Afleveringen
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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.
Welcome to Causeartist.
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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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This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
----------------------------------------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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This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
----------------------------------------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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Hi everyone, this is Grant at Causeartist, welcome to the Investing in Impact Brief. This week showcases some significant capital injections into the fields of climate technology and regenerative agriculture.
First up, Montauk Climate, a new incubator committed to pioneering climate, infrastructure, and energy solutions, has made headlines with an $8.5 million launch. The incubator is set on assembling the finest tech minds to spur the transition to a sustainable, electrified future. Their focus is on harnessing experienced talent to turn innovative technologies into scalable companies.
In the agriculture sector, The Rockefeller Foundation joins Mad Capital's Perennial Fund II with a focus on expanding regenerative organic farming. They've invested $50 million to support American farmers aiming for both ecological and financial strength. With less than 1% of U.S. farmland certified organic, access to capital stands as a formidable barrier. Funds like Perennial Fund II are integral to meeting the spike in consumer demand for regenerative organic products. Since its advent in 2019, Mad Capital has committed over $25 million to 30 farmers, supporting more than 10,500 acres transition to organic.
In other developments within the climate technology sector, Silence, an innovative venture capital firm specializing in climate technology, has unveiled its strategy to support environmental initiatives. Their investment fund, totaling $35 million, oversees a diverse portfolio encompassing virtual power plants and circular economy marketplaces.
Moving to Asia, where Fullerton Fund Management has attracted $100 million in their quest to accelerate decarbonization across emerging markets. The fund explicitly targets investments in companies that are not only committed to but are also actively lowering their carbon footprint. This initiative represents a concrete effort in aligning financial growth with environmental responsibility, an essential consideration in today's impact investment landscape.
Engaging primarily with Asian companies, the Fullerton Carbon Action Fund has a unique strategy. It concentrates on a specific niche in the market that has so far been underserved: businesses with high carbon emissions that are on a clear trajectory towards reducing their environmental impact. It's about fueling the transition of these companies, and effectively, the industry at large.
Finally, we arrive in Brussels, where World Fund has grown to 300 million euros. This venture capital firm is dedicated to supporting startups that develop technologies to combat climate change. Even with economic turmoil affecting private equity, major players like BPI France and PWC Germany have invested in World Fund, signaling a strong conviction in the dual potential of profitable investments and environmental benefits.
Thank you for tuning in. Until next time, stay humble and stay creative.
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What's up everybody this is Grant at Causeartist, welcome to the Investing in Impact podcast, where we interview Impact Investors, General Partners, and Family Offices from around the world.
Each week conversations will bring on industry insiders to discuss the latest news, topics, and trends in impact investing.
My apologies for the delay on new episodes, but the Investing in Impact podcast is back with weekly episodes this year! And when there's big news in the industry, I'll be hopping in with quick updates on those interesting topics.
As always, if you have any questions or thoughts, shoot me an email at [email protected].
In Episode 66 of the Investing in Impact podcast, Causeartist contributor, Rafael Aldon, speaks with Anshul Magotra, cofounder and partner at Social Innovation Circle. Anshul shares her journey from a career in banking to working in the impact venture sector.
She also talks about how she stumbled into the world of social innovation through volunteering at Ashoka, where she discovered the power of social entrepreneurs and their innovative solutions.
This experience led Anshul to co-found Social Innovation Circle, an organization that supports social entrepreneurs and impact investors. Anshul emphasizes the importance of funding for social entrepreneurs and the need for expertise in finance and business to help them scale their impact.
She also highlights the role of angel investors and the creation of a syndicate to increase the flow of capital into social enterprises. Anshul also touches on their unique business model, which revolves around coaching, capital, concepts, and community.
When you get a chance, please share, rate, and subscribe to the podcast. Enjoy the interview.
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Addy is a dynamic Investment Manager at Regenerate Ventures, focusing on fundraising, deal flow, and portfolio management. With her diverse experience across agri-tech, VC, and regenerative agriculture, she excels at bridging the gap between investors and entrepreneurs.
Previously, Addy built her own grab-and-go restaurant business in London, giving her valuable insight into the challenges facing startups seeking funding. She leverages this entrepreneurial spirit in her work sourcing and evaluating high-potential investments.
Prior to joining Regenerate, Addy held positions at Imprimatur Capital, Forward Food Tech, and Europe's largest regenerative farming project, Wildfarmed. In these roles, she developed specialized skills in agriculture technology, venture capital, and sustainable food systems.
Addy thrives on making connections between investors and world-positive startups. With her well-rounded background, she is a trusted partner for building regenerative portfolios.About Regenerate Asset Management
Regenerate is actively involved in a global network bridging the gap between natural capital and the international finance community. In areas such as sustainable agriculture, the right approach creates opportunities to positively impact the environment while producing high quality food and fiber.
Regenerate's agricultural investments focus on improving soil health, which has positive ripple effects on biodiversity, water quality, and farming economics. Through its network, Regenerate is linking the worlds of finance and regeneration to fund scalable and impactful solutions.
With a mission to heal the planet, Regenerate makes investments that restore natural systems while delivering competitive financial returns.
The company is at the forefront of driving capital towards regenerative projects that benefit both people and planet.
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Alina serves as the CEO and Managing Partner of The Radical Fund, an early-stage VC fund with a unique mission – investing in and supporting entrepreneurs who are driving rapid solutions for an inclusive climate transition, strengthening the foundations of a more resilient Southeast Asia. Connect with Alina on LinkedIn.
In addition to her role at The Radical Fund, Alina is a Co-Founder and former Chief Strategy Officer of Founders Factory Africa, a powerhouse in early-stage venture investment across the African continent, headquartered in Johannesburg. With a track record of raising over $140 million from LPs and investors for the Africa funds, the organization now boasts a portfolio of more than 55 companies and a dedicated team of over 45 professionals working across the continent.
One of Alina's recent achievements is securing a groundbreaking partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, worth $107 million, with a primary focus on driving increased investment and support to the early-stage ecosystem. This initiative aims to create over 2.7 million jobs and empower over 1500 inspiring entrepreneurs to become fully fledged founders, shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.
But Alina's impactful journey doesn't stop there. Prior to her role at Founders Factory Africa, she spearheaded corporate partnerships at SPRING, an organization dedicated to scaling over 75 Pre-Seed tech ventures in nine countries across East Africa and South Asia. Working alongside a team of 40+ local and global experts, SPRING reached over 2.5 million adolescent girls and women, a feat independently evaluated by Tetra Tech Impact Management.
Before her work at SPRING, Alina dedicated seven years to the World Bank Group, where she forged critical collaborations with governments, corporations, and other multilateral development agencies, contributing to the advancement of social and economic development.
Alina's career began in Australia, where she honed her skills at two global companies within the WPP Group, operating across the Asia Pacific region and serving renowned clients such as BP, Kodak, GE Money, and Fosters Group.About The Radical Fund
The Radical Fund is an early-stage VC fund dedicated to investing in founders who are actively advancing climate resilience in Southeast Asia. Their portfolio comprises a spectrum of adaptation and mitigation ventures, fostering an inclusive climate transition toward a sustainable future.
The fund recognizes that climate mitigation and decarbonization efforts, on their own, are insufficient to address the unique challenges faced by emerging markets in coping with climate change. These nations, disproportionately affected by environmental shifts, require more comprehensive solutions that go beyond emissions reduction.
The Radical Fund's investments are directed towards early-stage entrepreneurs who possess an intimate understanding of their customers - their needs, behaviors, and specific market or industry challenges. These founders have not only identified a pressing issue within their domain but have also rolled up their sleeves to actively seek innovative solutions.
Their Vision:
The Radical Fund envisions a future where, by 2030, Southeast Asia emerges as the world's premier hub for early-stage climate ventures. This vision hinges on the development of scaled products and services, thoughtfully tailored to the requirements of individuals residing in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia. In this vision, climate mitigation efforts are seamlessly integrated with climate adaptation solutions. -
Krisztina Tora, as the Chief Market Development Officer at GSG, plays a pivotal role in mobilizing capital for positive impact across 70 nations. Her expertise extends to advising governments, financial institutions, and other stakeholders on strategies to accelerate capital flow, ultimately benefiting both people and the planet. She champions the cause of systemic change, with a particular emphasis on addressing the financing gap for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in emerging markets. Krisztina also leads efforts to drive policy transformations and the establishment of innovative financial instruments and impact funds.
Before joining GSG, Krisztina was a co-founder and leader of the Global Social Entrepreneurship Network (GSEN), a worldwide network of organizations dedicated to supporting early-stage social entrepreneurs across more than 50 countries, impacting the lives of over 2.5 million people globally.
Krisztina's unwavering passion for making a difference has been a constant throughout her career. Prior to 2013, she held the position of Director at a prominent strategy consultancy, specializing in forging partnerships between multinational corporations and NGOs or social enterprises. Earlier in her career, she served as the International Projects Manager at Veolia, a global utilities company.
She holds an MBA from ESSEC Business School in Paris, is fluent in French, Hungarian, English, and Spanish, and possesses proficient skills in German and Portuguese. -
In Episode 62 of the Investing in Impact podcast, Causeartist contributor, Rafael Aldon, speaks with Jessica Burley, Investor at Planet A Ventures, on investing in early-stage startups that are developing climate change solutions.
Jessica Burley is an investor at Planet A Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in climate tech startups. She holds a Politics degree from Cambridge University and has a background in climate finance and sustainable development. Prior to joining Planet A, she worked as an analyst at a climate VC firm and as a researcher for the United Nations.
What is Planet A Ventures?
Planet A Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in climate tech startups. The firm was founded in 2022 and has raised €160 million for its first fund, which it plans to invest in early-stage startups that are developing solutions to climate change.
Planet A's Investment Thesis
Science-based targets: Planet A only invests in startups that have set ambitious science-based targets to reduce their emissions.Impact: Planet A measures the impact of its investments on the environment.Diversity: Planet A is committed to investing in a diverse set of startups, including those founded by women and people of color.
Planet A invests in climate tech startups that are working to decarbonize the economy. The firm's investment thesis is based on the following pillars:
Some of the Companies in Planet A's Portfolio
Carbon Re: Carbon Re is a company that uses artificial intelligence to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.Makersite: Makersite is a company that helps companies manage their product supply chains in a sustainable way.one.five: one.five is a company that makes circular biomaterials that can replace single-use plastics.
Some of the companies in Planet A's portfolio include:
Planet A Ventures is a leading venture capital firm that is investing in climate tech startups. The firm's mission is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy. Fridtjof Detzner and the team at Planet A are passionate about making a positive impact on the planet, and they are committed to investing in the next generation of climate tech innovators.
If you are a startup that is developing solutions to climate change, I encourage you to reach out to Planet A Ventures. The firm is always looking for new investment opportunities. -
In Episode 61 of the Investing in Impact podcast, Causeartist contributor, Rafael Aldon, speaks with Arman Anatürk, the Co-Founder and CEO of HackCapital, on building the infrastructure platform for sustainable finance.
Arman Anatürk is the Co-Founder and CEO of HackCapital, an investment platform that aims to unlock billions in new capital towards private companies working on impact solutions. He is also a founding member of FoodHack, the world's largest foodtech community.Arman is passionate about using technology to solve some of the world's biggest challenges, such as climate change and food security. He believes that HackCapital can play a key role in mobilizing capital towards these important areas.
Arman is a strong advocate for building community and infrastructure to support impact investing. He believes that by working together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future.
About HackCapital
HackCapital is a platform that provides purpose-built fundraising and liquidity tools for impact funds and startups. The platform offers a variety of features, including:
Roll-up vehicles: This feature allows startups and syndicates to roll up multiple investors as a single line on their cap table. This can make it easier for startups to raise capital and for investors to track their investments. Bring in an unlimited number of smaller ticket investors, without crowding your cap table.Feeder funds: This feature allows fund managers to roll up multiple investors as a single LP into their fund. This can help fund managers to raise capital more quickly and efficiently.Micro vehicles: This feature is designed for emerging managers who are looking for an alternative option to quickly set up and raise an investment vehicle.Custom structures: HackCapital can also help investors to structure investments into target assets. This can be helpful for investors who are looking to invest in specific impact sectors or regions.In addition to these features, HackCapital also offers a number of benefits, including:
New investor base: HackCapital can help investors to access a new pool of investors who are interested in impact investing.Increased liquidity: HackCapital's platform is designed to accommodate secondaries, which can help investors to sell their investments more easily.Fully digitized: HackCapital's platform is fully digitized, which can save time and money for investors and fund managers.24-hour setup speed: HackCapital's platform can be set up in a matter of hours, not weeks.Neutrality: HackCapital is a neutral platform, which means that it does not compete with its investors or investees.EU based: HackCapital is based in Switzerland and Luxembourg, which gives it a strong legal and regulatory framework.HackCapital is a valuable tool for impact investors and fund managers who are looking to raise capital and manage their investments more effectively. The platform's features and benefits can help investors to access a new pool of investors, increase liquidity, save time and money, and achieve their impact goals.
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In Episode 60 of the Investing in Impact podcast, Causeartist contributor, Rafael Aldon, speaks with Laura Ortiz Montemayor, Founder of SVX México and GP at Regenera Ventures Fund, on preserving biodiversity and advocating for real Impact Investing.
Laura Ortiz Montemayor is a living-systems thinker and mompreneur. As the founder of SVX México, she is deeply passionate about fostering Regenerative Culture, preserving biodiversity, and advocating for Impact Investing. Laura's ultimate mission is to redirect capital towards serving life rather than controlling it, and she dedicates her efforts to transforming investment paradigms.
Over the years, Laura has focused her work on driving social, economic, and environmental justice through providing advice and education on Impact Investment. She actively contributes as a board member of the Mexico Impact Investing Steering Committee and Taskforce (AII MX) and volunteers as a mentor for ALTERNARE A.C. Laura is also one of the founding members of the ASEM (Mexican Association of Entrepreneurs).
Currently, Laura and her business partner, Stevie Smyth, are diligently structuring their inaugural fund, Regenera Ventures. This fund is dedicated to investing in the regenerative transition for rural Mexico, with a gender lens and a landscape approach. Laura's expertise has reached an extensive audience, as she has taught impact investing, climate finance, and regenerative economy principles to over 1,400 Latin American investors. Her valuable insights have been shared in various countries, amplifying her impact on a global scale.
Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Laura accumulated over eight years of experience in wealth and asset management, working with prestigious institutions such as BBVA and Citi Banamex. Her educational background includes a degree in International Business from ITESM (Tec de Monterrey), along with certifications in Impact Investment from Oxford University, Regenerative Entrepreneurship from UCI, Venture Capital and Private Equity Seminar from RiskMathics, Investment Management training from ANDE, and Behavioral Economics from NYU.
Laura's commitment to making a difference extends beyond her professional endeavors. As an angel investor in Desplastifícate and a micro investor through collective finance in two other social and environmental impact companies, she actively supports ventures aligned with her values. Laura's unwavering dedication and diverse experiences make her a true force for positive change.
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In Episode 59 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Machtelt Groothuis, founding partner of Rubio Impact Ventures, on backing entrepreneurs who unite powerful impact with a scalable commercial business.
Machtelt is a founding partner of Rubio Impact Ventures, an impact investment firm that backs entrepreneurs who unite powerful impact with a scalable commercial business. She is passionate about using capital to drive positive change and has over 20 years of experience in the impact investing and social enterprise space.
Before founding Rubio Impact Ventures, Machtelt was a Managing Director at 3i, a leading global private equity firm, where she led the firm's impact investing activities in Europe. She also served as a Director at AlpInvest Partners, a leading global private equity firm, where she focused on investments in the healthcare and technology sectors.
About Rubio Impact Ventures
Rubio Impact Ventures is an impact investment firm that backs entrepreneurs who unite powerful impact with a scalable commercial business. They believe that the most valuable companies will be the ones solving humanity's biggest challenges.The Rubio Impact Ventures team is passionate about using capital to drive positive change. They have a deep understanding of the impact investing landscape and are committed to finding and supporting the best entrepreneurs in the world.
The investment philosophy of Rubio Impact Ventures is centered around long-term partnerships and collaborative relationships. They aim to be more than just a source of capital by actively working alongside founders to help them navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and scale their businesses.
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In Episode 58 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we speak with Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, Entrepreneur, Investor, and Philanthropist on his life's journey and the future of climate investing and climate startups.
Michael W. Sonnenfeldt is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. With a visionary mindset, he spearheaded the groundbreaking transformation of the Harborside Financial Center in Jersey City, NJ during the 1980s, making it the largest commercial renovation project of its time. Michael went on to establish and lead Emmes & Company, a distinguished real estate investment boutique specializing in the acquisition of distressed portfolios.
Having an extensive background in renewable energy, Michael's journey in this sector began with the creation of SOL, a solar company that he built from the ground up. Eventually, SOL was acquired by Carmanah Technologies Corp., a reputable Canadian company engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of solar products and systems. His knowledge and expertise in renewable energy span over several decades.
Educationally, Michael holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, further enhancing his foundation for success. Building upon his entrepreneurial achievements, he founded Tiger 21, an esteemed learning and investment network catering to high-net-worth individuals. This platform offers a unique space for peers to engage in open discussions about family, legacy, and investment, allowing Michael to share his evolving priorities.
Michael's dedication extends beyond his professional endeavors. Over the past twenty-five years, he has actively contributed to numerous non-profit organizations focusing on crucial causes such as the environment, climate change, national security, Middle East peace, international peacekeeping, the US/UN relationship, and communal development. His commitment to these important issues influences both his business and philanthropic work, shaping the mission of MUUS to invest in a more sustainable and livable future.
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In Episode 57 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we speak with Shuyin Tang, Partner at Patamar Capital and Co-Founder & CEO at the Beacon Fund, on empowering female entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia's emerging markets.
Shuyin is a Partner at Patamar Capital, a leading impact investing firm in Southeast Asia. She holds responsibility for Patamar's investing activities in the Mekong region and has successfully led investments into education, FinTech, employee benefits, and healthcare companies. Shuyin plays a pivotal role in spearheading Patamar’s gender lens investing efforts, overseeing the management of the Investing in Women Fund, which stands as one of Southeast Asia's pioneering gender lens investing funds.
Additionally, she co-founded and currently serves as the CEO of the Beacon Fund, an innovative fund dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia's emerging markets.
With a wealth of experience across various domains, Shuyin has worked in strategy consulting at Bain & Company, development consulting at TechnoServe, and impact investing at Patamar Capital and LGT Venture Philanthropy. Her professional journey has taken her through Australia, India, and Southeast Asia. In addition to her private sector roles, she has also served in the U.S. Congress, the Australian public service, as well as at The Lowy Institute for International Policy and UNICEF.
Shuyin's exceptional contributions have garnered recognition throughout her career. She was honored as one of Australia's "100 Women of Influence" by the Australian Financial Review in 2015, identified as an Asia 21 Young Leader by the Asia Society in 2016, and acknowledged as one of the “40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians” in 2020.
Currently, she actively serves on the Investment Advisory Council of the Equality Fund and the Impact Investing Council of the Global Private Capital Association. Shuyin graduated summa cum laude from the Australian National University, where she was awarded the University Medal for her outstanding academic achievements.
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In Episode 56 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we speak with Sarah Nolet, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Tenacious Ventures, on backing early-stage Agtech companies to tackle climate change.
Sarah is the co-founder of Tenacious Ventures, a specialized agrifood tech venture firm that operates with a high-support, high conviction approach. Throughout her career, Sarah has played a pivotal role in cultivating the early-stage agtech ecosystem.
Her contributions range from advising numerous startups and designing accelerator programs to consulting established agribusinesses. Additionally, Sarah has worked closely with industry, universities, and government bodies to develop and implement forward-thinking initiatives that drive food system innovation.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Sarah also hosts the highly acclaimed AgTech...So What? podcast. Through this platform, she shares captivating stories of innovators who are actively shaping the future of the food system, offering insights and inspiration to her audience.She holds a Masters in System Design and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she gained a deep understanding of complex systems and their management. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Human Factors Engineering at Tufts University, equipping her with a strong foundation in technology and its human-centered applications.
Sarah Nolet's multifaceted expertise, combined with her extensive experience and academic qualifications, position her as a prominent figure in the realm of food systems innovation. Her contributions to the agtech ecosystem and her commitment to driving positive change have established her as a respected leader in the industry.
In an era of increasing environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable solutions, Tenacious Ventures has emerged as a leading force in supporting early-stage companies that are revolutionizing the food and agriculture industry.With a strong commitment to driving carbon neutrality and resilience in the face of climate change, Tenacious Ventures is actively investing in innovative startups that are transforming the way we produce, distribute, and consume food.
In 2019, Tenacious Ventures embarked on its journey and successfully raised A$35 million for its inaugural fund in 2021. This achievement was made possible through significant cornerstone commitments of A$8 million each from two influential entities: the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Grok Ventures, the private investment firm owned by Mike and Annie Cannon-Brookes.
Since then, Tenacious Ventures has been actively deploying its funds and supporting a diverse range of innovative companies that are driving positive change in the food and agriculture sector.
The firm has recently initiated the fundraising process for its second fund. The firm aims to raise a total of A$70 million ($47 million; €47 million) for this fund, demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovative startups in the agricultural technology sector.
Cecil: An innovative natural capital platform that enables sustainable management and restoration of ecosystems. Cecil's unique approach aligns economic incentives with environmental outcomes, promoting the conservation and enhancement of natural resources.Goterra: A pioneering waste management start-up that revolutionizes the processing and conversion of organic waste. Goterra's innovative technology provides sustainable solutions for waste management while simultaneously creating valuable outputs such as nutrient-rich compost and livestock feed.SwarmFarm Robotics: A cutting-edge autonomous agricultural vehicle platform that streamlines and optimizes farming operations. By harnessing advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, SwarmFarm Robotics enhances efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in the agriculture industry.Nori: A US-based carbon marketplace that offers a unique platform for the exchange and monetization of carbon credits. Nori empowers farmers and landowners to earn revenue by implementing sustainable land management practices that sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.Vow: A pioneering cellular agriculture company that focuses on producing high-quality, sustainable, and cruelty-free animal products without the need for traditional farming. Vow's innovative approach leverages cellular technology to cultivate meat, dairy, and other animal products, minimizing the environmental impact of conventional livestock farming.RapidAIM: A digital crop protection platform that employs advanced technologies, including sensors and data analytics, to enable early detection and monitoring of pest infestations in crops. By providing real-time insights, RapidAIM empowers farmers to make informed decisions and implement targeted pest control strategies, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.Nowadays: A forward-thinking sustainable protein company that leverages plant-based sources to create delicious and nutritious alternatives to traditional animal products. Nowadays focuses on developing sustainable protein options that are both environmentally friendly and meet the growing demand for plant-based food choices.
Among the notable investments made by Tenacious Ventures from its first fund, Fund I, are:
These investments reflect Tenacious Ventures' commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and positive environmental impact within the food and agriculture industry. Through strategic partnerships and financial support, Tenacious Ventures is playing a vital role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for the sector. -
In Episode 55 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we speak with Kevin Tayebaly, Co-Founder of ChangeNow, on building one of the largest impact events in the world, attended by 40,000 people, including 1,200 impact investors!
About Kevin
After spending his early career in strategy consulting, Kevin founded his first social venture in Mumbai, India in 2008. The venture aimed to democratize the cultural space in the city by offering local activities targeted towards underprivileged populations. In 2012, inspired by the tech wave, he returned to Europe to work with several tech startups undergoing exponential and global growth.During his time at INSEAD in 2014-2015, Kevin reflected on his career experiences and began exploring the concept of mission-driven companies that combine purpose with a scalable business model. He went on to found his second impact venture, an e-commerce platform supporting local independent retailers in large cities. His efforts earned him the BCG Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2016.
In 2017, Kevin co-founded ChangeNOW, the world's largest event for the planet, with the goal of promoting a new, virtuous, and responsible business culture globally. His achievements and leadership in the field earned him a place on the Choiseul 100 list in 2023, recognizing top French economic leaders under 40 years old.
About ChangeNow
ChangeNOW 2023 is a three-day summit that brings together the most innovative solutions and impactful changemakers tackling our planet’s biggest challenges, to take action, together. ChangeNOW builds bridges between the entrepreneurs, business leaders and policy-makers to accelerate change.The 2023 edition of the ChangeNow Summit was held in the heart of Paris, at the Grand Palais, from May 25th to May 27st. The event attracts over 40,000 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and policymakers, from more than 120 countries.
One of the highlights of the summit was the exhibition area, which featured over 1,000 projects and solutions from around the world. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the exhibitors, learn about their products and services, and network with like-minded individuals. The exhibition area was divided into several zones, including Energy & Mobility, Food & Agriculture, Circular Economy, and Social & Inclusive Business.
In addition to the exhibition area, the summit featured a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops on various topics related to sustainability and innovation. Speakers included business leaders, policymakers, and social entrepreneurs who shared their experiences, insights, and visions for a better future. Some of the key themes that emerged from the discussions were the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the role of technology in driving positive change.
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In Episode 54 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we speak with Milti Chryssavgis, CEO & Founder of Drashta Impact, on reducing risk in Impact Investing to catalyze more capital into impact ventures.
Milti started his career in investment management, building a multi-manager portfolio of systematic trading strategies and developing a risk parity approach to minimize risk and volatility while still generating strong returns. Driven to create positive impact in the world, Milti determined that the most effective way to catalyse change was to harness the power of investment to accelerate breakthrough technologies and business models.
Milti founded Drashta Impact to solve the biggest pain points impact investors face in order to mobilise a larger quantum of capital for climate solutions. Drashta provides investors with the tools and solutions to allocate to specific impact opportunities of their choice with tailored risk mitigation and additional liquidity.
About Drashta
Drashta Impact was founded to solve the key pain points impact investors face, developing de-risking and liquidity solutions to empower investors to substantially amplify their impact securely. This enables investors to allocate capital to specific impact opportunities with a range of unique advantages compared to allocating directly:
Reduced risk, with the option of full capital protectionAccess to liquidity through a number of sourcesRetained upside participation even after repayment of initial capitalMore impactful than allocating to the same opportunity directly -
In Episode 53 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we speak with Scott Onder, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Mercy Corps Ventures, on investing in and promoting venture-led solutions to enhance the resilience of underserved communities and individuals.
Scott Onder is the Chief Investment Officer at Mercy Corps, where he oversees the agency's global strategy for impact investing, innovative finance, Web3 initiatives, and strategic partnerships with technology ventures.
He is also a Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Mercy Corps Ventures, the venture capital arm of Mercy Corps. The firm focuses on investing in high-impact startups that develop inclusive fintech, climate resilience, and Web3 solutions in frontier markets.
Under Scott's leadership, Mercy Corps Ventures has invested in 43 seed and early-stage ventures across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Apart from providing capital, the firm offers strategic support, pilot programs, and partnership opportunities to help startups scale their businesses.
As an early investor in Wasoko, Goldfinch, Pula, and Ejara, Scott serves on the boards of portfolio companies that drive financial and climate resilience. He is also an active advisor and angel investor in emerging crypto protocols. Scott is a magna cum laude graduate of Duke University and is based in the Pacific Northwest.About Mercy Corps Ventures
Mercy Corps Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in and promoting venture-led solutions to enhance the resilience of underserved communities and individuals.Since its establishment in 2015 as the impact investing arm of Mercy Corps, the firm has facilitated the scaling up of 43 early-stage ventures, helping them raise over $396.7 million in follow-on capital.
The firm's portfolio concentrates on solutions in adaptive agriculture and food systems, inclusive fintech services, and climate-smart systems and tech infrastructure.
Its goal is to enable those living in frontier markets to withstand disruption and plan for the future by catalyzing the ecosystem towards smarter and more impactful investments.
The firm's focus on supporting underserved groups to participate in the global economy has led to its promotion of emerging decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions that accelerate global financial inclusion. In partnership with companies, Mercy Corps Ventures responsibly pilots the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain tools to provide reliable and direct access to financial services for un/underbanked populations.
Mercy Corps Ventures plans to launch Fund II, the Resilient Future Fund, to invest in and support approximately 20 early-stage startups in frontier markets with solutions that build resilience to the accelerating shocks caused by climate change.
Entrepreneurs worldwide are deploying disruptive business models and transformative technologies to address the most significant challenges of our time.
These startups have the potential to reach 3.3 billion climate-vulnerable people, 1.4 billion unbanked people, and 162 million small businesses with innovative climate-focused and digital finance products that could drive their resilience. However, they often lack sufficient capital and access to resources to ensure their ventures survive and scale.
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In Episode 52 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we speak with Conor Murray, CEO and Cofounder of OpenInvest, on getting acquired by J.P. Morgan and building the technology infrastructure for values-based Investing.
Conor Murray is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of OpenInvest, where he guides values-based innovation and integration in partnership with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. After graduating from MIT, Conor began his career in financial technology at Morgan Stanley and went on to lead teams of engineers responsible for portfolio construction and optimization at Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund.
About OpenInvest
OpenInvest was founded with a simple yet ambitious goal - to make a positive impact on the world through sustainable investing.The teams background in building scalable and complex financial systems led them to create an asset management platform with personalized value filters. In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the investment industry as investors increasingly seek to align their financial goals with their personal values.
This trend has given rise to values-based investing, an investment approach that allows investors to create portfolios that reflect their personal beliefs and values.
In 2016, OpenInvest was established as a Public Benefit Corporation, a designation that allowed us to cement the mission in their legal charter: to mainstream values-based investing through technology.
The OpenInvest platform allows investors to personalize their investment portfolios based on their values and beliefs. Through technology, they aim to make values-based investing accessible and transparent, empowering investors to align their financial goals with their personal values.
OpenInvest was acquired by J.P. Morgan in 2021, with the intention to scale the movement, offering investors an intuitive and personalized investing experience.
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