In celebration of the SRI360 podcast’s second anniversary, I’ve prepared a special four-in-one episode featuring curated segments from four extraordinary leaders in impact investing and social change. These stories highlight their unwavering commitment to using finance as a tool for positive change, showcasing how these pioneers are leading the way in sustainable and responsible investing. Here are the featured guests:
Jenn Pryce, President and CEO of Calvert Impact Capital
Under her leadership, Calvert Impact Capital has raised nearly $3.5 billion, investing in communities and businesses overlooked by traditional finance in over 100 countries. Jenn’s story highlights the importance of making impact investing accessible to both institutional and retail investors.
Listen to the full episode here: https://sri360.com/podcast/jenn-pryce/
Sharon Vosmek, CEO of Astia and Managing Partner of the Astia Fund
Sharon is a venture capitalist who directly invests in and syndicates investors into high-growth start-ups founded and led by women. She describes the extent of the under-investment by venture capital firms in women-led companies, citing some very interesting statistics on how much money seems to be left on the table by doing so. Sharon also shares what she considers to be the shortcomings of the typical VC investment approach, as well as race and gender bias in the VC investment community.
Listen to the full episode here: https://sri360.com/podcast/sharon-vosmek/
Ben Rick, Co-Founder of Social and Sustainable Capital
Ben transitioned from a successful career in investment banking to co-founding a firm that provides flexible capital to social sector organizations in the UK. His passion for making a difference has driven him to support initiatives tackling society’s most pressing challenges and improving the lives of disadvantaged people.
Listen to the full episode here: https://sri360.com/podcast/ben-rick/
Stewart Langdon, Partner and Co-Head of South Asian Investments at LeapFrog Investments
Stewart’s expertise in financial and healthcare services investments across emerging markets has made a significant impact on low-income populations. With a focus on both financial returns and social impact, Stewart discusses LeapFrog’s rigorous investment decision-making process and the transformative power of technology in providing essential services.
Listen to the full episode here: https://sri360.com/podcast/stewart-langdon/
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.
What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.
SHOW NOTES:
[00:00] Introduction
[01:42] Sharon Vosmek explains Astia’s mission & theory of change
[08:48] Key statistics about women’s inclusion in venture capital investing
[16:29] Ben Rick tells us about Social and Sustainable Capital’s Social Housing Fund
[23:24] How Ben Rick makes investment decisions
[35:27] Jenn Pryce talks about community investing with Calvert Impact Capital
[44:06] An example of an investment with positive financial and impact results
[50:06] How the community investment note works, strategies & due diligence
[59:06] Stewart Langdon shares an overview of LeapFrog
[01:07:04] How LeapFrog was founded, how they deploy capital & investment examples
QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEWS:
“Venture is structured around really intimate spaces, and it’s uncomfortable and difficult to bring in people who don’t remind you of yourself. ”
— Sharon Vosmek
“Working with vulnerable people in the UK involves two things: providing the advice and support that they need to overcome an issue that they’re facing, and ensuring that they’re living somewhere suitable and safe. ”
— Ben Rick
“If we can create impact funds and financial institutions in communities where there’s no good access to capital, then that’s a sustainable, reliable capital source for those businesses in place. ”
— Jenn Pryce
“We’re not impact generalists, we’re very specialized… we know how to do financial services, we know how to do healthcare, and that’s it… we don’t go outside of those tram lines. So, it’s very carefully defined, what we’re doing… and very intentional. ”
— Stewart Langdon
