Investing in Impact | Impact Investing

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In episode 34 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Sean Doherty, Chairman of the JDRF T1D Fund, on using a combination of venture capital and philanthropy to drive cures for type 1 diabetes (T1D) by catalyzing private investment.Sean Doherty led the concept-creation, design and capital financing of the Fund, and he has driven its strategy since inception. Sean retired at the end of 2018 from his role as Managing Director of Bain Capital, LP, a private global investment firm which he joined in 2005 as the firm’s first general counsel.  In this role he built a pioneering and industry-leading deal lawyer and risk management group during a time of rapid growth and institutionalization of the alternative asset industry. He also had a diverse operational and constituency management role at Bain Capital, where he led crisis management, press and external communications, government relations, branding and philanthropic initiatives and was deeply involved in governance matters and capital raising. Earlier in his career he worked at Ropes & Gray LLP and was a law clerk to a federal district judge in Boston. Prior to law school, he was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, in which he served on a Middle East Force frigate from 1990-94.Sean and his wife, Suzy, have been involved with JDRF since 2002 when their son Finn was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 2. He served on the JDRF International Board and its Executive Committee from 2016 to 2019 following more than a decade of service on the JDRF New England Chapter Board, including two years as its President.He received a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School and a B.A. magna cum laude in Government from Harvard College. He serves on the boards of directors of two companies with T1D programs and is also a member of the board of trustees of Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA.About The JDRF T1D FundA philanthropic vehicle run as a venture capital fund. Launched in December 2016, the T1D Fund was established to create a new investment market aimed at delivering solutions to people living with or at risk of developing T1D.They are now one of the largest disease-focused venture philanthropy funds in the world, with $100m in assets and our philanthropic dollars are spurring private investment to ultimately secure the billions we need to generate cures.The portfolio consists of therapeutics, diagnostics, devices and vaccines, with an emphasis on cure-oriented therapies.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.Check out the Impact Investor platform here - Discover Impact Investors from around the world.Partner with us - Learn moreWe are powered by:Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, review, and share this podcast!In this episode of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Joshua Haynes, Managing Partner at Masawa Fund on working in 35 countries, speaking 7 languages, and using natural medicine, technology, and workplace wellness to help billions of people live impactful lives in the global economy.Joshua's story and path is incredibly powerful. He overcame depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. Tough childhood raised on welfare by a single mother = grit + perseverance.He displays over 20 years leading curation at the nexus of innovation, technology, and social impact. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer, data analyst, software developer, consultant, digital product + service designer.Joshua also served as a Diplomat in the Obama Administration (USAID), managed $190M in impact grant funding for the US & Swedish Govs, pioneered new impact partnership types and ways of working.Degrees from Boston University (Finance); The Fletcher School, Tufts University (MBA).Masawa is the mental wellness impact fund. Through a laser focus on financial viability, social impact maximization, and founder resilience + organizational health, we nurture capital to nurture minds.Masawa invests in organizations with products proven to directly or indirectly result in improved mental wellness:Natural healing approaches: nutrition, exercise, natural medicine, mindfulness, etc.Technology-accelerated recovery: software and hardware innovations Workplace wellness: approaches to impact people where they spend the most timeListen to more Causeartist podcasts here.We are powered by:ImpactInvestor - Discover Impact Investors from around the world.Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In episode 33 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Michael Pellman Rowland, Impact Expert and Board Member at Baseline Wealth Management, on the future of food technology and how it helps mitigate the threats of climate change.Michael previously worked as a Senior Vice President in wealth management for 15 years at Morgan Stanley in New York. He specializes in portfolio management, financial planning, and impact investing.Michael graduated with an economics degree from Hamilton College and has held Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (ADPA) designations. He is an active thought leader in impact investing and was recently included in the inaugural list of Forbes Top Millennial Wealth Advisors. He is passionate about food sustainability and has a column on Forbes.com that covers the ‘future of food.’ Michael and his wife dedicate a large part of their free time to animal welfare.About Baseline WealthBaseline's mission is to make a difference for their clients, while also delivering financial returns. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations can help decide where best to invest. By putting ESG factors at the heart of their investment process, the company believes they can generate outcomes for clients while also addressing some of the greatest challenges on Earth.Baseline has developed a robust in-house expertise on ESG investments, and apply this knowledge to client portfolios so that it aligns perfectly with financial and personal goals. As an extension of this initiative, the company leverages its expertise in Impact investing, sourcing unique and bespoke investment opportunities that are positively reshaping the world as we know it.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.Check out the Impact Investor platform here - Discover Impact Investors from around the world.Partner with us - Learn moreWe are powered by:Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In episode 32 of the Investing in Impact podcast I speak with Joe Waltman, Executive Director of GiveCrypto and Product Manager at Coinbase on using crypto and blockchain technologies to deliver funds directly in the hands of the impoverished and the unbanked.GiveCrypto is a nonprofit created by Brian Armstrong, the founder of Coinbase, to distribute cryptocurrency to people living in poverty. By using crypto and blockchain technologies, the organization put funds directly in the hands of individuals living in difficult circumstances around the world.Join the world's most trusted place to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Try Coinbase here. (affiliate link)Examples we discuss on how GiveCrypto has impacted lives around the world:Direct crypto payments to individuals living in refugee camps where currencies are forbidden inside the campsDirect crypto payments to women living with domestic violence issues and no financial means to leave their abuserHelping local merchants accept crypto paymentsHelping impoverished individuals set up crypto walletsDelivery simple financial services to individuals left behind by traditional banking systemsAccording to Groundswell, there is substantial evidence that unconditional cash transfers are an effective way to help people. Distributing crypto is similar to transferring other forms of money to people. The organization expects many recipients will find ways to convert the crypto into their local currency. Some may transact crypto-to-crypto as well. It may also help spark economic growth by giving access to property rights and financial services on an open network. A great deal of work needs to be done to test these hypotheses and see what it most effective.The GiveCrypto MissionThe mission is to financially empower individuals by distributing cryptocurrency to those most in need. GiveCrypto connects donors and recipients anywhere in the world. Over the past three years, they've impacted the lives of thousands of individuals and their families via direct crypto transfers.Over one billion people have a smartphone but don't have access to basic financial servicesThe organization not only identifies recipients in need and distribute funds to them - they also connect those people to a truly open financial system. All it takes is access to the internet.Crypto democratizes the philanthropic process. As a society and donors, we can send cryptocurrency directly to any recipient and they’ll receive it instantly. This includes people without bank accounts and those living in places where fiat money is “broken”.Watch the how it works video.How will the fund operate?GiveCrypto.org will be an evergreen fund (or endowment) that is designed to live and grow forever. It will grow in value based on new donations and if the value of cryptocurrency continues to grow.What types of currencies will you accept?GiveCrypto.org is cryptocurrency agnostic. The organization currently accept the following currencies: BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, XRP and ZEC.Is my donation tax deductible?Yes. Donations through the site are tax deductible through our fiscal sponsor the Pledge Group. You will need to provide your name and email (and receive a receipt) for the donation to be tax deductible. You can also donate anonymously but the donation will not be tax deductible.How do you prevent fraud?The organization uses a combination of data collection validated with backchecks, verifiable evidence and blockchain analysis to minimize and prevent fraud.Where do recipients use the funds?The organization recruits at least one vendor that accepts payment in cryptocurrency. Additionally, recipients hold the crypto and exchange it between themselves. In the future, GiveCrypto will offer cash-out options.Are you programs OFAC compliant?Yes. They've have drafted a comprehensive sanctions compliance policy and screen all of our program participants against all relevant lists.See more FAQs here.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.Check out:Partner with us - Learn moreImpactInvestor.io - Discover impact investors from around the world.Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, review, and share this podcast!In this episode of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Erik Wallsten, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Adobe Capital on investing in Mexico and Latin America through social and environmental companies.Erik Wallsten is a Partner at New Ventures Group, Mexico’s leading social impact acceleration platform. He is also a Co-Founder of Adobe Capital, Mexico’s first triple bottom line impact investment fund.We speak in length about about his impact investing journey and the opportunities for social entrepreneurs in Mexico and Latin America. We also discuss some of the portfolio companies within Adobe Capital to understand what areas in the region have been impacted the most by the funds strategic capital allocation.Erik speaks passionately about housing, education, and healthcare within the region and his support for exceptional impact driven entrepreneurs who are able to create innovative, profitable and scalable business models to address the most pressing social and environmental challenges.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.We are powered by:ImpactInvestor - Discover Impact Investors from around the world.Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, review, and share this podcast!In this episode of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Peter Bruce-Clark, Partner at Social Impact Capital on funding ambitious entrepreneurs building world changing companies.Peter is Partner at Social Impact Capital. Peter was Head of Business Development at RCI, a investment technology and alternative lending platform backed by 8VC and Soros Fund Management. Prior to that, Peter created both an early-stage AI venture capital firm focused on investing in companies using machine learning in high-impact areas of application, as well as a specialist strategy and management consultancy for institutional investors, Kalytix Partners (acquired), founded by Dr. Ashby Monk and Prof. Gordon Clark. Peter has extensive management consulting, investment research, and industry analysis experience.In addition to his work, Peter has led research on impact finance and strategic investment at Stanford University, collaborating with Planet Heritage and White Sand Investor Group. His publications include Sovereign Development Funds: The Governance and Management of Strategic Investment Institutions, which was published in the The Oxford Handbook of Sovereign Wealth Funds (2018).Peter has an MPhil in Business Administration and Finance from the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, and a first-class honors BA in English and Critical Theory from Queen Mary, University of London.Powered by:ImpactInvestor - Discover Impact Investors from around the world. Subscribe herePodcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In episode 31 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Andrée Simon, President and CEO of FINCA Impact Finance, on empowering low income women and men to take control of their financial future through an innovative global network of microfinance banks.Andrée Simon is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FINCA Impact Finance (FIF), a global network of microfinance banks and institutions. FIF’s network of 20 community-based banks offer responsible and affordable loan and saving products to more than two million people across the world, empowering low income women and men to take control of their financial future.Previously, Andrée served as VP and COO, returning to FINCA after serving for several years as President and COO of Women for Women International, a humanitarian organization dedicated to financial, educational, and interpersonal support of women survivors of war, poverty and injustice.Prior to this, she was Deputy to the President & CEO of FINCA for more than seven years, where she was pivotal in redesigning the organization’s business model from donor-based non-profit to a for-profit operating structure. Andrée has significant experience in corporate strategy and she has held various business and advisory roles in other organizations, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Andrée has been a board member of Women Advancing Microfinance International and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the FINCA Microfinance Holding Company.As the head a financial institution with more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries –including Tanzania, Uganda, Pakistan, Haiti, Afghanistan and more– Andrée spends half the year in these remote locations, learning from her customers on how they could best access financial products, whether it is as simple as a loan, and savings account or a mobile money application.Andrée has been named one of the Top 100 Fintech for SDG Influencers by LATTICE80 and has written extensively on responsible financial services in numerous publications including International Banker, Euromoney and The Financial Times.She is fluent in French and Spanish. She earned an undergraduate degree in international relations from the University of Virginia, an M.A. from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.Check out the Impact Investor platform here - Discover Impact Investors from around the world.Partner with us - Learn moreWe are powered by:Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In this episode I speak with Jenny Xia Spradling, the Co-founder and Co-CEO of FreeWill, an online will creation platform aiming to channel $1 Trillion towards charity over the next 10 years!FreeWill is a social good enterprise that's generated more than $650 million in committed funds for non-profit organizations around the country. Partnering with organizations like the American Red Cross, United Way, Save the Children, Human Rights Watch, and Defenders of Wildlife, FreeWill is currently facilitating about $3M pledged to charity every single day! They did this by building an intuitive and warm estate planning platform that encourages charitable giving during the process. Serving the 70% of Americans without an up to date will, it takes 20 minutes or less, is completely free, and generates legally valid wills in all fifty states. FreeWill is aiming to channel $1 Trillion towards charity over the next 10 years.Jenny is a veteran of McKinsey and Bain Capital, where she helped to launch the firm’s first impact investment fund. She is the cofounder of Paribus (acquired by Capital One). She holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University and also holds a MBA from Stanford University.Partner with Causeartist - Learn moreCheck out:ImpactInvestor.io - Discover impact investors from around the world.Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------In this bonus episode, I speak with Daniel Epstein, founder of Unreasonable on his long journey of building his impact portfolio of companies and supporting over 200 entrepreneurs who have raised more than $4B in financing, generated over $3B in revenue, and are impacting the lives of more than 400M individuals across 180+ countries.Daniel has been named by Fortune Magazine as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders, Daniel’s life has been shaped by a fundamental belief that entrepreneurship is the answer to nearly all the issues we face today. By the time he received his undergraduate degree in philosophy, he’d already started three companies. In addition to being on FORTUNE's "the World's 50 Greatest Leaders" list alongside the likes of Bill Gates & Tim Cook, Daniel was awarded Inc. Magazine's “30 under 30 entrepreneur”, and Forbes identified him as one of the “top 30 most impactful entrepreneurs.” He also received the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the World” award along with Richard Branson & the President of Liberia at the Global Entrepreneurship Forum.Daniel’s unfettered belief in entrepreneurs led to him founding and being the CEO of Unreasonable. Unreasonable is dedicated to supporting growth-equity entrepreneurs positioned to bend history in the right direction. Part investment firm, part media house, and most importantly a global community, Unreasonable partners with multinational institutions and revered brands to align them with impactful growth-stage entrepreneurs. Today Unreasonable actively supports over 200 entrepreneurs who have raised more than $4B in financing, generated over $3B in revenue, and are impacting the lives of more than 400M individuals across 180+ countries.Daniel speaks frequently on topics ranging from how multinationals and governments can better work with disruptive technologies, to working with public companies on how to create a worldclass and entrepreneurial culture across their employees, to the future of capitalism and our ability to profitably solve the most pressing challenges of this century. Daniel has given keynotes across more than 30 countries, has spoken at the White House, the UN General Assembly, in front of audiences larger than ten thousand, as part of annual corporate events and in closed door sessions with Fortune 50 executives and their boards of directors. He personally advises CEO's of multinationals on how to become more entrepreneurial and works with multi-billion dollar family offices on creating a new type of financial legacy with their investments — producing above market rate returns while combatting societal & environmental challenges.Partner with Causeartist - Learn moreCheck out:ImpactInvestor.io - Discover impact investors from around the world.Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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.----------------------------------------If you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In episode 30 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we speak with Maya Winkelstein, CEO of Open Road Alliance on using a hybrid philanthropic  model to make over $50 million in grants and low-interest loans to organizations and companies across the impact sector.Maya Winkelstein is the CEO of Open Road Alliance, a hybrid philanthropic and investment initiative focused on advancing solutions to Keep Impact on Track. In her role, she is responsible for the organization’s overall strategy and management of the global Open Road Alliance team. Since its inception in 2012, Open Road has made over $50 million in grants and low-interest loans to organizations across the impact sector which have encountered unexpected roadblocks. Through this strategy, Open Road has kept over $411 million of impact on track across all sectors and geographies, for both registered nonprofits and for-profit social enterprises. The organization also conducts research and advocates for the adoption of long-term, system-wide risk management practices in the philanthropic sector. Maya served as Open Road’s inaugural Executive Director, and previously worked as an Associate Director with the consulting firm williamsworks where her clients included the Eastern Congo Initiative, Nike Foundation, PATH, Tostan, and TOMS Shoes. Prior to williamsworks, she served in multiple roles across the nonprofit and government sectors focusing on program development, fundraising strategy, and corporate partnerships. Maya writes and speaks frequently about Open Road’s work and its growing research expertise on ‘Risk Management in Philanthropy.’ She is a regular speaker at forums including Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, Skoll World Forum, and PEAK Grantmaking. Her work has appeared in Stanford Social Innovation Review, Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Foundation Review and many other publications. In 2017, Maya was featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s ‘On the Rise’ series and Huffington Post’s ‘Women in Business.’ She is a former Board Member of the Global Press Institute and a current member of the Leadership Advisory Council for GrantAdvisors.org. Maya holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan; MSc from the London School of Economics; and Certificate in Finance from Georgetown University.About Open Road AllianceOur loans help social enterprises and nonprofits overcome obstacles to impact as they challenge the status quo to create a better world.From the tele-health company requiring additional equipment and staff due to rapid demand during COVID-19, to the social enterprise facing a delayed Series A investment due to Brexit, Open Road loans ensure innovative efforts to address the world’s greatest challenges can carry on without interruption.Our investment strategy is designed to keep impact first. We seek to maximize social returns while meeting financial requirements. We exist to serve the social sector, not the other way around. If you think that you are eligible for a one-time Open Road loan please submit an initial inquiry.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.Partner with Causeartist - Learn moreCheck out the Impact Investor platform here - Discover Impact Investors from around the world.We are powered by:Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com