045: Beyond ESG: Why IMPACT INVESTING needs to be the NEXT BIG THING

Just 10 years ago, today's guest (Rafael Aldon) worked in telecoms in the UK. But over the past decade, he moved to Singapore as he first transitioned to Private Equity, then early stage Venture Capital, and finally into Impact Investing. It's been quite a journey! He's also the co-host of 2 podcasts (Investing for Impact and Disruptors for Good) on Cause Artist, which is a discovery hub for conscious consumers, social entrepreneurs and impact investors.  If you don't know what impact investing is, you'll love this episode because it will give you a solid understanding not only of what it is, but why it is so desperately needed. And if you already do know about it, you'll still enjoy hearing about his amazing journey.  Show Notes: 01:30 Rafael's journey from Telecoms to Private Equity to Early Stage VC to Impact Investing 10:00 What led you to narrow your investment focus to Impact Investing? 12:00 Difference between ESG Investing & Impact Investing 15:00 Raf's focus on regenerative businesses - and what does regenerative mean? 18:00  What is Regenr8? 22:00 The value you get from angel investing 24:00 What is the current state of Impact Investing in Asia & globally? Is it still niche? 26:30 What needs to be done to drive more Impact investing 29:00 Can we get enough momentum going to help us address the global climate challenges before it's too late? 31:00 What are the biggest risks we face that will prevent us from making progress towards addressing those issues? 33:30 What advice do you have for start-ups that are playing in the Impact space? 37:30 You can do your career all over again. What would you rather be - an Impact Investor or a Rockstar?