Better Money Better World

#69 |Profit with Purpose: How LeapFrog Investments Is Redefining Capitalism at Scale 02.06.2026 44min

In the latest episode of BMBW, Daniel Pianko sits down with Andy Kuper, founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, one of the pioneering firms in impact investing since the start, with more than $3 billion of AUM. Over the past two decades, Andy and his team have helped prove that investing in underserved populations across growth markets can generate both transformative social impact and market-leading financial returns. From energy and insurance to AI-powered health solutions, LeapFrog has backed and built businesses that now reach more than 622 million people across Africa and Asia. Andy shares the remarkable journey behind the firm’s creation, the lessons learned as he helped to scale impact investing into a trillion-dollar asset class, and why he believes the next generation of investors has an even bigger opportunity ahead. Long before impact investing even had a name and a decade before it became mainstream, Andy saw the opportunity of four billion underserved people across emerging markets—represented not as charity cases, but as a vast number of consumers who could be the next great growth investment opportunity. Today, LeapFrog’s companies provide healthcare, financial services, and climate solutions at a historic scale and depth of impact to those people—empowering millions and saving many lives. This episode is a powerful reminder that impact investing isn’t about sacrificing returns. Impact investment is about unlocking opportunity where others fail to look.

#68 | How AgTech Innovation and Regenerative Investment Are Reshaping Food, Health, and Climate Outcomes 03.12.2025 32min

Tune in to the most recent episode of Better Money Better World with Daniel Pianko in a fascinating conversation about the future of agriculture and impact investing with Mark Lewis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Trailhead Capital. Regenerative agriculture isn’t just a buzzword. It’s emerging as a real poly solution to the so-called “polycrisis” impacting climate, water resources, biodiversity, and human health. Trailhead invests in technologies that enhance soil health, boost farmer profits, and deliver tangible environmental benefits. Whether you’re a young professional or experienced investor, Mark Lewis advises: “Become a subject matter expert in something, build a really strong network, and learn the X’s and O’s as you go.” Passion and authentic engagement remain key in this transformative sector. Ready to learn more or get involved? Visit Impact Capital Managers to learn more about how investing for impact drives returns. More on Trailhead Capital at www.trailheadcap.com

#67 | Launching a Purpose-Driven Career: Insights from Mosaic Fellowship Alumni and The Next Generation of Impact Investment 12.11.2025 41min

In the latest episode of BMBW, Daniel Pianko sits down with four remarkable alumni from the Impact Capital Managers Mosaic Fellowship — Mary Chen, Staphany Hou, Iliana Griva, and Rob Rush — to explore how the next generation is shaping the future of impact investing. Each of these bright minds took a unique path into the field, but they share one powerful common thread: a passion for aligning capital with purpose. From tackling climate and circularity to improving economic mobility and financial inclusion, their stories reveal what it truly means to invest for both profit and purpose. True impact investing starts with investing in people. The Mosaic Fellowship demonstrates how nurturing skilled and diverse talent and providing mentorship unlock not only career opportunities but new ideas, energy, and empathy within the field. Ready to learn more or get involved? Visit Impact Capital Managers to learn more about how investing for impact drives returns.

#66 | Empowering Americans Through Fintech: How ResilienceVC Drives Financial Resilience for Low to Moderate-Income Americans 05.08.2025 35min

In the most recent episode of Better Money Better World, Daniel speaks with Vikas Raj, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of ResilienceVC. ResilienceVC is a seed-stage fintech fund relentlessly focused on building financial resilience for underserved and low-to-moderate-income Americans. ResilienceVC doesn’t just aim for financial inclusion. They meticulously track “resilience dollars” created by their portfolio companies: the actual increase in income, wealth, and risk reduction for end-users. This approach ensures investment returns are matched with measurable, life-improving impact. The conversation also gravitates toward AI and its impact on the fintech industry and the necessity that the technological leaps promote transparency, ethical use, and equitable outcomes, thereby avoiding biased models and predatory practices. If you enjoy this conversation and want to learn more about how investing for impact drives returns, visit us at www.impactcapitalmanagers.com.

#65 | Hands-On and DPI Driven Investing: Canada’s Largest Climate Tech Seed Fund, Active Impact Investments 27.05.2025 33min

In the most recent episode of Better Money Better World podcast, Daniel speaks with Mike Winterfield, Founder and Managing Partner of Active Impact. Active Impact Investments is Canada’s largest climate tech seed fund. They provide money and talent to accelerate the growth of early-stage climate tech companies that are capable of achieving massive scale while solving the most urgent environmental issues. While many early-stage investors are still chasing “paper” gains, Mike’s team has realized returns, with 7 out of their first 32 investments sold, and most of their original capital already back in their LPs' pockets. Sometimes, a quick sale means the company is better suited for someone else. Above all, it de-risks Active Impact’s astonishing fund, with 38 of 39 companies still operating. Mike’s journey proves there’s no single path to impact investing. Whether you’re a founder or aspiring investor, his advice is simple: Hustle matters. Show you can get things done with speed, adaptability, and creativity—even if you’re not a battle-tested entrepreneur (yet). If you enjoy this conversation and want to learn more about how investing for impact drives returns, visit us at www.impactcapitalmanagers.com.

#64 | ESG Leadership and Innovation: How Capital Dynamics Pioneers Responsible Investing With Martin Hahn and Verena Rossolatos 04.03.2025 39min

In the latest episode of BMBW, Daniel speaks with Martin Hahn, CEO of Capital Dynamics, and Verena Rossolatos, Chair of the Responsible Investment Committee at Capital Dynamics. Capital Dynamics is a leader in clean energy and the lower middle market investing. Capital Dynamics manages over $14 billion by targeting strong returns while leading on impact – including becoming one of the first signatories of the UN Principles for Responsible Investing in 2008 and their Clean Energy and Infrastructure Fund earning a 5-Start rating from GRESB. Verena and Martin discuss how Capital Dynamics developed its responsible investing strategy, highlighting key milestones like launching its clean energy business line, creating the R-Eye rating system ( Capital Dynamics’ proprietary ESG scoring system) and dedicating themselves to transparency and engagement in the ESG realm. They explore how to align with evolving European and American perceptions of impact and ESG with a focus on the significance of financial materiality and ethical business practices. Tune in to discover how Capital Dynamics is investing not only for solid returns but also to ensure a sustainable future. These expert insights provide valuable lessons for both seasoned investors and industry newcomers. If you enjoy this conversation and want to learn more about how investing for impact drives returns, visit us at www.impactcapitalmanagers.com.

#63 | Missing Middle of Climate Investment with CurvePoint Capital 06.02.2025 30min

In the latest Better Money Better World podcast episode, Daniel is joined by Brian Wayne, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CurvePoint Capital. CurvePoint Capital is a private investment firm dedicated to advancing climate-focused innovation. Founded in 2024, it is committed to generating attractive returns for investors while fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future. Brian shines the spotlight on the missing middle in capital for middle-stage companies. By filling a capital gap in the investment landscape, CurvePoint aims to balance risk and reward uniquely, driving significant environmental and economic progress. Tune in to hear how CurvePoint’s approach to debt financing offers flexibility and lower costs compared to traditional equity. Brian shares his approach to balancing capital, risk, and return expectations, emphasizing the goal of getting invested money back with interest and equity upside.

#62 | Driving Impact Outcomes Achieving Sustainable Returns with Apax Global Impact 07.01.2025 30min

In the latest BMBW podcast episode, Daniel is joined by David Su, a Managing Partner and co-head of the Apax Global Impact team based in New York. Apax Global Impact invests in visionary businesses that deliver tangible impact. It partners with management teams to drive transformational outcomes for people and the planet. David was drawn to Apax’s authentic approach to impact investing and a large firm's global platform, collaborative culture, and resources. Having spent most of his career on the West Coast, where investors chase the next “unicorn,” David is excited to invest in and work with a different and more meaningful type of “unicorn,” one where the value is not only determined by headline dollars but where valuation and social impact are equally regarded. Apax’s strategy intertwines impact with financial performance, particularly at scale. While unique impact elements rarely drive alpha, the fund continually enhances business and impact dimensions. Intriguingly, Apax aims for private equity returns that are parallel to traditional funds but with an added layer of positive social and environmental outcomes. David is optimistic, citing increased employee and customer preferences for impactful companies and favorable borrowing conditions for such businesses.

#61 | Reskilling for the Future with JFFVentures: Bridging Education Gaps, Navigating Displaced Roles & New Career Pathways 12.11.2024 35min

In the latest from the BMBW podcast, Daniel joins Sabari Raja and Yigal Kerszenbaum, co-managing partners of JFFVentures. The conversation delves deep into the future of work, the growing need for upskilling, and how innovative solutions are shaping emerging job markets. JFFVentures is operationally independent but strategically aligned to Jobs for the Future (JFF), a forty-year-old national nonprofit working across the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. Together, they’re working to get 75 million people facing systemic barriers to advancement into quality jobs by 2033. Sabari and Yigal share how JFFVentures supports founders by leveraging JFF's unique strengths and mobilizing JFF’s extensive networks to help founders scale impact across the learn-to-work ecosystem. Their focused strategy includes investing in solutions that benefit middle- to low-income earners and leveraging tech-enabled scalable solutions to ensure a broad impact. Tune in to the full episode for a thought-provoking conversation on building a better workforce and driving meaningful economic impact.

#60 | Blue Earth Capital: Pioneering Impact Secondaries 17.09.2024 37min

Blue Earth Capital, a specialist global impact investor, is making waves in the world of impact investing by pioneering impact secondaries among other strategies. As Managing Director and Head of Private Equity Partnerships at BlueEarth, Nicolas Muller is focused on delivering social and environmental impact combined with market-rate returns. In this episode, Nicolas shares how BlueEarth isn’t just talking about change—they’re making it happen. Under his leadership, his team has built a powerful portfolio, with notable investments including African FinTechs, an EdTech in the US, in innovative bioagriculture companies, and a Ukrainian gender-smart strategy to support quality jobs. With over $1.2 billion in assets under management, BlueEarth is globally impacting both developed and emerging markets. To discover how BlueEarth is not just investing in the future but actively building it, one investment at a time, tune in as Daniel dives into how BlueEarth is making a real difference in impact investing by combining profit with purpose.

#59 | Unlocking Impact and Alpha Through Credit Investing By Shundrawn Thomas & The Copia Group 16.07.2024 41min

Shundrawn Thomas, Founder and Managing Partner of The Copia Group, built Copia to provide bespoke capital solutions to privately held, U.S.-based companies that are committed to economic Inclusion. Copia is one of the only impact-driven private debt funds. Shundrawn shifted his focus to private investing after serving as President of Northern Trust Asset Management -- where he was responsible for an over $1 Trillion business. A unique combination of career experiences shaped his entrepreneurial path and inspired him to start The Copia Group. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of social impact and finance. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or just curious about making a difference, this episode is one you can’t miss. Tune in now to gather inspiration and actionable strategies for inclusive investing!

#58 | GEF Capital Partners Brings A Traditional Lower Mid-Market Buyout Approach to Climate Change and Pollution Remediation Investment Themes in the United States 12.06.2024 37min

In this episode, Daniel is joined by Dan Prawda, Founding Partner of GEF Capital Partners and co-head of the U.S. investment practice. GEF makes lower middle-market buyout investments in environmentally focused companies addressing climate change and/or pollution remediation. Join us for this insightful conversation delving deep into the world of climate-focused lower mid-market buyout investments in the United States and exploring how GEF Capital aims to address climate change and pollution remediation profitably. Daniel and Dan also discuss the rich history behind GEF Capital Partners, the extensive experience in private equity, and the importance of a global team.

#57 | Navigating the Landscape of Employee Ownership: Todd Leverette co-Founder of APIS & Heritage 30.05.2024 38min

In today's episode, Daniel is joined by Todd Leverette, an indisputable authority on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Todd’s insights into the intricate dynamics of ESOPs leave no doubt about their transformative potential. Todd is a founding partner of APIS & Heritage Capital Partners. APIS & Heritage invest in companies going through ownership transitions to implement Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), which aim to empower employees by giving them a stake in the company's success. Join us as Daniel engages in a captivating discussion with Todd Leverette, uncovering the complexities of employee ownership and its significant implications for wealth creation and corporate resilience.

#56 | Unveiling Blackhorn Ventures: Transforming Industries Through Digitization and Technology 08.04.2024 35min

In this episode, Daniel delves into the thesis and track record of Blackhorn Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund investing in founders transforming how we build, power, and move our world. Melissa Cheong, Managing Director at Blackhorn, sheds light on the company's transformative role in reshaping legacy industries. Melissa has a long career in impact investing and in addition to her role as General Partner at Blackhorn, she’s an investment committee member of Blue Earth Capital, a leading alternative investor in impact, and Bonfils Stanton Foundation, a Denver-based organization focusing on arts and culture. Join us for a conversation with one of the few female GPs in venture capital; a leading investor with a track record of identifying technological innovation for societal impact, and learn how Blackhorn Ventures approach is transforming transportation, energy, construction, supply chain and logistics for a brighter and more sustainable future.

#55 | Money Matters: H/L Ventures Holistic Approach to Impactful Company Building 20.03.2024 24min

H/L Ventures integrates venture studio and investment fund strategies for purpose-driven businesses and was founded 16 years ago. Now, H/L Ventures stands out as a trailblazer in holistic company building, home to entities like H/L Studios and CityRock Ventures. Diverging from conventional venture firms, H/L Ventures is most differentiated for pioneering a deeply hands-on approach, actively participating in the daily operations of portfolio companies showcasing a profound commitment to their success. In this episode, Daniel is joined by Oliver B. Libby (co-founding Managing Partner) to explore the nuances of investing with a focus on impact.

#54 | Profit with Purpose: Nuveen's Approach to Global Impact Investing 16.02.2024 32min

Nuveen, the wholly-owned asset manager of TIAA, a renowned financial services company specializing in retirement savings, manages over a trillion dollars of AUM, with TIAA's capital exceeding $350 billion. Rekha Unnithan leads Nuveen Private Equity Impact in the alternative asset class, managing over $1 billion. Focusing on climate and inclusion within the growth equity space, Nuveen Private Equity Impact has thrived, resulting in the creation of Nuveen Climate Inclusion strategy, following the success of Fund 1 in 2020. Join Daniel and Rekha (Managing Director and Global Head of Private Equity Impact Investing) as they unravel Nuveen's journey, showcasing a harmonious blend of financial success and impactful change in the world of climate and inclusion.

#53 | GCM Grosvenor: Driving Returns While Making an Impact 01.02.2024 39min

GCM Grosvenor is a global alternative asset manager with over 50 years of experience investing across private equity, real estate, infrastructure, credit, and absolute return strategies. They are a pioneer in customized solutions and a leader in providing innovative turn-key multi-client products. They provide clients with flexible access to alternative investments through a range of implementation strategies, including funds, co-investments, secondary transactions, and direct investments. Listen as Daniel takes a deep dive into the world of sustainable investing with Jonathan Hirschtritt, Head of Sustainability at GCM Grosvenor, providing nuanced insights into the intersection of investment and diversity.

#52 | Ford Foundation Impact Investing Initiative Generating 28% Compound Annual Return (As of Dec 2021) 01.02.2023 41min

In 2017, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker embarked on an ambitious proposal to invest 8% of its then $12.5bn endowment – or roughly $1 billion – into impact investing and hired Roy Swan to run the effort. What could one of the most well-known foundations in the world do with the “other 95%” of their assets? The Foundation recently released a report on their efforts – highlighting a 28% compound annual return. Listen as head of Mission Investments Roy Swan describes the journey.

#51 | Tiedeman Advisors: Jed Emerson Becomes Global Impact Lead of Tiedeman Advisors 25.10.2022 50min

Jed Emerson co-authored the first book on impact investing and led a “portfolio lifestyle” with academic appointments at Harvard, Stanford and Oxford business schools while helping to start leading organizations like ImpactAssets and Pacific Community Ventures. He currently serves as Global Lead, Impact Investing for Tiedeman Advisors, a wealth manager with over $25bn of assets under management. Jed quotes wisdom from Buddhist scriptures to Martin Luther King to lead the impact investing industry back to its roots.

#50 | Autism Impact Fund: Funding Venture Returning Innovation for Neurodiverse Challenges 27.09.2022 34min

Autism Impact Fund (“AIF”) Founder Chris Male aims to become the investment and innovation arm of the autism community. AIF's mission is to revolutionize diagnosing, treating and living with autism through a venture capital model. With 1 in 44 children in the US diagnosed on the autism spectrum, over $350 billion in direct spend (over $60,000 per child with autism) and an 85% unemployment rate for autistic adults, AIF hopes to harness the power of the capital markets to create transformational change for people on the spectrum and with other neurodiverse challenges. AIF is advised by silicon valley heavyweights like Emergence Capital’s Brian Jacobs and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.