For too long, capitalism has been measured solely by one metric: profit. The traditional model rewards short-term gains over long-term value, often at the expense of people and the planet. But what if financial success and environmental responsibility weren’t opposing forces? What if, instead of choosing between making money and making a difference, we built systems that ensured both? This isn’t just a theory; it’s the foundation of impact investing.
I’ve spent my career working to prove that capitalism, when reimagined, can be a powerful force for good. My investments in clean technology, circular economies, and sustainable businesses aren’t charity—they’re strategic, profitable ventures that also happen to make the world a better place. And I’m not alone. Across industries, investors are realizing that aligning financial returns with environmental and social responsibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also smart business.
The Rise of Impact Investing
Impact investing isn’t a fringe movement anymore. In fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing sectors in finance. According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), the market for impact investments has surpassed $1 trillion. More investors are recognizing that businesses solving real-world problems—whether it’s renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or waste-to-energy solutions—are positioned for long-term growth.
Take Tesla, for example. When I first invested, the idea of electric vehicles competing with gasoline-powered cars seemed far-fetched. Today, Tesla is one of the most valuable car companies in the world, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. The same story is unfolding across industries. Companies like Beyond Meat, Bloom Energy, and Thrive Market are demonstrating that sustainability isn’t just a niche—it’s the future.
Why the Old Model is Failing
The traditional capitalist model is showing cracks. Industries that rely on unsustainable extraction and pollution are facing mounting challenges. Consumer preferences are shifting, regulations are tightening, and climate change is becoming an economic risk. Investors who ignore these trends are putting their portfolios at risk.
Consider fossil fuels. Coal, once the backbone of energy markets, is now struggling to compete with renewables. Investors who bet on coal plants instead of solar and wind have watched their assets decline in value. Meanwhile, those who saw the writing on the wall and pivoted to clean energy have benefited from one of the most significant financial and technological shifts of our time.
A Win-Win Approach
So how do we reshape capitalism in a way that benefits both investors and the planet? The key is focusing on regenerative, not extractive, business models. Instead of depleting resources, we should be investing in companies that replenish them. Instead of externalizing costs—pollution, deforestation, labor exploitation—we should be building systems where success is measured by net positive impact.
At FullCycle, the firm I founded in 2013, we invest in technologies that address climate change at scale. One of our key areas of focus is waste-to-energy solutions, which transform landfill waste into clean energy. Not only do these technologies reduce methane emissions—a major driver of global warming—but they also create profitable, scalable businesses. That’s impact investing in action.
The Future of Finance is Regenerative
The shift toward impact investing isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessary evolution. The financial system must adapt to the realities of climate change, resource scarcity, and growing social inequality. Investors who fail to integrate these factors into their decisions risk being left behind.
But the good news is that we have the tools, the data, and the momentum to drive this change. Governments are implementing policies that reward sustainable business practices. Consumers are demanding greater transparency and ethical sourcing. And entrepreneurs are proving that innovation and responsibility can coexist.
A Call to Action
If you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or business leader, now is the time to rethink what success looks like. The question isn’t whether impact investing is viable—it’s whether we can afford not to embrace it. Financial markets are already moving in this direction. The sooner we align profit with purpose, the sooner we create a system that works for both people and the planet.
In the end, the choice isn’t between making money or making a difference. The future of capitalism depends on our ability to do both.