Scaling Impact Capital Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Chintan Panchal, Founding Partner of RPCK Rastegar Panchal, to discuss his journey from international law to building a global boutique law firm that focuses on impact investing. Chintan shares his insights on designing financing structures for outcomes, the role of lawyers in scaling the impact economy, and how innovative contracts can drive better alignment between financial returns and impact goals. We also explore the challenges of creating blended finance solutions and aggregating capital for systemic change. Tune in to hear Chintan’s thoughtful advice for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to build impactful careers.

In this episode, I’m joined by Bruce McNamer, President of Builders Initiative, to explore how family offices can be transformative forces in scaling impact. Bruce shares how his career—from the Peace Corps to running TechnoServe to leading Builders Initiative—shaped his understanding of catalytic capital and market-shifting investments. We discuss Builders Vision’s innovative approach to deploying flexible capital across the continuum—from grants to high-risk investments—and how they align their efforts with bold "North Star" aspirations for food, energy, and oceans. Bruce also dives into the challenges and opportunities of building ecosystems, the power of policy and advocacy, and the crucial role of family offices in driving systemic change. Tune in to hear actionable insights for impact investors and inspiring career advice for purpose-driven professionals.

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.