My guest today is Daniel Izzo, co-founder and CEO of Vox Capital – Brazil’s first impact investing firm.When Vox launched in 2009, the term "impact investing" barely existed in Latin America. There was no roadmap, just a few people who believed business could do more than serve the top of the pyramid.Daniel teamed up with Kelly Michel, co-founder of Artemisia, an accelerator for social entrepreneurs. Kelly introduced him to Antonio Ermírio de Moraes Neto, a young investor from one of Brazil’s most prominent business families. Together, the three launched Vox Capital.When Vox began in 2009, few understood what they were trying to do – and fewer believed in it. “People thought it was cute... crazy... or got angry at us.” The infrastructure wasn’t there. Most investors ignored 85% of the population outside their own social class. Daniel understood why – but he also knew what they were missing.His team wasn’t avoiding Brazil’s social challenges, but solving them. They focused on early-stage companies that could scale – businesses built for scarcity, but still desirable for all.The breakthrough came from the results. Their second fund proved returns were possible – over 30% IRR – and suddenly, the skepticism began to fade. Today, Vox manages over $300 million across VC, credit, and real estate – all aiming to unlock opportunity for Brazil’s low-income communities.They invested early in a medical education company that slashed the cost of specialist training from $10,000 to $1,000 and made it available online. They also backed Latin America’s leading ventilator maker, years before COVID hit. When the pandemic overwhelmed Brazil’s hospitals, that company supplied over 80% of the ventilators procured by the Brazilian government during the crisis.But Vox isn’t just about writing checks. They take board seats, offer strategic advice, connect founders with new markets, and help navigate major crises.Today, they’re leaning into catalytic capital, reforestation, regenerative agriculture, and environmental finance – the next frontier for impact.In Brazil, where deforestation and unsustainable land use drive climate damage, Daniel sees a huge long-term opportunity. Not just to earn returns, but to restore ecosystems.When I asked him what he’d fix with a magic wand, he went straight to mindset. “It’ll only be good for everyone, when it’s really good for everyone.” He believes ultra-wealthy families have a responsibility to mobilize their capital for collective survival.This is a conversation about what it takes to build in a place where the challenges are complex, the urgency is real, and the opportunity is bigger than most people realize. Daniel makes the case that the next era of capital won’t just be about returns – it’ll be about restoration, resilience, and responsibility.Tune in.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Vox Capital website- Daniel Izzo LinkedIn- The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty Through Profits

Ver todos los episodios