Direct Investing via Foundations with Smit Naik (Sorenson Impact)

Smit Naik of Sorenson Impact Institute joined the pod last fall to talk about his previous work at Gary Community Ventures, where he served as its Director of Impact Investing. We talked about the importance of deploying the right capital, at the right time, for the right purpose; how philanthropies leave so much potential impact on the table; and why even investors should approach their work with human-centered design. Smit’s new title is Managing Director of Impact Investing at the Sorenson Impact Institute where he oversees their early-stage venture capital investment strategy.Timestamps:00:00 Bridging the Gap: Understanding Community Needs01:06 Smitt Naik's Journey into Impact Investing02:21 The Role of Listening in Impact Investing04:46 Gary Community Ventures: A Theory of Change09:00 Innovative Approaches to Community Investment12:06 MySpark: Empowering Youth through Financial Choice15:39 The Unique Approach of Gary Community Ventures19:01 Innovating Foundations: Moving Wealth and Power20:28 A Day in the Life of an Impact Investor23:41 Advice for Future Impact InvestorsLinks:Smit’s LinkedinSorenson Impact Institute websiteGary Community Ventures websiteEric’s LinkedinLucas’ Linkedin