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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Varda Raises $187M Series C to Manufacture Medicine in Space 🚀

Funding: $187 million
Goal: Bring zero-gravity biomanufacturing to commercial scale
Impact: Creating life-saving therapies that can only be made in orbit
🔗 Learn more

AWAKE Chocolate Lands $8M CAD to Fuel Functional Chocolate Growth 🍫

Funding: $8 million CAD
Goal: Expand caffeinated chocolate snacks as an alternative to energy drinks
Impact: Blending deliciousness and wellness in every bite
🔗 Learn more

SHIFT Invest Hits €92M First Close for Impact Fund 🌏

Funding: €92 million
Goal: Back circular economy, food, and climate startups
Impact: Driving sustainability-focused VC across Europe
🔗 Read more

GeologicAI Raises $44M for AI-Driven Mining Innovation ⛏️

Funding: $44 million
Goal: Digitize geological exploration with AI and automation
Impact: Making mining cleaner, faster, and more efficient
🔗 Read more

Hadrian Raises $260M to Build Automated Space Factories 🛰️

Funding: $260 million
Goal: Modernize precision manufacturing for aerospace
Impact: Accelerating innovation in national and planetary security
🔗 Read more

Fortuna Health Raises $18M to Modernize Medicaid Access 📲

Funding: $18 million Series A
Goal: Rebuild Medicaid infrastructure with user-friendly tech
Impact: Empowering millions to access benefits more easily
🔗 Learn more

Provectus Algae Raises $12.6M for Bio-Based Climate Solutions ♺

Funding: $12.6 million Series A
Goal: Scale precision fermentation using algae for sustainable ingredients
Impact: Creating new climate-positive materials through biology
🔗 Learn more

BetterComp Raises $33M to Advance AI in Compensation Strategy 📊

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Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

----------------------------------------

Carbon to Sea Initiative Commits $4M to Ocean Carbon Removal R&D

Funding: $4 million joint investment with MEOPAR
Goal: Advance research on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal in Canada
Impact: Unlocking ocean tech as a scalable solution for climate mitigation
🔗 Read more

Trusty Raises $1M to Redefine Estate Planning with AI

Funding: $1 million pre-seed round
Goal: Build modern, AI-powered Letters of Wishes for families and advisors
Impact: Making legacy planning more accessible, personalized, and human
🔗 Read more

Bilt Raises $250M to Accelerate Community-Centric Housing

Funding: $250 million at a $10.75B valuation
Goal: Expand its housing and neighborhood commerce platform
Impact: Reinventing the renter experience while building stronger local economies
🔗 Read more

Open Philanthropy Launches $120M Fund for Innovation and Growth

Funding: $120 million fund
Goal: Support ambitious nonprofits and research orgs with breakout potential
Impact: Accelerating high-leverage projects in global health, AI safety, and more
🔗 Read more

Open Philanthropy Launches $120M Fund for Innovation and Growth

Open Philanthropy has launched a $120 million Abundance and Growth Fund to accelerate scientific innovation, improve housing and regulatory policies, and reduce the cost of living.
🔗 Read more

LGND Raises $9M to Make Earth Data Actionable

Funding: $9 million
Goal: Democratize environmental intelligence for climate action
Impact: Helping organizations translate raw geospatial data into meaningful impact
🔗 Read more

Foundation EGI Raises $23M to Rethink Global Infrastructure

Funding: $23 million
Goal: Develop innovative platforms for sustainable infrastructure
Impact: Empowering regions to build smarter, more resilient communities
🔗 Read more

Lorient Capital Closes $500M Fund III for Healthcare Founders

Funding: $500 million Fund III
Goal: Back founder-led healthcare companies at the intersection of care and technology
Impact: Fueling innovation in patient-centric, value-based care
🔗 Read more

OpenEvidence Raises $210M to Reinvent Medical AI

Funding: $210 million at $3.5B valuation
Goal: Build the fastest-growing clinical AI app for physicians
Impact: Streamlining real-time decision-making at the point of care
🔗 Read more

----------------------------------------

Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

----------------------------------------

Hey friends,

After 10 incredible years of building Causeartist solo, I’m excited to share something personal with you.

Last year, some amazing partners who believe deeply in the mission and future of Causeartist reached out. I knew from the initial conversation it was the right fit.

The Pay It Forward Company (PIF) has officially acquired Causeartist, and I couldn’t be more energized about what this means for the next decade.

What’s changing?
Nothing about the core mission or voice will change. I’m still the founder of Causeartist and will continue to lead our daily content, podcasts, and community—just with more support, more resources, and a bigger vision.

What’s new?
In addition to running Causeartist, I’ve also joined the PIF Venture Team as a partner. This means I’ll be working more closely with early-stage impact startups and the people building infrastructure for a better world. More on that soon.

Joining PIF feels like the perfect move at the right time.

Their values align perfectly with everything Causeartist stands for: purpose-driven ventures, impactful innovation, and paying it forward.

You can learn more about the venture side of the firm here and the advisory side here.

To everyone who’s subscribed, shared a post, tuned into the podcast, or built something impactful—you’ve helped Causeartist grow into what it is today. And now, we get to grow even further, together.

We have some exciting things happening in the future.

Here’s to the next decade. 😄

----------------------------------------

Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

----------------------------------------

Welcome back to Investing in Impact, the podcast where we dive deep into the minds of visionary leaders building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Today, I’m joined by Josh Kaufman, CEO and Co-Founder of Khasma Capital. Khasma is on a mission to empower development teams by providing the critical early-stage capital and support needed to accelerate the construction of low-carbon infrastructure.

In a world where many promising climate technologies struggle to move from pilot to scale, Khasma stands out. Their unique investment model combines flexible financing with strategic and operational expertise—bridging a crucial gap that traditional capital often overlooks.

In this conversation, Josh shares his journey of launching and rebranding the firm, what it takes to commercialize climate infrastructure, and why Khasma is doubling down on sectors like waste upcycling, textile recycling, alternative fuels, and long-duration energy storage.

Takeaways

• Josh Kaufman's journey into climate finance began with a passion for renewable energy.
• Kazma Capital focuses on empowering development teams rather than taking control of projects.
• Investment in climate solutions requires a clear project definition and risk assessment.
• Innovative projects include solar panel recycling and renewable heating oil from biomass.
• The learning curve in the climate sector involves understanding various energy technologies.
• The renewable energy sector has seen significant growth and cost reductions over the past decade.
• Challenges in reconfiguring the energy grid are influenced by regulatory bodies and utilities.
• Competition in the energy market is essential for innovation and efficiency.
• Solar energy continues to grow, but faces challenges in maintaining growth rates.
• Kazma Capital's revenue model includes both development risk and equity stakes in projects.

----------------------------------------

Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

----------------------------------------

Fiber Global Raises $20M to Scale Circular Building Materials

Funding: $20 million Series A
Goal: Expand production of sustainable materials that reduce construction waste
Impact: Tackling industrial emissions and advancing the circular economy

Read more →

Lumion Secures $10M to Power the Future of Trade Schools

Funding: $10 million seed round
Goal: Build an operating system to modernize vocational education
Impact: Addressing the skilled labor gap through better tech and infrastructure

Read more →

Swen Capital Raises $183M for Ocean Impact Ventures

Funding: €183 million
Goal: Invest in early-stage startups protecting marine ecosystems
Impact: Scaling technologies for ocean conservation and sustainability

Read more →

Mealogic Raises $16M to Advance Food-as-Medicine Innovation

Funding: $16 million
Goal: Integrate personalized nutrition and clinical outcomes through tech
Impact: Helping prevent chronic illness and improve health through better food systems

Learn more →

Accessibility Startup Sociability Raises $3.5M

Funding: $3.5 million seed round
Goal: Build accessible tech solutions for people with disabilities
Impact: Empowering inclusive innovation with support from global backers

Learn more about Sociability →

SparkCharge Secures $30.5M to Expand Mobile EV Charging

Funding: $30.5 million
Goal: Scale its mobile charging network across the U.S.
Impact: Making EV adoption more convenient and equitable through on-demand service

Read more →

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Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder & CEO of Acumen on her global journey that led her from the world of international banking to the heart of social entrepreneurship—beginning in Rwanda, and now reaching 650+ million lives through Acumen’s work around the world.

From Chase Bank to Kigali: A Journey Rooted in Empathy

Jacqueline’s journey began not with a grand strategy, but with a moment of clarity while working in Rwanda in the late 1980s, where she helped launch one of the country’s first microfinance institutions.

There, she witnessed how markets could be harnessed to empower individuals—especially women—but also saw how fragmented and fragile traditional aid systems were.

That idea would eventually become Acumen.

The Founding of Acumen: Bridging Markets and Philanthropy

Founded in 2001, Acumen was created to tackle what Jacqueline calls "the blue flame" space—the gap between pure philanthropy and market-driven capitalism. Acumen uses “patient capital” to invest in entrepreneurs solving problems in energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, and workforce development.

Acumen has since invested over $150 million into companies that have impacted millions of people in low-income communities across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the U.S. But the goal isn’t just scale—it’s systemic change.

What It Takes to Build Markets That Work for the Poor

Jacqueline explains that creating sustainable impact requires far more than capital—it demands a deep understanding of local contexts, cultural norms, and the lived experiences of the communities being served.

She emphasizes that real progress depends on:

• Entrepreneurial courage
• Long-term thinking
• Collaboration with governments and civil society

Acumen works to build "markets with moral imagination", where value creation doesn’t come at the cost of human dignity or environmental degradation.

Education, Circular Impact, and the Future of Social Entrepreneurship

Another major focus of Acumen is education. Through the Acumen Academy, they’ve trained over 1,800 social enterprise leaders, equipping them with tools in moral leadership, storytelling, and systems thinking.

Jacqueline envisions a circular economy of impact investing, where capital flows to and from communities, creating sustainable, inclusive systems over time.

She sees the future of impact rooted in innovative partnerships—between private and public sectors, startups and institutions, and across geographies.

A Legacy of Courage and Compassion

As Jacqueline looks ahead, her message is clear: we need a new moral framework for capitalism—one that measures success not just in returns, but in human dignity and long-term value for society.

Her story is a reminder that systems can change, markets can heal, and entrepreneurs—when supported with the right kind of capital and community—can solve the world’s most pressing problems.

----------------------------------------

Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

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Welcome to Episode 88 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I’m joined by Medea Nocentini, Senior Partner at Global Ventures and Founder of C3 – Companies Creating Change, about scaling impact across the Middle East and Africa.

Medea brings a unique blend of corporate strategy, venture capital, and impact entrepreneurship. At Global Ventures, she invests in growth-stage startups transforming emerging markets through technology.

As founder of C3, a B Corp-certified social enterprise, she has supported over 300 impact-driven startups across 27 countries, helping them raise more than $550 million to date.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The evolution of impact investing in the Middle East and Africa
• Key challenges and opportunities for startups in frontier markets
• How C3 builds scalable programs to support founders
• The role of partnerships and ecosystem-building in driving long-term impact

Let’s dive in.

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Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

----------------------------------------

Welcome to Episode 87 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Andy Kuper, Founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, a pioneering firm that has reshaped how global capital can drive profit with purpose.

Dr. Andy Kuper, founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, has redefined how private capital can create meaningful change. Since launching the firm in 2007, Kuper has led with a bold vision: to deliver "Profit with Purpose" by investing in businesses that generate strong returns while solving real-world challenges across Asia and Africa.

📈 Impact at Scale: 537 Million Lives Reached

Today, LeapFrog’s portfolio companies serve over 537 million people, providing access to essential services like healthcare, financial tools, and climate solutions. Of those reached, 359 million are emerging consumers, many of whom are gaining access to formal financial and health services for the first time.

Beyond reach, LeapFrog’s investments have supported over 241,000 jobs and livelihoods in more than 37 countries, contributing to inclusive economic development at scale.

💸 Billions Raised, Sustainable Growth Delivered

LeapFrog has secured nearly $3 billion in capital commitments from some of the world’s leading financial institutions. The firm typically invests $20–75 million in high-growth companies led by exceptional teams, targeting influential minority or majority stakes.

These portfolio companies have achieved an average annual growth rate of 23% since investment—proving that social impact and financial success are not mutually exclusive.

🏆 Global Recognition for Global Impact

LeapFrog has received international acclaim for its transformative approach. Fortune named it one of the Top 5 Companies to Change the World, alongside Apple and Novartis—making it the first private investment firm to earn that recognition.

Dr. Kuper has been honored worldwide, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2022 for distinguished service to impact investing and financial inclusion. He’s also been recognized by the World Economic Forum, EY, YPO, and the Economist Group for his global leadership.

🎓 Scholar, Author, and Advocate

Originally from South Africa and now an Australian citizen, Andy Kuper holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and has held academic roles at Harvard, Cambridge, and Columbia. He’s the author of two books on globalization and governance and has co-authored publications with Nobel laureates and international leaders.

📊 Leading the Way in Impact Measurement

LeapFrog is not only a pioneer in impact investing but also a leader in measuring and reporting impact. The firm is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, earning their highest A+ rating. It also plays a leading role in advancing industry standards as a founding Investors Council Member of the GIIN and a contributor to the Impact Management Project.

🚀 Aiming to Impact One Billion Lives

With a mission to reach one billion people through the power of capital markets, LeapFrog Investments continues to raise the bar for what’s possible in private equity and impact investing.

By combining rigorous financial discipline with a deep commitment to social good, LeapFrog proves that capital can be a catalyst for lasting, systemic change—especially in the places that need it most.

----------------------------------------

Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

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Welcome to Episode 86 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I'm joined by Howard Fischer, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of Gratitude Railroad, to discuss his journey from Wall Street to impact investing and how Gratitude Railroad is building a community-driven approach to fund entrepreneurs creating lasting social and environmental change.

Prior to his work in impact investing, Howard spent over 30 years in traditional finance as the Founder and CEO of Basso Capital Management, a hedge fund specializing in convertible securities.

He previously held senior trading roles at Smith Barney, Drexel Burnham Lambert, and Cohen Feit & Company, and began his career as a Certified Public Accountant in both public and private sectors.

Howard currently serves on the boards of 1% for the Planet, The Carbon Underground, and the Garrison Institute’s Compassionate Leaders in Finance program.

He also advises BrightEdge, the investment fund of the American Cancer Society, and has held board positions with DoneGood, Builders Fund, Atlas Impact Partners, and Blackdirt Capital.

He holds a B.S.E. in Accounting and Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and was a Fellow in Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative in 2013 and 2014.

----------------------------------------

Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.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.

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Welcome to Episode 85 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I'm joined by Matt Eldridge, Executive Director of Realize Impact, on using Donor Advised Funds to innovate impact investing.

Impact investing is often perceived as complex, requiring a balance between financial returns and social good.

Realize Impact eliminates these barriers, providing a streamlined process that enables individuals, foundations, and donor-advised funds (DAFs) to invest in high-impact ventures while maintaining financial sustainability.

How It Works

Impact investing through Realize Impact is facilitated via the Philanthropic Investment Grant (PHIG)—a simple and effective way to direct capital toward high-impact ventures.

By recommending an investment and providing matching capital, donors can amplify their contributions while supporting meaningful change.

Realize Impact simplifies impact investing into three steps:

1. Grant Recommendation – Investors recommend an impact investment through a grant from a DAF, foundation, or personal funds.
2. Due Diligence & Investment – Realize Impact conducts research, reviews terms, and executes the investment in debt, equity, or revenue-based funding.
3. Returns & Reinvestment – 99% of the investment returns are donated back to the investor’s recommended DAF, foundation, or nonprofit for reinvestment.

This model allows investors to support impactful projects without the complexities of direct investment management.

What is a Donor Advised Fund?

A Donor Advised Fund is a philanthropic giving vehicle that allows donors to contribute funds, receive immediate tax benefits, and then recommend grants to eligible charities over time.

Think of it as a charitable savings account, where individuals or families set aside funds dedicated to philanthropic purposes.

These funds are managed by sponsoring organizations, such as community foundations, universities, or specialized charitable organizations, which administer the DAF on behalf of the donor.

Unlocking Capital for Global Solutions

Significant capital remains idle in donor-advised funds and foundations. Realize Impact mobilizes these funds into ventures addressing key global challenges such as:

• Climate change – Investing in renewable energy and sustainable business models.
• Economic empowerment – Supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs with access to capital.
• Social equity – Financing housing, education, and healthcare initiatives.

By actively deploying philanthropic capital, Realize Impact maximizes both financial and social returns.

Transparent Fee Structure

Realize Impact offers a straightforward, affordable pricing model:

• $500 flat fee for investments of $10,000 or more.
• No fee for investments under $10,000 (though returns are not re-donated).

This ensures accessibility while maintaining financial sustainability.

Redefining Impact Investing

Contrary to the belief that impact investing sacrifices returns, Realize Impact proves that financial and social benefits can align.

By reinvesting returns into donor-advised funds and nonprofits, the organization amplifies the impact of every dollar.

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Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
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• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
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• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
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As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.com