Rethinking Returns: Building Impact-Driven Ventures with Romain Diaz

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change. Today, we’re joined by Romain Diaz — entrepreneur, venture builder, and founder of Satgana, which means “the good company” in Sanskrit. With a deep commitment to impact, Romain builds and backs startups that address the climate crisis and promote regenerative futures. In this episode, we explore his evolution from chasing conventional success to leading with purpose, the story behind Satgana, and how we can reimagine capitalism, investment, and leadership to serve both people and the planet. ABOUT THE GUEST: Romain Diaz is the Founder & CEO of Satgana, a Climate Tech Venture Capital firm investing in startups that tackle the climate crisis across Europe and Africa. With entrepreneurial experience and a global perspective, Romain brings a unique blend of business insight, empathy, and a strong commitment to sustainability. KEY NOTES: From Profit to Purpose: Romain’s journey into mission-driven entrepreneurship Building for a Regenerative Future Why Individual Actions Matter in Systemic Change The Tension Between Growth and Sustainability Can Business Models Uplift Both People and the Planet? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro Trailer 01:18 – Welcome 03:34 – Romain’s Shift from Earning to Living with Meaning 13:14 – The Story Behind Satgana 17:29 – Individual Action and Collective Change 21:49 – Reconciling Growth and Sustainability in Business 27:02 – Rethinking Capitalism for People and Planet 36:43 – Burnout and Resilience in Impact Work 41:18 – What It Means to Live with Purpose 45:02 – Can a Mindset Shift Drive Climate Solutions? 52:32 – The Role of Social Economies in the Future of Investment 01:05:34 – Outro  THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST: Satgana's Website: https://satgana.com/ Satgana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satgana/ Satgana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satgana_/?hl=en Satgana's Twitter(X.com): https://x.com/satgana_ Satgana's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@satgana?lang=en Satgana's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/satgana/ TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassiviste Twitter: https://twitter.com/compassiviste LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/ Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟