Note: This program is a ticketed, invitation-only panel discussion and networking event. Space is limited! Premium members of Impact Entrepreneur get complimentary admission to this program, among other benefits. To RSVP for your spot as a Premium Member, visit the calendar.
This special evening discussion and valuable networking opportunity promises to unpack the intricate tapestry of funding strategies propelling sustainable enterprises toward positive change.
The path to securing funding for social enterprises is rarely linear, presenting a complex terrain unique to each enterprises' circumstances, ambitions, and vision for both growth and impact. Attendees will delve into the multifaceted landscape of impact-driven finance, hearing nuanced insights into investment techniques that prioritize not only financial viability but also the realization of ESG benchmarks. From the strategic use of debt and equity investments to the foundational support offered through grants and alternative financing, this evening will illuminate the innovative pathways that harmonize the three pillars of the triple bottom line.
Come listen to real-world success stories, gain actionable insights for aligning commerce with conscience, and participate in an exchange of wisdom for shaping a more equitable future.
Our discourse will unravel critical themes such as:
- Understanding the intricate expectations of impact investors, drawn to both fiscal rewards and tangible benevolent impacts.
- Preserving a venture's core ethos amid the tug-of-war between capital needs and mission fidelity.
- Accessing innovative finance avenues when traditional options fall short of recognizing the long-term value of impact driven businesses.
- Forging strategic alliances with philanthropic entities and investors whose aspirations resonate with your vision for progressive change.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event tailored for entrepreneurs, investors, and other practitioners driving the Impact Economy.
Featured Panelists
Carol Caruso is a seasoned social impact entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, with over two decades of global expertise in social impact, inclusive finance, and digital technology. Having co-founded an Inclusive Fintech startup, she's a trailblazer in leveraging innovative tech like mobile apps, AI, and payment platforms for social good. Currently, Carol serves as a social impact strategy consultant for multiple Impact Funds and startups, advises MIT Sandbox Accelerator and Impact Entrepreneur, and sits on investment committees and boards for various Impact Funds and startups. Her prior roles at Harvard Kennedy School’s Impact Accelerator and leadership positions at Accion International and Triple Jump underline her commitment to scaling businesses driving healthcare, education, clean energy, social justice, and inclusive finance worldwide. Carol's diverse background spans Europe, US, Africa, Asia, and LATAM, fortified by having attended UC Berkeley’s Master’s program in Business Management and a B.S. in Economics & Finance from UC Santa Barbara.
Josh Cohen is on a mission to make a difference via capitalism. He believes that how you make money (and what you do with it once you have it) matters and wants to help improve the world, now. When considering how he wanted to be remembered, Josh turned to impact investing before it had a name, combining his experience as a venture capitalist, technology company executive, and family office CIO with his personal values. Thus, the idea for City Light was born: partnering with experienced entrepreneurs using technology to generate significant financial returns, while having a measurable social impact. Prior to founding City Light, Josh led direct investments for a Greenwich CT-based family office, worked in venture capital for a family office based in St. Louis, was a Partner in a private debt fund, and served as the Director of Business Development for Mobility Electronics (NASDAQ: IGOI). He began his career as an investment banker in the technology group of Deutsche Bank Alex Brown in San Francisco. Josh co-founded (and is a Board member of) The ImPact, a member network whose mission is to inspire families to make impact investments more effectively. In addition, he is on the investment committee for a family office based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Josh sits on the Board of Directors for Ready Responders and Brave Health. Josh previously held advisory roles with Ginger (now Headspace), OhmConnect (now Renew Home), 2U (Nasdaq: TWOU), Shotspotter (Nasdaq: SSTI), Practice (Acquired by Instructure: INST), Trilogy (Acquired by 2U: TWOU), and StraighterLine (Acquired by BV Partners). He is a frequent speaker on the topic of impact investing.
Sarah Cone is the founder and Managing Partner at Social Impact Capital. Referred to by Forbes as a “risk-taker who has proven herself,” Sarah is an experienced venture capitalist who has proven that impact investing can generate strong financial returns while producing a positive effect on the world. Sarah invests very early in founders of innovative and impactful solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, helping them prove scalability and acquire follow-on funding from top-tier venture capital firms. In 2016, Sarah began making direct angel investments in early-stage social impact venture capital opportunities. After successfully following this model for several years, Sarah decided to launch a traditional venture capital fund following the same impact-oriented strategy as her angel investments. Sarah launched Social Impact Capital Fund I in 2019 via funds raised from high-net-worth individuals, family offices, foundations, and fund of funds ultimately totaling over $43M in commitments. The firm uses an “impact arbitrage” investment strategy, investing from the pre-seed and seed stage in companies that offer solutions to some of the world’s biggest environmental and societal challenges. Social Impact Capital is one of the few woman-led VC firms. Before founding Social Impact Capital, Sarah worked at Illuminate Ventures and Omidyar Network's emerging technologies group along with a stint in Google’s legal department. Sarah holds a JD from UC Berkeley, where she won several academic awards, and a BA from Evergreen State College.
As a serial social entrepreneur, Peter Strugatz serves on the Board to Victory Hemp Foods a regenerative agriculture hemp industrial ingredient company. Previously served as adviser to Califia Farms a midmarket plant-based beverage company and Ejido Verde a pine resin reforestation company in Southern Mexico. He was an adviser to Green Monday Ventures of Hong Kong, a plant-based venture capital firm. Peter advises impact investors and social entrepreneurs, with a focus on social capital, strategy and implementation planning, shared leadership, and building strategic relationships for revenue growth and sales channel development. He was co-founder and co-CEO of IceStone which achieved Cradle to Cradle Gold and B Corp certifications. His 25 years of leadership experience also includes serving as CEO of Austin Productions. A former board member of Social Venture Network and the ALS Association, Peter investment’s in multiple social purpose companies has included Stonyfield Farm Yogurt, Light Phone, Victory Hemp Foods, Zipcar, and Califia Farms.
