In this compelling episode of the DevReady Podcast, join host Andrew Romeo as he dives into the world of sustainable finance with Dr. Tanvir Uddin, Founder & CEO of Wholesum. Discover Dr. Uddin’s journey to pioneering sustainable investments that bridge profitability with positive global impact. Explore the innovative strategies and impactful projects driving Wholesum’s mission to empower small to medium enterprises while fostering environmental sustainability. Gain insights into the evolving landscape of responsible investing and the transformative power of aligning financial goals with social good.
Dr. Uddin shares his journey from working at McKinsey to engaging in various international projects within finance, technology, and sustainability, including working with small farmers in Indonesia and solar financing in the Middle East. His diverse experiences led to the founding of Wholesum; a company focused on supporting sustainability investments by bridging the funding gap for small to medium businesses. Dr. Uddin emphasizes these businesses’ crucial global role and discusses innovative financial solutions to support their growth.
Andrew and Dr. Uddin delve into the challenges and opportunities in supporting underserved markets through innovative financial solutions. Dr. Uddin highlights the importance of combining capital with technology to drive growth and shares his journey of working with angel investors and family to test and validate his investment thesis. He emphasizes the need for transparency and robust communication with stakeholders, as well as the value of content strategy in building brand equity. Dr. Uddin also reflects on the lessons learned from his extensive experience in finance, technology, and sustainability, which have shaped his approach to founding and growing Wholesum.
Dr. Uddin discusses Wholesum’s approach to responsible investing, which involves filtering out harmful industries and directing capital toward impactful projects. He highlights their investments in Indonesia’s small-medium enterprises and a vertically integrated agribusiness in Peru, aiming to support sustainable community growth and environmental conservation. Dr. Uddin emphasizes the importance of aligning capital with purpose and shares Wholesum’s efforts to bring investment stories to life through crowdfunding campaigns and case studies.
Further, Dr. Uddin elaborates on the collaboration between Wholesum and the Diverse Perspectives program, which supports social enterprises through a crowdfunding campaign. He highlights the strengthening ecosystem of sustainable investing in Australia, emphasizing the integration of investors, accelerators, support networks, and technology. Dr. Uddin notes the increasing activity in private markets, with significant investments from entities like Grok Ventures and other social enterprises. He underscores the importance of government support and mentorship in building a more integrated and mission-aligned economy.
Finally, Dr. Uddin discusses the balance between achieving social and environmental impact and delivering competitive returns for investors. While some initiatives must be purely philanthropic, Wholesum targets small and medium enterprises in local markets that can offer competitive returns, aiming for a net return of 8% or more. Dr. Uddin emphasizes the importance of innovative investment approaches that blend profitability with social good. He also shares his passion for working with clients who strive to make a difference in the world through responsible investing, highlighting the importance of building relationships with diverse clients seeking financial success and positive social impact.
Topics Covered
- Dr. Tanvir’s Career Journey
- Founding of Wholesum
- Challenges and Opportunities in Underserved Markets
- Responsible Investing Approach
- Collaboration and Ecosystem Strengthening
- Balancing Social Impact and Financial Returns
- Building Client Relationships
Important Time Stamps
- Bridging the Gap: How Wholesum Supports Small Businesses and Sustainability (0:06 – 5:21)
- Unlocking Opportunities: Dr. Tanvir Uddin on Financing Underserved Markets (5:22 – 12:32)
- Aligning Capital with Purpose: Dr. Tanvir Uddin on Responsible Investing (12:33 – 16:23)
- Strengthening the Ecosystem: Sustainable Investing Trends in Australia (16:24 – 21:10)
- How Wholesum Delivers Competitive Returns with a Social Impact (21:11 – 24:16)
- From Finance to Impact: Dr. Uddin’s Passion for Making a Difference (24:17 – 25:30)
