Season Two: Episode Five – Examining impact investing — a relatively new form of investing which is directed at having a social or environmental impact alongside a financial return.

Episode Description: Evan Lin (Fordham Law ’19) and Zhujing Wu (Fordham Law ’19) interview Tom Brunner, Partner at LeapFrog Investments, to discuss impact investing, its legal concerns and how entrepreneurs can prepare to address these concerns.

Episode Roadmap:

[:30] Evan Lin and Zhujing Wu introduce themselves and define impact investing.
[5:14] Tom Brunner introduces himself and offers an overview of LeapFrog Investments.
[8:01] Examining the commercial-philanthropic impact investing scale and the double bottom line.
[10:34] Meeting fiduciary obligations and diversification considerations.
[15:49] Metrics used by LeapFrog to measure social impact, and differences between the healthcare delivery and financial service spaces.
[19:51] Three elements of any entrepreneurial endeavor that impact investors look for before investing.
[24:06] The importance of internal governance in your proposed business, including integrity, transparency, and guards against self dealing.
[27:18] How students and entrepreneurs can prepare to compete for limited positions with impact investing.
[32:33] Looking to the future of impact investing.
[35:00] Tom reviews five key takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to enter the impact investing space.

Tweetables:

“Social benefit needs to be an affirmative aspect of the business model.” — Tom Brunner

Click To Tweet

“If you’re able to make a case for your business that market investors will find attractive… that opens up a larger pool for potential investments.” — Tom Brunner

Click To Tweet

“People who go into this field will do very well both in terms of financial reward and professional satisfaction.” — Tom Brunner

Click To Tweet

“Impact investing is a critical element of the global approach to solving problems of poverty and other social imperatives.” — Tom Brunner

Click To Tweet

Mentioned in This Episode:

Additional Resources:

Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic
Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

Sponsors:

Disclaimer: The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the “Podcast”), is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented, and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.