ImpactAlpha Podcasts

Ty Thomas of Primary Housing joins David Bank to discuss NOAH - naturally occurring affordable housing. As an emerging manager, Thomas is looking to preserve and improve  the kind of aging, unrestricted market-rate apartments that house teachers, firefighters, and other essential workers.Primary Housing, has been an active and early user of ImpactAlpha Edge, ImpactAlpha’s premium databases and other investment tools for fund managers and other Agents of Impact.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor Amy Cortese. Up this week: Two different approaches that impact investors are taking to address Big Tech’s AI data center buildout; who wins when access to private equity is opened up to American retirees; and, how 2x is spurring a global race to the top in gender-lens investing.To try ImpactAlpha Edge, ⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠. This week's stories:“Investors must push for transparency on AI’s water risks,” by Ceres’ Kirsten James."Elemental Impact teams with hyperscalers to deploy clean tech solutions," by Amy Cortese.“In the name of ‘democratization,’ private equity firms eye US retirement savings,” by Isaac Silk and Amy CorteseSubscribe to Impact(ed) on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen.“Spurring a global race to the top in gender-lens investing,” by David Bank

Impact investing may have originated in the West. Its future is being shaped in the East.  From Singapore to South Korea, Japan to Hong Kong, investors in a mosaic of Asia-Pacific markets are leaning into Asia’s distinctive edge in the global impact investment ecosystem: patient capital, intergenerational stewardship and disciplined innovation.The driver: a rising, intergenerational “now generation” steering the region’s innovative operating businesses and investment portfolios toward sustainability and social impact.“There’s this undercurrent of energy and willingness to try and come together,” Katy Yung, who leads the Hong Hong-based Sustainable Finance Initiative, tells ImpactAlpha’s Dennis Price on the latest Agents of Impact podcast. “The reality is it has to be an intergenerational effort.”

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with Lucy Ngige and Amy Cortese. Up this week: The first edition of ImpactAlpha Africa explores new ways capital is being mobilized for impact on the continent; a spotlight on two African funds investing in human capital and creating high productivity jobs; and, how some LPs are stepping up to help emerging managers cross the chasm to their next fund.

Eric Ries, who inspired many a founder with his book The Lean Startup and went on to found the Long-Term Stock Exchange, joins Amy Cortese on this Agents of Impact podcast. Ries has wrapped up what he’s learned in a new book “Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great.” Many of the so-called best practices in corporate governance, he says, actually destroy value, and Silicon Valley founders ignore governance until it's too late,. Amy speaks with Eric about "spiritual holding companies" — think perpetual purpose trusts, employee ownership trusts and industrial foundations that put a check on for-profit boards. Human flourishing, he says, not profit maximization, should be the true purpose of companies. He has some ideas of how to build organizations that can resist both inside temptations and outside pressure to betray their missions.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: How Los Angeles is working to lower the cost and complexity of capital for affordable housing; the Southern Poverty Law Center controversy, and who really controls the funds in Donor Advised Funds; and, a closer look at a $140 million deal to build a sustainable aviation fuel plant in Egypt.This week's stories:“Los Angeles tries to show how affordable housing can be built more quickly and cheaply,” by David Bank“Choose wisely: Big DAF platforms drop Southern Poverty Law Center,” by Candide Group's Morgan Simon“Jewish investors are calling on PayPal to provide services in Palestine,” by Chicory Wealth’s ari rosenberg and Mission Driven Finance board member Dorianna Blitt"Ninety One arranges $143 million for sustainable jet fuel production in Egypt," by Lucy Ngige

Chris Larson of Alder Point Capital Management, a fund manager focused on working farms and forestlands, joins David Bank. Now a GP, or general partner, Larson used to sit on the other side of the table as an LP, or limited partner, at a single-family office. We discussed the rising value of sustainable real assets for climate mitigation and adaptation, and what it’s like to be a fund - raiser after spending years as a capital allocator.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: Navigating the fear and frenzy at Milken’s annual gathering of global institutional capital; how the ongoing war in Iran is increasing the demand for renewable energy infrastructure, to the benefit of private equity giants; and, strange bedfellows invest in a company using ocean waves to generate renewable for offshore data centers.To try ImpactAlpha Edge, ⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠.Story links:"Renewable energy gains steam despite headwinds, as energy demand surges,” by Amy Cortese and Erik Stein."Climate investors team with Peter Thiel to back ocean power startup Panthalassa," by Amy Cortese

Carrie Endries joins David Bank to discuss the evolution of the place-based local investment ecosystem in Boston. “We have many clients who have more abundant wealth than they need,” Endries says on the latest Agents of Impact podcast. “That means that they can set aside a portion of their portfolio that might have a return that is below market, if they choose."Such clients are among a growing cohort of asset owners who are shifting their focus to making a positive impact in their own backyards. Endries works with high net worth individuals, families and smaller foundations, many of whom are based in Boston and across New England, to design and implement impact‑first, place‑based investment strategies.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editors Jessican Pothering and David Bank. Up this week: The latest in Africa’s carbon markets, from nature-based solutions to clean cooking; which wealthy athletes are getting into the impact investing game; and debriefing this week’s Mission Investors Exchange conference.To try ImpactAlpha Edge for yourself, ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠.Story links:"Outcomes and offtakes spur a 250,000-acre restoration project in South Africa," by Jessica Pothering."Why has it been so hard to crack the code on clean cooking solutions," by Jessica Pothering.“Wealthy athletes are getting into the impact investing game,” by Roodgally Senatus.“Agents of Impact share new narratives and continued resolve at Mission Investors Exchange,” by David Bank and Dennis Price

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: What’s significant about Uganda’s national pension fund’s effort to stand up a locally focused fund of funds; unraveling the controversy surrounding KKR’s lucrative employee ownership exit from CoolIT; and, unpacking the failure of the impact advisory firm Align Impact.To try ImpactAlpha Edge yourself, ⁠click here⁠.For more on these stories:“Let KKR do its thing while we convert thousands more companies to 100% employee ownership,” by Aner Ben-Ami"With shared ownership, $4.8 billion sale of CoolIT gives workers a cut of AI-driven gains," by Roody Senatus"Better financing can make employee ownership a game-changer for workers," by Antony Bugg Levine“Pension fund in Uganda readies a $100 million fund of funds to create jobs – and savers,” by Lucy Ngige“After 12 years, advisory firm Align Impact to shut down at the end of the month,” by David Bank

Dawn Lippert of Elemental Impact joins David Bank. The nonprofit accelerator and investor has for over 15 years been identifying climate solutions grounded in community benefits. Among the topics covered: the gap in financing first-of-a-kind commercial projects, AI and energy infrastructure, and a new role for the environmental movement now that renewable energy is rolling out at scale.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week:"Dear Shareholders: Your votes and your voice are needed more than ever," by As You Sow's Andrew Behar“Impact investors seek to assert human agency over the future of AI,” by David Bank and Dennis Price“Collaboration Fund sparks a conversation around M&A in impact investing field-building,” by David Bank and Amy CorteseTo try ImpactAlpha Edge for yourself, click here.Correction: Sorenson Impact Institute, not Foundation, is hosting the Collaboration Fund as well as the Webinar next week.

Smitha Das of World Education Services, or WES, joins David Bank for this episode. WES has amassed its balance sheet not from a wealthy individual or a major corporation, but from the operations of its own nonprofit social enterprise -- and is now on a path to investing 100% of its $300 million in assets in full alignment with its social mission.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: How the economic impacts of war in Iran are rippling through energy, fertilizer and food systems; a look at ImpactAlpha Edge; and, a public reckoning with an aquaculture investment gone wrong.Relevant links:“With imported gas in short supply, Indian households green their kitchens,” by Shefali Anand"⁠Persian Gulf blockade stokes demand for local, bio-based fertilizers⁠," by Amy Cortese"The ImpactAlpha Edge: Actionable Intelligence for Agents of Impact," by Dennis Price"Aqua-Spark’s founders on lessons learned and the path forward after eFishery scandal,” by Amy Novogratz and Mike Velings

Russell Sprole of Virta Ventures joins David Bank to talk about why Virta expanded its equity-light, software-focused climate-tech investment strategy to include hardware, AI and blended capital stacks. Virta Ventures has been an active and early user of ImpactAlpha Edge, ImpactAlpha’s premium platform of data and tools for fund managers and other Agents of Impact.For more on the firm check out out David's piece on the firm's strategy from last year.

David Bank is joind by Carol Galante of the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley and The Housing Lab. Carol is a proud “houser,” as affordable housing practitioners like to call themselves. David speaks with Carol to identify some of the policy and finance levers that can make housing more affordable in California and beyond.

Lyneir Richardson of Chicago Trend joins David Bank for this Agents of Impact podcast. Trend acquires and improves shopping centers in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The twist:  Investment structures that enable local residents to become co-owners on the same terms as institutional investors. David speeks with Lyneir about how such local buy-in bolsters the properties, why even a $1,000 stake in commercial real estate can change a family’s trajectory, and how broad-based community ownership can help close the racial wealth gap.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week:"Conflict in the Middle East creates (even more) refugees in need of livelihoods, services and impact investment," by Lucy Ngige."Valuing Aging" Agents of Impact Call (5:05)." Profit and punishment: The portfolio risks lurking inside private prisons,"by Andrew Behar (10:45).

Bryan Goh of the Tsao Family Office joins David Bank on this Agents of Impact podcast. Goh runs the social impact arm of the family behind Singapore-based maritime company Tsao Pao Chee Group. The company itself says it is guided by a “well-being mandate” and “an awakening journey from I to We.”The Tsao Family Office is a founding partner of Impact LP, ImpactAlpha’s  platform for asset owners for whom LP stands for “Leadership Potential.”For more, read our writeup on Tsao.

Ashley Bell of Redemption Holding Company joins David Bank on this episode of the podcast. Redemption last year acquired Utah-based Holiday Bank & Trust, the first time Black owners had acquired a non-minority-owned bank. From a Salt Lake City suburb, Bell is building a national financial institution.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: "How Anthropic’s standoff with the Pentagon is putting impact investors' AI thesis to the test in real time," by David Bank. “⁠Sharing wealth with workers creates value for private equity buyout firms. So why not share more?⁠” by Roodgally Senatus. (10:15). “⁠Six barriers keeping foundations from impact investing – and how to overcome them⁠,” by Woodcock Foundation's Stacey Faella (17:55).

Tirtha Patel and John Morris of Intentional Asset Management join David for this episode. Intentional is raising the Carib Grow Fund to provide much-needed equity financing for food systems in the Caribbean. Tirtha and John explain the fund's strategy for transforming the region’s food value chain, from production to processing to waste recovery. Intentional Asset Management has been an active and early user of ImpactAlpha’s premium databases and other investment tools for fund managers and other Agents of Impact.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank and producer Isaac Silk. Up this week: As the Trump administration steps back from domestic policy, how states are taking the lead on clean energy, the ownership economy, and AI regulation (09:25); Why smaller funds are leading to bigger returns in Africa (); And, the pivots of Mast Reforestation, as it seeks to sell removal credits on the voluntary carbon markets (14:15).ImpactAlpha's Policy Corner coverage.“Aruwa Capital has the data to make the case for small investment funds,” by Lucy Ngige“From planting trees to burying them, Mast Reforestation follows the market for carbon credits,” by Isaac Silk

The Russell Family Foundation is a regional small fry among the giant pension, insurance and sovereign wealth funds in the Net Zero Asset Owners Alliance, which represents more than $9 trillion in assets. Russell, based in Gig Harbor, Wash., near Seattle, accounts for only about $100 million of that total.  “We can move a little bit faster,” Kathleen Simpson, CEO of the foundation, tells David Bank on this Agents of Impact podcast.Resources mentioned by Kathleen:Russell's latest climate reportAs You SowClarity.aiiconik

The status quo is stupid, expensive and unfair. That’s the first line of David Erickson’s book, “The Fifth Freedom,” which makes the case for good schools, well-funded libraries, safe streets and public spaces, quality health care, spiritual refuges and accessible transportation to help kids and communities thrive.Erickson joins David Bank on this episode of Agents of Impact. His team at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York have turned such ideas into Making Missing Markets, an initiative to connect the builders of health, wealth and vibrant communities with the “buyers,” including hospitals,  insurers and corporations as well as government agencies, such as Medicaid. He says such collaborations could finance “upstream” interventions that deliver such outcomes at far lower cost than downstream remediation.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: Highlights from this week’s Agents of Impact Call on Shaping the Algorithm for good AI; how regional housing finance agencies in California are leveraging public funding to crowd private capital into affordable housing (12:20); and the emergence of local guarantee facilities for local investors in infrastructure in Africa and Asia (17:20).Story links:Call roundup“Building regional engines for affordable housing in California,” by Andrew Fremier, Ryan Johnson and Cody Petterson“Local guarantees for local investors in infrastructure projects in Africa and Asia,” by Lucy Ngige

Dimitry Gershenson and Erin Davis of Enduring Planet join David Bank to discuss how their working capital loans help early-stage climate startups meet the milestones need to unlock other financing – and pay them back. They discuss the current state of climate tech, technology-enabled lending, catalytic guarantees and even corporate beekeeping.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with Jessica Pothering, Dennis Price and Roodgally Senatus. Up this week: Jessica reports from Cape Town on how Africa’s mining industry is leveraging global demand for critical minerals; Dennis shares takeaways from his panel at the Urban Institute on what’s next for place-based investing (12:15); and, Roody reports from Philadelphia on Kensington residents are fostering neighborhood revival without gentrification and displacement (20:15).Story links:"Demand for critical minerals creates new opportunities to put Africa first," by Jessica PotheringDennis' Urban Institute panel."In Philadelphia, Kensington Corridor Trust demonstrates a neighborhood-led model of revival without displacement,” by Roodgally Senatus

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: How patient capital built India’s booming affordable home lending market; Nippon Life Insurance’s step-up to system-level investing in Japan (07:15); and, the push and pull behind growing interest in climate adaptation (13:20).Story links:"Key to India’s booming affordable home lending market: Patient capital," by Shefali Anand“With 'people x planet', Nippon Life Insurance steps up to system-level investing,” by Erik Stein.“Rising risks and returns on resilience are the push and pull for climate adaptation,” by David Bank.

SHIFT Capital, Aedera Companies and Lafayette Square are teaming up to bet on some of the most overlooked corners of the US housing market: Federally subsidized housing in mid-sized cities and rural communities on the east coast, and in the rust belt and midwest.SHIFT's Brian Murray and Aedera's Alison Carey join David Bank to discuss their new fund's strategy of preserving, and improving, affordable housing in underserved markets.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: How some LPs are going ‘beyond the check’ to help their GP impact managers survive the fundraising drought; enabling US retail investors to back solar projects in Africa and Latin America (8:05); and, at “He for She,” recognizing men who champion women in asset management (13:40).Check out this week's stories:“Ten ways LPs are going ‘beyond the check’ to help impact managers survive the fundraising drought,” by Erik Stein.“Solar projects in Africa and Latin America pay dividends to US retail investors,” by Lucy Ngige.Listen to "Women Changing Finance"The lyrics to Kat Taylor's re-write of "The Times They Are A-Changin'":Come gather around people wherever you roamand admit that the dangers around you have grownand accept it that soon you'll be cut to the bone if your time isn't spent saving, we better start swimming or we'll sink like a stormfor the times they are changin'.Investments they come and investments they go without purpose of fixing the mean status quountil voices left out become voices we know at the ballot the lectern on Wall Street's beggars row take back your impact through your almighty tollFor investors, they are changin'.Come Senators, Congressmen, please heed the call.Don't stand in the doorway, don't block up the hall.For he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled.But that outside it is raging will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls for the times they are changin'.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: Highlights from this week's star-studded call on the real returns of impact-first managers; why some investors are raising permanent capital to keep affordable housing affordable, permanently (10:00); and, how Lendable is showing that asset-backed financing in emerging markets can have institutional appeal (17:10).Story links:"These fund managers are finding novel solutions by seeking impact first," by David Bank, Dennis Price and Isaac Silk"Raising permanent capital to keep housing affordable, permanently," by Roodgally Senatus and David Bank"Lendable returns to asset-backed lending for the green transition," by Jessica Pothering and David Bank

Former New York City Deputy Mayor and Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group head Alicia Glen joins David Bank to unpack how MSquared is using private capital to tackle America’s affordable housing crisis. Glen shares why mixed-income, mixed-use projects are better for investors and communities, how tools like tax credits and land use policy make the numbers work, and why transit-oriented, green buildings and diverse developers are central to her thesis.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: In an impact fundraising drought, novel strategies and private credit stand out and, yes, size matters. Joseph Blasi's strategy to give workers a stake in AI’s upside through state and federal ‘permanent funds’ (10:45). And, the social-impact of popular movies and television (17:00).“In impact fundraising drought, novel strategies and private credit stand out and, yes, size matters,” by Jessica Pothering and Lucy Ngige. “Joseph Blasi: Give workers a stake in AI’s upside through state and federal ‘permanent funds',” by Roodgally Senatus and Amy Cortese.“Making, and measuring, a family dinner as an impact investment,” by Dmitriy Ioselevich.Watch the Nonnas trailer.BTNewsroom story on Roosevelt High School walkout

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: Impact investors chart a path for Latin America after the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Why working capital might be the biggest barrier for next-gen fund managers (6:15). And, why some insurers are looking for new risk transfer tools in the face of accelerating climate impacts (13:20).“Now what? Like Venezuela, Latin American fund managers start to map a way forward,” by Erik Stein, Amy Cortese and David Bank. “Working capital is the missing link for next-gen managers,” by Regina Green and Sabrina Bainbridge.“Innovations in 'risk transfer' for climate-vulnerable communities” by ImpactAlpha contributor Taylor Kate Brown.

Robert Raben, of the Raben Group, a Washington DC-based consulting firm that champions diversity and social justice, joins David Bank to discuss the resilience of diversity, equity and inclusion, if not the acronym DEI, and where the movement for an inclusive economy, society and asset-management industry is headed. Let’s jump right in to our conversation.https://impactalpha.com/robert-raben-the-arc-of-business-and-finance-bends-toward-diversity-podcast/

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: Why LP might stand for Leadership Potential, in addition to limited partner, as asset allocators contend with an increasingly complex world; how new approaches to the ownership economy are helping to both increase and share the pie; and, amid a pullback in official aid, how African asset owners and fund managers are creating their own pathways to growth.Story links:“In volatile times, some impact investors try to show LP means ‘leadership potential,’” by Amy Cortese and David Bank“Impact LPs and GPs search for solutions in a tough year to raise and deploy capital,” by Amy Cortese and Erik Stein“Beyond affordability to ownership, wealth-building and economic security,” by David Bank"African asset owners and fund managers chart local ‘pathways to growth’," by Lucy Ngige and Jessica Pothering

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: How the Sierra Club Foundation is leaning into system-level investing with its $200 million endowment; the 1803 Fund’s ambitious plans to restore historically Black neighborhoods in Portland; and, how financial advisors can meet clients’ demand for impact investing opportunities, and other takeaways from this week’s Agents of Impact Call.Story links:“Sierra Club Foundation is dumping managers, innovating indexes and embracing ‘system-level’ investing,” by David Bank and Roodgally Senatus.“In Portland, the 1803 Fund is rebuilding Black neighborhoods, zip code by zip code,” by Roodgally Senatus.Agents of Impact Call 75 recap and replay.

Stackwell founder Trevor Rozier-Byrd joins David Bank to talk about how public financial markets can become a real wealth-building tool for people who’ve historically been left out. Stackwell’s model: culturally resonant education, behaviorally informed nudges like recurring deposits, and seed investment programs that help “multicultural emerging wealth builders” get into the market and stay there.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: The ambitious strategy behind New Mexico’s $67 billion sovereign wealth fund; How the residential solar industry plans to stay competitive by eliminating dealer fees; And, how cities are building durable capital stacks for climate action, as federal support evaporates.Story links:“How New Mexico’s $67 billion fund is using oil and gas revenues to build a clean energy economy,” by David Bank.“With tax credits expiring, cutting ‘dealer fees’ could keep solar affordable,” by David Bank. “PosiGen bankruptcy highlights solar industry woes — and puts Brookfield in the hot seat,” by Amy Cortese.“Building durable financing for the energy transition and climate action in local communities,” by HIP Investors’ Nick Gower.

David Bank chats with Bruce Brown of New Mexico’s State Investment Council, a $67 billion sovereign wealth fund of sorts that helps pay for child care, schools, college and other services for the state’s residents. Brown is using funds generated from oil and gas production on state lands to invest in climate funds and attract clean energy projects to New Mexico.

The Cordes Foundation's Steph Stephenson joins Amy Cortese to talk about her family foundation’s evolution over its twenty years, from early support for social entrepreneurs to a focused push for gender equity throughout the global fashion industry.Check out all of ImpactAlpha's sustainable fashion coverage.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: Beyond investments and guarantees, how Encourage Capital assembled the necessary pieces to unlock capital flows for the global clean energy transition; The missing markets for local builders and buyers of health, wealth, and vibrant communities (09:30); And, how European pension funds learn to stop worrying and love the companies making bombs (12:35).Story links:“⁠A case study in unlocking lending to small businesses to accelerate solar in India⁠,” by C3's Harvy Koh“⁠Making missing markets for local builders (and buyers) of health, wealth and vibrant communities⁠,” by David Bank and Roodgally Senatus“⁠European pension funds said ‘no’ to defense investments. Then came Ukraine… and Trump⁠,” by Danielle Rossingh

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: Instead of 50 year mortgages, actual solutions to make homeownership affordable; The case of the missing $54 billion in climate finance; And, highlights from this week’s call, on plugging the financing gap for growth businesses in Africa.Story links:“From affordable home ownership to ‘fair-share appreciation’ and generational wealth,” by David Bank and Roodgally Senatus.“The case of the missing $54 billion in development banks' climate financing," by Jessica Pothering. All of our call roundups: https://impactalpha.com/calls/

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: In the lead up to the COP30 climate summit, the state of climate blended finance is a mixed bag; the private credit jitters that are putting even impact investors on edge (10:55); and, a preview of next week's Agents of Impact call on mobilizing growth funds for growth firms in Africa and Asia (16:10).RSVP for next week's Call!Story links:“Institutional investors warm to blended climate finance even as foreign aid and catalytic capital declines,” by Erik Stein“⁠With Tropical Forests Forever fund, Brazil tries a new approach to slowing deforestation⁠,” by Erik Stein“⁠Debt bubble? Private credit jitters put even impact investors on edge⁠,” by Amy Cortese“With philanthropic capital, Growth Firms Alliance is mobilizing local pension funds around small-business financing,” by Lucy Ngige

As a former hedge fund investor, Eva Yazhari is comfortable making the contrarian bet. While other VC investors are swinging for grand slams with AI startups, Yazhari’s Beyond Capital Ventures is knocking down singles and doubles around the west Indian Ocean, one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. “The gap is where the alpha lives,” Yazhari told ImpactAlpha on the latest Agents of Impact podcast.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with CEO Dennis Price. Up this week: What was top of mind among innovators and investors at SOCAP; How community lenders are building rare bipartisan support to salvage gains for low income communities (09:35); And, a dual lens for due diligence and impact: investing with AI vs. investing in AI (15:55).Story links:“⁠⁠Community lenders muster bipartisan support to salvage gains for low-income communities⁠⁠,” by Amy Cortese with Roodgally Senatus. “⁠⁠Investing with AI, investing in AI: A dual lens for due diligence and impact⁠⁠,” by Paul Fehlinger.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week: The surprising resurgence of impact-first investing; How lawyers, yes lawyers, are working to simplify impact transactions: And, in Newark, new ideas surface for how to build a nation of owners.Story links:Impact-first call recap“Building a nation of owners with new financial products and fresh ideas,” by David Bank“Lawyers, yes lawyers, are trying to simplify impact transactions,” by Erik Stein

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha’s top stories with editor David Bank and reporter Lucy Ngige. Up this week: Trimtab's unapologetic impact-first pitch to wealthy families: outperformance on impact rather than financials; How the new Sendero Verde affordable housing development is bringing to life a vision for a community of opportunity in East Harlem (10:30); And, a vibe check from this year's GIIN Impact Forum (14:55).Story links:“Trimtab’s unapologetic pitch to wealthy families seeking outperformance – on impact,” by David Bank.‘Community of opportunity’: With Sendero Verde, Jonathan Rose’s affordable housing vision comes to life in East Harlem,” by Roodgally Senatus“At GIIN Impact Forum, institutional investors seek to chart a path forward,” by Dennis Price and Lucy Ngige.“ImpactAlpha’s Fall Tour: Equity, ownership and the path to shared prosperity,” by David Bank.