good—with the goal of unleashing systems change.
The opportunities to donate, invest, and do business in a sustainable manner are vast, ranging from achieving gender, racial, and income equality; addressing climate change; solving the global water crisis; elevating dance and the arts; to ensuring quality education and healthcare for all.
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----------------------------------------In Episode 71 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Kirsten Dueck, CEO of NESsT, on breaking the cycle of poverty by investing front-line entrepreneurs.
About Kirsten
As the CEO of NESsT, Kirsten Dueck fosters trust-based relationships to accelerate impact for corporate, philanthropic, nonprofit, and community stakeholders. In her role, she drives strategy and operations for a leading global impact investor and venture philanthropist.
As CEO of NESsT, she drives strategy and operations for a leading global impact investor and venture philanthropist that has invested more than $30M and trained and supported over 30,000 entrepreneurs across 50 countries, accelerated and financed 243 enterprises sustaining more than 100,000 formal jobs and improving the lives of 1.6million people from the most marginalized communities around the world.Addressing the Urgency of Poverty
Since its inception in 1997, NESsT has been investing in front-line entrepreneurs, catalyzing impact-driven enterprises, and shaping sustainable and equitable futures, especially in emerging market countries.
A significant portion of the global population still grapples with extreme or moderate poverty, while nearly half face low incomes and challenging working conditions.
NESsT recognizes the inherent dignity in providing access to good jobs and reliable income, not just as a means of sustenance but as pathways to empowerment and community upliftment.Invest, Accelerate, Transform: NESsT’s Approach
NESsT's strategy revolves around three core pillars:
Invest, Accelerate, and Transform.
By leveraging donations and patient capital, NESsT channels resources into social enterprises that prioritize creating dignified jobs for those most in need.
These investments are not merely financial; NESsT commits to these enterprises for several years, offering tailored financing and hands-on business development support to navigate the challenges of scaling.
Through this dedicated support, NESsT empowers social entrepreneurs to not only build successful businesses but also to transform communities.
By providing essential skills, technology, and ongoing support, these enterprises become catalysts for sustainable change, fostering economic resilience and fostering dignity.
The Power of Social Enterprises
At the heart of NESsT's philosophy lies the recognition of the unique role that social enterprises play in driving positive change.
Unlike traditional businesses, social enterprises are deeply embedded within their communities, earning trust and understanding local needs intimately.
They align their business interests with the well-being of their communities, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and sustainable
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----------------------------------------In episode, I speak with Brett Hagler, CEO and Co-founder, of New Story Homes, on using philanthropy and market-based solutions to solve the global housing crisis.
The global housing crisis is a staggering issue, affecting 1.6 billion people who live without adequate housing. This crisis stifles the potential of millions of families, particularly women and children, across the globe.New Story Homes, a nonprofit organization, has set out to tackle this problem through a unique blend of philanthropy and market-based solutions.
By integrating innovative technology with community-focused strategies, New Story Homes is revolutionizing the path to homeownership for vulnerable families.
Takeaways
New Story's journey began with a mission to help vulnerable families access life-changing housing, leading to a decade-long evolution of its strategy and model.The transition to a market-based solution involved challenges, resistance, and a two-year metamorphosis, resulting in a hybrid model that combines philanthropy with profitable financing and lending.The future of New Story involves executing its model to attract large pools of capital, focusing on creating a product that customers love, and building a track record for accessing significant funding.The conversation highlights the potential of market-based solutions in the nonprofit sector and the importance of addressing important social problems through innovative approaches.Sound Bites
"I think you learn by doing."
"I would love to try to help as many people as possible have life-changing housing."
Empowering Through Land Ownership
At the heart of New Story Homes' mission is the concept of land ownership. In many parts of Latin America, securing land is the first critical step towards economic stability and homeownership. New Story Homes helps families purchase land, build creditworthiness, and unlock home financing. This approach shifts families from being mere beneficiaries of charity to active participants in their journey out of poverty.By developing and selling land equipped with essential municipal utilities—water, sewage, electricity, and roads—at affordable monthly rates, New Story Homes ensures that these properties are not only accessible but also sustainable and integrated into the local urban context.
Innovative Housing Solutions
One of the standout innovations of New Story Homes is the use of 3D printing technology to build homes quickly and cost-effectively.This method significantly reduces construction time and expenses compared to traditional building techniques, making it possible to provide immediate relief to families in need.
Beyond construction, New Story Homes focuses on the entire community-building process, developing housing products that meet the unique demands of local regions.
Families can use their land as collateral to secure first-time home financing, allowing them to either purchase one of New Story's housing prototypes or self-build the home that best suits their needs.
The Role of Philanthropy and Impact Investments
New Story Homes recognizes that addressing the housing crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Philanthropy plays a crucial role in funding the initial stages of projects, allowing the organization to acquire land and develop infrastructure.
However, to achieve scalable impact, New Story Homes pairs philanthropic funds with impact investments.
This blend enables the organization to extend its reach further down the market, serving families who are often excluded from traditional housing solutions.
By focusing on sustainable, market-based solutions, New Story Homes ensures that its initiatives not only provide immediate relief but also foster long-term economic growth and stability in the communities it serves.
Success and Future Innovations
The success of New Story Homes can be seen in the thousands of families who now live in safe, affordable homes in countries like Haiti, El Salvador, Mexico, and Bolivia. Each project is a testament to the power of innovation and community collaboration in solving one of the world's most pressing social issues.
Looking ahead, New Story Homes continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in affordable housing, exploring new technologies and strategies to further reduce costs and increase the speed of home construction.
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----------------------------------------In Episode 70 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Zoila Jennings, Impact Investment Lead at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, on poverty alleviation and systems change through targeted community financing.
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Sound Bites
"The limit does not exist in philanthropy. I think with banks, they're highly regulated, and it does limit what they can do in terms of flexible financing.""We're a systems level investor. So I don't say, oh, I'm focused on housing or small business. On the community development side, I say, where is the capital now going and where are places that we should really pilot, test, bring in other investors to join."About Zoila
Zoila Jennings joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 2021, bringing her career focus on social justice and poverty alleviation—through targeted community financing—to her role as an impact investments officer. Prior to this, Zoila served as a senior relationship manager with U.S. Bank, the fifth largest commercial bank in the United States, as part of its Community Development Corporation.In this position, she sourced, structured, and underwrote loans and equity investments for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). She also developed and executed investment initiatives aimed at addressing racial inequities, including a $25 million fund to support women of color microbusiness owners and the first CDFI-issued racial equity bond for targeted investments in underserved communities of color.
Before joining U.S. Bank, Zoila spent a decade at JPMorgan Chase in New York, taking on various roles, including vice president for Community Development-New Markets Tax Credits.
Here, she utilized tax equity to structure community development transactions. As a credit underwriter, she managed a credit portfolio that encompassed lending, from small working capital lines to large syndicated tax-exempt debt obligations, to nonprofit hospitals, higher education institutions, and social services agencies.
In other roles, she founded a consulting firm specializing in credit underwriting, loan structuring, and financial due diligence for loans and investments benefiting low-income communities.
Zoila holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and a BS in Business Economics with a concentration in Catholic Studies from Fordham University.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is a force in the realm of philanthropy, employing a multifaceted approach that includes grantmaking, policy change, and impact investing to dismantle barriers to health and wellbeing.At the heart of RWJF's mission is the belief that everyone in the U.S. should have the opportunity to live their healthiest life possible. Achieving this goal requires equitable capital flow to communities historically deprived of investment due to generations of racist policies and structural racism.
About RWJF Impact InvestmentsRWJF stands as a national leader in philanthropy, committed to transforming health across the nation within our lifetime. Through impact investments—which encompass deposits, loans, equity investments, and guarantees—RWJF collaborates with both public and private sector investors to channel more capital into underinvested communities.
The foundation's vision encompasses flourishing communities where clean, safe drinking water and stable housing are accessible to all, jobs pay a living wage, and everyone has a fair chance to thrive.
Since 2010, RWJF has allocated $625 million to impact investments, addressing structural barriers that perpetuate health inequities.
These barriers include historical and ongoing disinvestment in housing, jobs, water infrastructure, and other critical community conditions. RWJF's investments target improving health and economic opportunities for communities, small business owners, and households that have historically faced a lack of investment, such as rural communities, communities of color, and low-income communities.
RWJF aims to attract or "leverage" $1 billion from other investors—including banks, commercial lenders, insurance companies, and private investors—by 2025 to further this mission.
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----------------------------------------In Episode 69 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Alasdair Maclay, Chief Strategy Officer at GSG Impact, on impact data and strategic leadership in Impact Investing.
About Alasdair
Alasdair Maclay is the Chief Strategy Officer at GSG Impact, where he serves on the Executive Committee and oversees the organization’s strategy, communications, development, and funding.
From 2014 to 2019, Alasdair was the Director of Strategy at the Rhodes Trust, where he led philanthropic fundraising efforts totaling over £300 million, facilitated international expansion across Africa and Asia, and established strategic operating partnerships.
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Alasdair has specialized in emerging markets investment. His career includes a significant tenure at Actis, an emerging markets private equity fund manager, after joining CDC. He also worked for Sovereign Capital, a UK private equity firm, and Bain and Company, a global consulting firm.
Alasdair holds an MBA from INSEAD and a joint honours degree in Russian and Czech language and literature from the University of Oxford.
An active impact investor and entrepreneur, Alasdair is committed to achieving environmental and social outcomes.
Our Discussion
The conversation covers Alasdair Maclay's journey into impact investing, the work of GSG Impact, and the concept of impact valuation.
It delves into the challenges and opportunities of impact investing, the role of blended finance, and the vision for a new economic system where impact is at the heart of every decision.
The discussion also explores the use of impact valuation in making investment decisions and the potential for transparency in impact data through barcodes and consumer apps.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to impact accounting, government policies, financial incentives, and the future of impact investing.
It explores the challenges and opportunities in driving better outcomes for people and the planet, with a focus on the role of governments, financial markets, and local interventions.
The discussion also highlights the importance of mandatory impact accounting, capital mobilization in emerging markets, and the need for collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable impact.
Takeaways
Alasdair Maclay's journey from private equity to impact investing highlights the shift towards investment with purpose and the focus on driving positive impact alongside financial returns.The concept of impact valuation and the use of blended finance as tools to attract private capital for positive impact are key aspects of the conversation.The vision for a new economic system where impact is at the heart of every decision and the potential for impact transparency through barcodes and consumer apps reflect the evolving landscape of impact investing and sustainability.The discussion emphasizes the importance of consistent impact data, the role of asset owners and asset managers in driving impact valuation, and the potential for impact accounting to become mandatory for businesses. The importance of data to inform impact-led decisionsChallenges and opportunities in transitioning to a greener economyThe role of financial incentives in driving positive behaviors and impactThe significance of local interventions and sustainable solutionsThe need for mandatory impact accounting and harmonized reporting standardsThe potential for increased capital flow into emerging markets and its impact on economic growthSound Bites
"I think blended finance is one of the tools that can be used to attract private capital.""Our vision is an economic system where impact is at the heart of every investment, government, consumer spending decision.""Data to help inform impact-led decisions""The value of local intervention by people on the ground"----------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------In this episode, I speak with Hardika Shah, Founder and CEO of Kinara Capital, on transforming lives and local economies, by providing access to capital for small business entrepreneurs.
Armed with a mission to empower the 70 million small business entrepreneurs in the country, Kinara has embarked on a journey to provide fast and flexible collateral-free business loans. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a dedication to customer service, Kinara Capital revolutionized the lending landscape with its digital processes and doorstep assistance.
Over the years, the company has disbursed more than $300 million to over 40,000 small business entrepreneurs, ushering thousands into the realm of financial inclusion. This transformative journey has not only created jobs and spurred economic growth but has also generated over $100 million in incremental income for MSMEs across India.
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Hardika honed her skills as a management consultant, working on projects for global companies across the USA, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Her passion for social impact led her to devote nearly a decade to mentoring emerging social entrepreneurs.
At Kinara Capital, the mission is clear: to transform lives, livelihoods, and local economies by providing access to capital for every entrepreneur. With a vision of a financially inclusive world, Hardika and her team continue to pave the way for a brighter future for small business entrepreneurs across India.
I hope you enjoy the conversation, until next time, stay humble and stay creative.
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Impact Startup News.Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world.
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----------------------------------------In Episode 68 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Robert Keith, the Founder and Managing Principal of Beartooth, on how environmental stewardship can be synonymous with financial gains.
Robert holds a strong belief that the diverse financial tools and innovative growth/exit strategies available to small business owners should also be accessible to ranch owners. With this vision, he co-founded Beartooth in 2005 to empower ranchers with these resources.In his role at Beartooth, Robert oversees all operations, with a particular emphasis on cultivating meaningful relationships in capital sourcing, investment structuring, and management.
Before establishing Beartooth, Robert gained valuable experience at various financial institutions, including an agricultural investment company, a private equity investment firm, and Morgan Stanley, an investment bank. He holds a degree in Economics from Yale University and a business degree from Stanford University.Despite his academic and professional pursuits, Robert consistently found himself drawn back to his family's ranch near Cody, Wyoming. Eventually, he made the decision to cease commuting to coastal regions for work and instead founded Beartooth to pursue his passion for supporting ranchers and their communities.
About Beartooth
Beartooth Group is a Bozeman-based conservation investment firm. Founded in 2004, Beartooth partners with ranch sellers, owners, investors, and buyers to restore and steward the lands, waters, and wildlife of the American West. Beartooth does this by crafting creative solutions to conservation and economic challenges.
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----------------------------------------In Episode 67 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Erin Sietstra, Head of Investments at Hopelab Ventures, on her journey, Health Tech, Medicare startups, and the mission and vision of Hopelab.
Erin is responsible for the development and oversight of Hopelab’s work investing in organizations and companies that aim to improve the health and well-being of teens and young adults. In her role, she sources, executes, and manages investments, positioning Hopelab as both a financial and a strategic partner to entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and innovators.
As a social impact investor, Hopelab Ventures invests in companies that support the mental health and well-being of adolescents, particularly in underserved communities. The organization backs founders with lived experience related to the youth and mental health topics it supports. The team believes those founders are uniquely equipped to develop effective solutions.
Hopelab Ventures’ investment approach combines early-stage capital with expertise in research, design, youth co-creation, and payment models to support the development and adoption of better, more diverse, and accessible mental health and well-being solutions for young people at scale.
When you get a chance, please share, rate, and subscribe to the podcast. Enjoy the interview.
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----------------------------------------Hi everyone, this is Grant at Causeartist, welcome to this weeks Investing in Impact Brief. This week showcases some significant capital injections into the fields of climate tech and affordable housing.
In our first piece of news, Satgana, a venture capital firm prioritizing climate tech solutions, has completed the final close of its first fund. Falling short of its €30 million target due to challenging fundraising conditions for first-time fund managers, they've nevertheless accrued €8 million. The company plans to back up to 30 early-stage climate-tech startups in Africa and Europe.
Moving along, we look at New Summit Investments, which has entered the fundraising arena with ambitions to raise a new $100 million impact fund. Signaling a robust confidence in the continuous attractiveness of environmental and social impact ventures, New Summit's latest fund represents a significant leap from their previous $40 million.
Up next, the state of Texas makes headlines with its bold decision to sever ties with BlackRock, withdrawing a massive $8.5 billion in assets. At the heart of the matter is the controversial and increasingly politicized ESG investing strategy. While ESG principles have been praised for promoting sustainability, Texas officials are pushing back, viewing it as an ideological maneuver that jeopardizes the traditional energy sectors.
Lastly, we report on ABP, one of the largest global pension funds. They have declared a reduction in investments that significantly affect the climate, aiming to allocate more capital to companies and projects that are socially and environmentally positive. The Dutch fund, managing approximately 502 billion euros ($545 billion), intends to invest a minimum of 30 billion euros in "impact investments" by 2030, particularly in affordable and sustainable housing and energy projects.
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