Scaling Impact Capital Podcast

In this episode, I am joined by Tom Adam, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at 60 Decibels, and Nick Wyver, Consultancy Director at SB + CO, for an in-depth exploration of new sustainability regulations and their implications for the impact economy. Tom and Nick share their insights into the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and discuss its potential to shape behaviors within the impact investing community. We dive into the complex landscape of sustainability regulation, from CSDDD to the deforestation-focused EUDR, and address what these changes mean for impact investors, entrepreneurs, and corporates. They also offer actionable advice on how listeners can navigate these evolving standards and leverage them for positive change. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the role of regulation in scaling impact!

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Cheng, CEO of Social Innovation Capital, to explore his journey into impact investing and the design and delivery of capacity-building services for social enterprises. Mark shares insights on why social enterprises often run hybrid business models and how blended finance and capacity-building services are crucial for their success. We also delve into the types of capital that social enterprises need most, how capacity-building support is tailored to different needs, and the trends shaping the impact investing ecosystem in East Asia. Tune in to hear practical advice for change-makers looking to leverage capital for greater social impact.

In this episode, I speak with Matthieu Pegon, Director of Blended Finance at IDB Invest, who shares insights on how blended finance can unlock private capital for sustainable development in emerging markets. Matthieu reflects on the role of development finance institutions (DFIs), the critical use of concessional capital, and the importance of risk perception and catalytic capital in mobilizing private investment. We also explore key learnings from IDB Invest’s experience in promoting gender equality and discuss the ongoing challenges of scaling concessional finance to achieve development outcomes. This episode is essential for anyone looking to understand how blended finance can drive impactful investment in underserved markets.

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Milder, Founder and CEO of Aceli Africa, to explore how blended finance can be used catalytically to unlock capital for agricultural SMEs. Brian explains the origins of Aceli Africa and its mission to incentivize lenders to serve high-impact but underserved market segments in East Africa. We dive into the data-driven approach that Aceli takes, including how they align incentives with the impact they want to achieve. Brian shares valuable lessons learned over four years of operation and discusses the potential to apply Aceli’s model to other sectors and regions. This is an insightful conversation for anyone interested in financing solutions that address market failures in agriculture and beyond.

In this episode, I am joined by Dimple Sahni, Managing Director of Multi-Asset Impact at Anthos Fund & Asset Management. Dimple shares her journey into impact investing and reflects on the evolution of the ecosystem over the years. We explore Anthos' unique approach to impact investing, the balance between generating returns and driving impact, and the types of investments that have had the greatest positive outcomes. Dimple also discusses the criteria Anthos uses to screen investments for both commercial and impact potential, the challenges faced by women in the investment field, and the opportunities presented by generative AI in impact investing. Don’t miss this insightful discussion with one of the leaders in the field of multi-asset impact investing.

In this episode, I have a conversation with my friend and former colleague, Tara Murphy Forde, Managing Director of Capital & Impact at Global Partnerships. Tara shares her journey into impact investing and discusses the evolution of the field since she joined Global Partnerships. We explore what it means to be an 'impact-first' investor as opposed to an ESG investor, and why this distinction is crucial. Tara provides insights into Global Partnerships' approach to impact measurement and management, their framework for making investment decisions, and the balance between breadth and depth of impact. She also discusses notable investments, the debate over standards in impact measurement, and the progress and remaining challenges in female-focused strategies for impact investing. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of impact investing and advice for aspiring professionals in the field.

In this episode, we engage in a comprehensive discussion with Lynn Eisenhart, Deputy Director at the Strategic Investment Fund of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Lynn shares her journey to the foundation and elaborates on her work with the Financial Services for the Poor team, highlighting key achievements in promoting financial health for low-income customers. We then delve into her current role with the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF), exploring the concept of patient capital, its significance as an alternative to traditional venture capital and grants, and the innovative financing approaches that have proven effective. Lynn also shares success stories, key learnings, and exciting new investment theses that the SIF team is exploring. Tune in for valuable insights and advice for entrepreneurs seeking investment from the foundation.

In this episode, I sit down with Sana Kapadia, Senior Strategic Advisor at 2X Global, to discuss the transformative potential of gender-lens investing. Sana shares her career journey and the founding story of 2X Global, an organization dedicated to promoting gender equality through investment. We explore what gender-lens investing entails, how it intersects with ESG and impact investing, and the compelling evidence supporting its dual impact on social outcomes and financial returns. Sana also elaborates on the 2X criteria, their practical application, and the evolving landscape of gender-lens investing. Join us for an insightful conversation on how non-financial support is vital to achieving gender-focused impact and the exciting initiatives 2X Global is spearheading to shift market dynamics.

A conversation with David McKenzie, Lead Economist in the Development Research Group at the World Bank. In this episode we delve into his research on what works in training entrepreneurs and business development support programs. David shares critical insights on defining and differentiating types of training for small and growing businesses, the conditions under which these trainings are most effective, and examples of successful programs. We also explore the link between capacity building and capital, and the future directions of his research in this vital field. Don't miss this engaging discussion on enhancing support for entrepreneurs in low-and-middle income countries.

A conversation with Brian Boland, co-founder of the Delta Fund, to explore his transformative journey from tech executive to impact investor. Brian shares insights into the Delta Fund’s mission to improve human agency by addressing extreme poverty, economic access, and racial justice. Drawing from his experience as a former Vice President at Facebook and his roles in entrepreneurship and product development at Microsoft, Brian discusses the critical need for aligning philanthropic investments with missions, the importance of results-based funding, and the lessons learned in impact investing. Tune in to hear about innovative investment themes and Brian’s advice for those looking to make a meaningful impact through their investments.