Investor Connect - Episode 136 - Brian Axelrad of Beyond Capital

In this episode, Hall T. Martin is joined by Brian Axelrad of Beyond Capital. Brian is the Chief Investment Officer of Beyond Capital, he oversees the investment decision-making process, guides the investment due diligence process and coordinates overall investment, portfolio and fund strategy with Beyond Capital's CEO.

 

A little about Beyond Capital: Beyond Capital Fund is a social impact fund that invests in for-profit social enterprises throughout India and East Africa. We invest in businesses that are focused on greater access to health care, water, sanitation and energy, as well as food security and financial inclusion, which can increase the quality of life and standard of living for consumers at the bottom of the pyramid. Though we seek market rate financial returns, Beyond Capital is structured as a nonprofit, which permits us to emphasize fidelity to our social mission alongside our financial mandate. Investments in India include Frontier Markets, Karma Healthcare, ERC Eye Care (exited) and Bodhi Health. Investments in East Africa include Sanergy (Kenya), East Africa Fruits (Tanzania), Kasha (Rwanda), Numida (Uganda) and Tulaa (Kenya).

 

Hall kicks off this episode learning about how Brian got into early stage investing and what Beyond Capital’s focus is. In this episode, you’ll learn about impact investing, how the landscape is changing, the evolution and its impact on Beyond Capital, where it's going and what the risks are. Brian talks about how and why he got into impact investing, and offers advice to those who are interested in this type of investing.

 

Hall and Brian also speak about Beyond Capitals investment in East Africa and India, Brian's role and travels, challenges to long term success in the region.