A Forum for Lasting Change
The GIIN Impact Forum 2024 has established itself as one of the most influential gatherings for leaders, investors, and changemakers dedicated to impact investing. Each year, this event brings together individuals and organizations committed to harnessing capital as a powerful tool to address social and environmental challenges. This year, Capital + SAFI had the honor of participating, reaffirming our commitment to a sustainable future.
Our presence at the GIIN Impact Forum allowed us to share our vision of Shared Value Investing, while also connecting with industry leaders who share our passion for creating positive impact. For Capital + SAFI, the forum represents a unique platform to explore innovative approaches that align with our mission of responsible economic growth. It was an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate how our investment model can drive both sustainability and prosperity in our communities.
Solution Session Highlights and Key Quotes from Jorge Quintanilla Nielsen
As part of our participation at the GIIN Impact Forum 2024, Capital + SAFI had the opportunity to lead a Solution Session titled “Catalyzing Social Change in Latin American Agribusiness Through Shared Value Investing.” In this session, our CEO, Jorge Quintanilla Nielsen, shared how Capital SAFI leverages a Shared Value approach to integrate social impact into every aspect of our investment strategy.
Among Jorge’s key insights, the following quotes capture our investment philosophy and Capital + SAFI's commitment to social and environmental development.
Share Value Investing as a Core Strategy
Sustainability in Agribusiness
Evolving from Transactional to Transformational
The Role of Board Governance
Scaling with Purpose and Social Impact
E-liability and Sustainable Practices
These quotes summarize the essence of our Solution Session and reaffirm how Shared Value can become a powerful tool for generating impact. If you would like to watch Jorge Quintanilla’s full presentation and explore our impact investment vision further, we invite you to watch the session video on our YouTube channel,
Our Team's Experience at the Event
But beyond the ideas and strategies, it's the experiences of our team that truly reflect the essence of GIN 2024:
Bismarck Pinto Chief Portolio Manager
The GIIN Impact Forum and strategic meetings in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands reaffirmed the relevance of our shared value strategy. Discussions with key leaders and institutions such as WWF, FinDev, and Oxford validated the transformative potential of tools like the E-liability method. These experiences not only strengthened our vision for regional and global funds but also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in driving systemic change within Latin America's sustainable agribusiness sector.
The experience at the GIIN Impact Forum and the strategic meetings in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands has been profoundly transformative, both personally and professionally. Having the opportunity to lead meaningful conversations at our booth and in private sessions with impact investors, institutions such as WWF, Convergence, FinDev, ICFA, Goldman Sachs, and other key players allowed me to validate the relevance and disruptive potential of our shared value investment strategy. The warmth and receptivity of our counterparts, combined with the depth of the discussions, confirmed our positioning as leaders in driving systemic change within Latin America's sustainable agribusiness sector.
One of the most inspiring moments was our meeting with Baroness Valerie Amos in Oxford. Her support and the doors opened to institutions such as the Smith and Blavatnik schools reaffirmed my conviction that partnerships with academia can serve as invaluable sources of innovation and legitimacy. Furthermore, our discussions on the E-liability method and strategies to address critical challenges like deforestation strongly resonated with several of our potential partners. These insights reinforced my belief that our combination of innovative tools and robust governance can act as a catalyst for large-scale impact.
The GIIN Impact Forum and subsequent meetings not only provided us with global exposure but also offered a clear roadmap for successfully establishing our regional funds and, in the future, global ones. This experience taught me that the key lies not only in having a solid strategy but also in building bridges with institutions that share our vision. I feel deeply grateful and motivated, fully aware that we are progressing along a path that benefits our investors while holding the potential to transform realities in Latin America and beyond.
Cecilia Ampuero Chief Portolio Manager
Attending the GIIN Impact Forum was an invaluable experience for Capital + SAFI, reaffirming the importance of our shared value strategy in addressing Latin America’s pressing needs. This event provided a clear perspective on risks, opportunities, and key trends in climate finance, agriculture, clean energy, and impact measurement, while also expanding our network with key players in the impact investing ecosystem.
Attending the GIIN Impact Forum was a valuable experience for both Capital + SAFI and my personal development. The event underscored the urgency of leveraging our shared value strategy to drive impactful social investments, as Latin America faces immense needs while capital flows remain insufficient.
The forum offered a first-hand understanding of current topics, including emerging risks and opportunities, key impact investing trends in climate finance, agriculture, nature, health, clean energy, and frameworks for measuring impact. It also provided an excellent opportunity to expand our network, connecting with investors, competitors, NGOs, service providers, and other key players.
I am deeply grateful for this unique experience—a privilege not everyone has the chance to enjoy.
James Johnson Member of the Board of Directors
The GIIN Impact Forum provided valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of strategic preparation, teamwork, and the effective use of key contacts during events. It validated our shared value and E-liability propositions while exploring technologies applicable to the agricultural sector, highlighting that scalability depends on investments in education and technical assistance. Additionally, we identified collaboration opportunities with institutions such as Oxford and FMO to develop innovative financial mechanisms and sustainable practices in Latin America.
The GIIN Impact Forum offered valuable learnings on the use of communication technologies during events to engage with relevant contacts. It highlighted the importance of dedicating effort prior to the event to identify key participants and build strategic connections. Teamwork was crucial during visits to stands and in discussions with key individuals, and the value of personal connections became evident in how effectively they could be leveraged. The forum also demonstrated the willingness of stakeholders to collaborate when presented with meaningful proposals aligned with current challenges and realities.
The shared value and E-liability propositions were validated, and the discussions underscored the relevance of technologies applied to the agricultural sector. These technologies currently operate effectively on a small scale at the local level. However, scalability does not depend on the technologies themselves but on their underlying principles, requiring investments in education and technical assistance to enable broader adoption. The lack of appropriate institutional frameworks in many Latin American countries further limits the promotion and application of best practices in land use.
There is interest in developing a dialogue with Oxford University institutions on financial mechanisms for land-use systems. Capital SAFI should draft a proposal outlining topics and exchange mechanisms to present to Professor Ramanna, who will coordinate discussions with Oxford-based institutions. There is notable capacity and interest in academic centers and development institutions in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands to develop new technologies and implement best practices. However, these initiatives are not yet mainstream, and the scale of financial resources remains disproportionate to the scale of the challenges.
Promising developments in blended finance mechanisms, unconventional guarantees, and other approaches were identified (reference: Daniel Hincapié from IDB). However, these solutions are not being implemented with the urgency and scale required to address the issues effectively. NIRAS is providing technical assistance alongside funds from the FCDO’s MFF program, executed by FMO, offering potential support for ex-ante impact evaluation and the design of an ex-post evaluation system for the shared value and E-liability approach. FMO has expressed interest in establishing a partnership with Capital SAFI to implement the shared value and E-liability framework. This collaboration will require the preparation and management of a concrete proposal to establish basket finance through FMO.
The shared value and E-liability propositions were validated, and the discussions underscored the relevance of technologies applied to the agricultural sector. These technologies currently operate effectively on a small scale at the local level. However, scalability does not depend on the technologies themselves but on their underlying principles, requiring investments in education and technical assistance to enable broader adoption. The lack of appropriate institutional frameworks in many Latin American countries further limits the promotion and application of best practices in land use.
There is interest in developing a dialogue with Oxford University institutions on financial mechanisms for land-use systems. Capital SAFI should draft a proposal outlining topics and exchange mechanisms to present to Professor Ramanna, who will coordinate discussions with Oxford-based institutions. There is notable capacity and interest in academic centers and development institutions in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands to develop new technologies and implement best practices. However, these initiatives are not yet mainstream, and the scale of financial resources remains disproportionate to the scale of the challenges.
Promising developments in blended finance mechanisms, unconventional guarantees, and other approaches were identified (reference: Daniel Hincapié from IDB). However, these solutions are not being implemented with the urgency and scale required to address the issues effectively. NIRAS is providing technical assistance alongside funds from the FCDO’s MFF program, executed by FMO, offering potential support for ex-ante impact evaluation and the design of an ex-post evaluation system for the shared value and E-liability approach. FMO has expressed interest in establishing a partnership with Capital SAFI to implement the shared value and E-liability framework. This collaboration will require the preparation and management of a concrete proposal to establish basket finance through FMO.
Cecilia Arandia Sustainability and Impact Officer
Attending the GIIN Impact Forum was a transformative experience that reaffirmed the value of our work at Capital+ SAFI. Connecting with global leaders in impact investing allowed us to broaden our horizons, learn from an international ecosystem, and reflect on the challenges and trade-offs we face in pursuing sustainable solutions. The event underscored the importance of clear intentionality in our investments and recognizing the end beneficiary as a key actor in building a dignified and sustainable future.
Attending the GIIN Impact Forum and connecting in person with world-class experts in impact investing and management was truly a dream come true. Sharing space with leaders who share a vision for a more equitable and sustainable future not only reaffirms the value of our work but also inspires us to find new and better ways to contribute.
Working from Bolivia, we often fall into the routine of focusing solely on the opportunities and challenges at the local level. This event offered the chance to expand my horizons, step out of the “box” we sometimes immerse ourselves in, and remember that there is a global ecosystem eager to share ideas and insights that can also be applied within our context.
The forum also prompted me to reflect on the importance of recognizing that not all investment solutions result in a straightforward “win-win,” especially when addressing complex challenges such as extreme poverty reduction, access to basic services in rural areas, or the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Often, we face trade-offs—decisions where progress in one area may require sacrifices in another. At the end of the day, it is crucial to maintain clear intentionality in the fund or project to integrate more effective and transparent investment solutions.
Finally, the event highlighted the importance of moving away from viewing the end beneficiary as merely someone in need of assistance and instead recognizing them as the final client or even the leader of this shared effort. Only by doing so can we build strategies that promote a dignified and sustainable life for all.
Working from Bolivia, we often fall into the routine of focusing solely on the opportunities and challenges at the local level. This event offered the chance to expand my horizons, step out of the “box” we sometimes immerse ourselves in, and remember that there is a global ecosystem eager to share ideas and insights that can also be applied within our context.
The forum also prompted me to reflect on the importance of recognizing that not all investment solutions result in a straightforward “win-win,” especially when addressing complex challenges such as extreme poverty reduction, access to basic services in rural areas, or the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Often, we face trade-offs—decisions where progress in one area may require sacrifices in another. At the end of the day, it is crucial to maintain clear intentionality in the fund or project to integrate more effective and transparent investment solutions.
Finally, the event highlighted the importance of moving away from viewing the end beneficiary as merely someone in need of assistance and instead recognizing them as the final client or even the leader of this shared effort. Only by doing so can we build strategies that promote a dignified and sustainable life for all.
Diego Ramírez Marketing Manager
The GIIN Impact Forum 2024 in Amsterdam was a transformative experience for Capital+ SAFI, reaffirming our mission to create social and environmental impact in Latin America. The connections made and discussions held validated our shared value approach, highlighting the global importance of sustainable investments. This forum reminded us of our responsibility as catalysts for change and our commitment to meaningful transformation.
Attending the GIIN Impact Forum 2024 in Amsterdam was an inspiring experience that broadened our horizons and validated our vision at Capital+ SAFI. The connections we made and the discussions we engaged in reaffirmed that our commitment to driving social and environmental impact is more essential than ever. These interactions brought to life the global need for sustainable investment strategies, reminding us that our work not only matters locally but resonates on a worldwide scale.
We left the forum with a deeper understanding of the urgent challenges and needs facing our industry, all of which justify our active role as a catalyst for change. Witnessing first-hand the dedication of other leaders and stakeholders in this space reinforced the value we bring through our approach to shared value investments in Latin America. Each conversation we had was a reminder of the responsibility we hold and the commitment we carry to foster meaningful change through impactful investments.
Personally, this forum was a powerful reminder of the significance of our mission, not just professionally but also personally. It was a chance to reflect on the greater impact we aspire to make, validating that every marketing effort, campaign, and the message we share at Capital+ SAFI is part of a much larger story of positive transformation. It validated correctly our unique value proposition and strategic approach to shared value investments.
We left the forum with a deeper understanding of the urgent challenges and needs facing our industry, all of which justify our active role as a catalyst for change. Witnessing first-hand the dedication of other leaders and stakeholders in this space reinforced the value we bring through our approach to shared value investments in Latin America. Each conversation we had was a reminder of the responsibility we hold and the commitment we carry to foster meaningful change through impactful investments.
Personally, this forum was a powerful reminder of the significance of our mission, not just professionally but also personally. It was a chance to reflect on the greater impact we aspire to make, validating that every marketing effort, campaign, and the message we share at Capital+ SAFI is part of a much larger story of positive transformation. It validated correctly our unique value proposition and strategic approach to shared value investments.
