Leslie Labruto's guest appearances

Leslie Labruto

Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

Distributing Solar

Cameron Smith

Jay Patel

Maya Stewart

Waringa Matindi

Abhishek Jain

Nicholai Lidow

Sanmi Lajuwomi

Andreas Lehner

Henry Louie

Jiten Ghelani

Manuel Wiechers

Tobias Engelmeier

OwlTail

In episode 195 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Leslie Labruto, Founding Director of 100x Impact Accelerator, on funding and advising early stage social enterprises to create social impact unicorns.In today's rapidly evolving world, social enterprises and impact-focused organizations play a crucial role in driving positive change. However, many of these ventures face numerous challenges when it comes to scaling their impact. That's where 100x Impact Accelerator steps in, providing a world-class platform to empower radical thinkers and amplify their impact at an unprecedented scale.Defining the EndgameThe 100x Impact Accelerator recognizes that impactful solutions require a comprehensive approach beyond traditional fundraising. By working together with social entrepreneurs, the accelerator aims to define the endgame—the ultimate goal that will bring about the most significant positive change. Rather than focusing solely on financial support, 100x Impact Accelerator fosters tangible, results-driven models such as government adoption, digitization, and open-source solutions.Exceptional Research and Access to PolicymakersOne of the key strengths of 100x Impact Accelerator is its emphasis on evidence-based research. Through access to exceptional research resources, social enterprises can build their strategies on a solid foundation. Moreover, the accelerator provides an invaluable connection to policymakers, enabling ventures to navigate regulatory landscapes and create substantial impact at scale. This unique combination of research and policymaker access sets the stage for innovative solutions to address pressing social challenges.Catalytic Capital, Global Connections, and Dedicated SupportThe 100x Impact Accelerator offers catalytic capital, injecting £150,000 into selected ventures. This funding serves as a catalyst for further growth, enabling social entrepreneurs to expand their operations and increase their impact. Additionally, participants benefit from global connections, accessing a network of like-minded social entrepreneurs and mentors. The world-class support and bespoke mentoring provided throughout the program empower ventures to overcome hurdles, refine strategies, and unlock their full potential.Impact Accelerator ProgramThe heart of 100x Impact Accelerator is the 12-week Impact Accelerator program. During this intensive period, selected ventures receive specialized guidance, resources, and mentorship tailored to their unique needs. The program creates a collaborative environment where cohorts of like-minded social entrepreneurs can learn from each other, share experiences, and foster meaningful collaborations. At the end of the program, the Summit Day celebration brings together participants, mentors, and stakeholders to celebrate accomplishments and forge lasting connections.Eligibility and Selection CriteriaThe 100x Impact Accelerator welcomes applications from impact-first organizations, including registered charities, non-profits, and social enterprises. To be eligible, ventures should be operating in one of the eight Impact Areas identified by the accelerator. They should have a proven track record of driving positive change, reaching at least 1,000 customers or constituents through direct or indirect models. Additionally, ventures should have a team of four or more full-time paid employees and have raised at least USD 100,000 in capital from any source.Flexible and Impact-First FundingThe 100x Impact Accelerator offers flexible, impact-first funding to selected ventures. The funding provided comes in the form of catalytic grants and ensuring that financial support aligns with the unique needs of each social enterprise. Upon completing the accelerator program, ventures that have achieved extraordinary impact may be eligible for follow-on funding, further supporting their growth and sustainability.The 100x Accelerator represents a powerful force in driving impactful change at scale. By providing exceptional research, access to policymakers, catalytic capital, and world-class support, the accelerator empowers social entrepreneurs to take their ventures to new heights. Through its Impact Accelerator program and long-term alumni membership, 100x Impact Accelerator fosters a vibrant community of innovators who are dedicated to creating a better world. If you are an impact-first organization ready to take the next big leap, the 100x Accelerator could be your catalyst for driving extraordinary and outsized impact.To learn more about 100x Impact Accelerator and start your application, visit their website: www.100ximpact.org

In episode 195 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-labruto/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leslie Labruto</a>, Founding Director of <a href="https://www.100ximpact.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100x Impact Accelerator</a>, on funding and advising early stage social enterprises to create social impact unicorns.In today's rapidly evolving world, social enterprises and impact-focused organizations play a crucial role in driving positive change. However, many of these ventures face numerous challenges when it comes to scaling their impact. That's where 100x Impact Accelerator steps in, providing a world-class platform to empower radical thinkers and amplify their impact at an unprecedented scale. Defining the Endgame The 100x Impact Accelerator recognizes that impactful solutions require a comprehensive approach beyond traditional fundraising. By working together with social entrepreneurs, the accelerator aims to define the endgame—the ultimate goal that will bring about the most significant positive change. Rather than focusing solely on financial support, 100x Impact Accelerator fosters tangible, results-driven models such as government adoption, digitization, and open-source solutions.Exceptional Research and Access to Policymakers One of the key strengths of 100x Impact Accelerator is its emphasis on evidence-based research. Through access to exceptional research resources, social enterprises can build their strategies on a solid foundation. Moreover, the accelerator provides an invaluable connection to policymakers, enabling ventures to navigate regulatory landscapes and create substantial impact at scale. This unique combination of research and policymaker access sets the stage for innovative solutions to address pressing social challenges. Catalytic Capital, Global Connections, and Dedicated Support The 100x Impact Accelerator offers catalytic capital, injecting £150,000 into selected ventures. This funding serves as a catalyst for further growth, enabling social entrepreneurs to expand their operations and increase their impact. Additionally, participants benefit from global connections, accessing a network of like-minded social entrepreneurs and mentors. The world-class support and bespoke mentoring provided throughout the program empower ventures to overcome hurdles, refine strategies, and unlock their full potential. Impact Accelerator Program The heart of 100x Impact Accelerator is the 12-week Impact Accelerator program. During this intensive period, selected ventures receive specialized guidance, resources, and mentorship tailored to their unique needs. The program creates a collaborative environment where cohorts of like-minded social entrepreneurs can learn from each other, share experiences, and foster meaningful collaborations. At the end of the program, the Summit Day celebration brings together participants, mentors, and stakeholders to celebrate accomplishments and forge lasting connections. Eligibility and Selection Criteria The 100x Impact Accelerator welcomes applications from impact-first organizations, including registered charities, non-profits, and social enterprises. To be eligible, ventures should be operating in one of the eight Impact Areas identified by the accelerator. They should have a proven track record of driving positive change, reaching at least 1,000 customers or constituents through direct or indirect models. Additionally, ventures should have a team of four or more full-time paid employees and have raised at least USD 100,000 in capital from any source. Flexible and Impact-First Funding The 100x Impact Accelerator offers flexible, impact-first funding to selected ventures. The funding provided comes in the form of catalytic grants and ensuring that financial support aligns with the unique needs of each social enterprise. Upon completing the accelerator program, ventures that have achieved extraordinary impact may be eligible for follow-on funding, further supporting their growth and sustainability. The 100x Accelerator represents a powerful force in driving impactful change at scale. By providing exceptional research, access to policymakers, catalytic capital, and world-class support, the accelerator empowers social entrepreneurs to take their ventures to new heights. Through its Impact Accelerator program and long-term alumni membership, 100x Impact Accelerator fosters a vibrant community of innovators who are dedicated to creating a better world. If you are an impact-first organization ready to take the next big leap, the 100x Accelerator could be your catalyst for driving extraordinary and outsized impact. To learn more about 100x Impact Accelerator and start your application, visit their website: <a href="https://www.100ximpact.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.100ximpact.org</a>

On a Mission to Create Social Impact Unicorns - Leslie Labruto, Founding Director of 100x Impact Accelerator

We speak with Leslie Labruto, Head of Energy Access at Acumen, about the equity investment landscape in off-grid solar. We discuss Solar Home Systems (SHSs), minigrids, impact investment, successful business models, challenges and opportunities in the sector, and what makes a great investment for Acumen.Recorded in 2019Visit us at www.distributingsolar.comContact us at podcast@distributingsolar.comShow notes:(0:55) Introduction to Leslie Labruto and how she got into the clean energy sector(2:20) Introduction to Acumen, their higher risk approach to investments, and commitment to the poor(3:30) Overview of the off-grid solar sector: pico appliances, solar home systems (SHSs), mini-grids -- the ongoing challenges around mini-grid business model(6:20) Discussion of the investment landscape in the off-grid solar sector, contrasting Mobisol, d.lights and positive signs from new funds (e.g. KawiSafi and Sunfunder); the need for more early stage investments(9:20) Acumen's approach to patient capital, investments, 1x returns -- what they look for in an investment(12:35) Acumen's energy investments to date; the challenge and need for solutions around clean cooking (14:30) Productive Energy Use: the opportunities and need for solutions that can support income growth; their focus on Pioneer Energy Investment Initiative (PEII) (17:30) The commercial viability of the off-grid solar sector, the need for operational excellence, strong unit economics for successful companies(19:11) Considerations around exits in the sector: the need for secondary sales to support the growth of the investment sector, the catalytic effect of secondary sales; the role of strategics (e.g. Shell, Total, Engie) in the sector(22:20) The intentions and interests of strategic, corporate investors in the energy access sector(23:50) The challenges for the mini-grid sector in particular; the ability for mini-grid sector to target poverty alleviation; the need for subsidies in the mini-grid sector and reframing of mini-grids as a public good(27:00) Results-Based Financing: demand from investors for RBFs(29:15) Lean Data, 60 Decibels, and focus on customers to determine the social and environmental impact of products and services; the use of Lean Data for due diligence purposes(32:50) Geographical areas of focus for Acumen(35:10) Predictions for the energy access sector: the need for reliability and developments in some geographical areas

We speak with Leslie Labruto, Head of Energy Access at Acumen, about the equity investment landscape in off-grid solar. We discuss Solar Home Systems (SHSs), minigrids, impact investment, successful business models, challenges and opportunities in the sector, and what makes a great investment for Acumen. Recorded in 2019Visit us at <a href="http://www.distributingsolar.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.distributingsolar.com</a>Contact us at podcast@distributingsolar.com Show notes:(0:55) Introduction to Leslie Labruto and how she got into the clean energy sector(2:20) Introduction to Acumen, their higher risk approach to investments, and commitment to the poor(3:30) Overview of the off-grid solar sector: pico appliances, solar home systems (SHSs), mini-grids -- the ongoing challenges around mini-grid business model(6:20) Discussion of the investment landscape in the off-grid solar sector, contrasting Mobisol, d.lights and positive signs from new funds (e.g. KawiSafi and Sunfunder); the need for more early stage investments(9:20) Acumen's approach to patient capital, investments, 1x returns -- what they look for in an investment(12:35) Acumen's energy investments to date; the challenge and need for solutions around clean cooking (14:30) Productive Energy Use: the opportunities and need for solutions that can support income growth; their focus on Pioneer Energy Investment Initiative (PEII) (17:30) The commercial viability of the off-grid solar sector, the need for operational excellence, strong unit economics for successful companies(19:11) Considerations around exits in the sector: the need for secondary sales to support the growth of the investment sector, the catalytic effect of secondary sales; the role of strategics (e.g. Shell, Total, Engie) in the sector(22:20) The intentions and interests of strategic, corporate investors in the energy access sector(23:50) The challenges for the mini-grid sector in particular; the ability for mini-grid sector to target poverty alleviation; the need for subsidies in the mini-grid sector and reframing of mini-grids as a public good(27:00) Results-Based Financing: demand from investors for RBFs(29:15) Lean Data, 60 Decibels, and focus on customers to determine the social and environmental impact of products and services; the use of Lean Data for due diligence purposes(32:50) Geographical areas of focus for Acumen(35:10) Predictions for the energy access sector: the need for reliability and developments in some geographical areas

Equity Investments in Off Grid Solar with Leslie Labruto (Acumen)