The ever-changing landscape of social trends and the emergence of global challenges have significantly influenced the expectations placed upon CEOs. In today’s business world, prominent issues such as sustainability, flexible work arrangements, and workplace equality have taken center stage. CEOs are now not only expected to lead but also to champion these causes. Additionally, organizations now value approachability and self-reflection for fostering open dialogue and continuous improvement.
However, becoming a revolutionary CEO is not a haphazard process. It does not involve following vague desires and improvising along the way. A prime illustration of this deliberate approach is evident through Ingo Dahm, the Founder and CEO of Capacura GmbH. Capacura actively supports companies across various sectors committed to making a positive global impact. Furthermore, Ingo leads by example with a vision to create a better society. He has generously shared insights into his work and plans.
Ingo’s Career Trajectory
Ingo looks back on what inspired his current involvement in the industry. His motivation stems from a shared commitment to improving healthcare access, education, environmental sustainability, and social equity. In contrast, his wife, Ina, dedicated her career to the social sector. Ingo’s path led him through machine learning and AI research, managerial positions at Microsoft and Deutsche Telekom AG, and eventually, he became a professor of technology and innovation management. Later, he served as the rector of Germany’s largest university.
He explains, “Together, we carried out consulting projects in various subject areas for numerous German companies, with Ina particularly specializing in business coaching.” In contrast, Ingo brought extensive experience as an advisory board member for prestigious universities and international corporations and insights from his entrepreneurial endeavors. Furthermore, Ingo adds, “We are convinced that impact startup investments are a perfect bridge between the world of high-return venture investments and sustainability through donations and foundations.”
Capacura: Investing in the Building Blocks of the Future
Capacura GmbH was founded in 2017 and commenced full-scale operations in 2018. Initially, the company focused on traditional startup financing, which showed promise but later exposed limitations. Over time, Capacura’s leadership, including Ingo, identified a significant challenge. It became clear that specific segments of society, including individuals with regular incomes, faced obstacles when attempting to invest in startups. The profitable startup landscape frequently excluded these individuals. Additionally, foreign investors encountered complex tax regulations, such as the PFIC rules in the United States.
In response to these disparities, Capacura transformed itself. They adopted innovative asset management, a forward-thinking approach aimed at simplifying access to projects that offer financial returns and the potential for positive impacts in areas like health, education, and environmental sustainability. This approach, known as impact investment, became the cornerstone of Capacura’s mission.
Shifting the focus to customer satisfaction, Ingo emphasizes its importance within the company’s ethos. He states, “Our customers are always our focus. We can only be successful if we listen to them carefully and understand their needs.” The company’s clientele comprises two distinct but equally important groups: investors and startups. Recognizing that their success depends on satisfying these stakeholders, Capacura takes a proactive approach. They prioritize attentive listening to comprehend the nuanced needs and aspirations of both groups.
Moreover, Capacura firmly believes that achieving a delicate balance in their business and ensuring productivity and success is possible by making investors and startups feel heard, valued, and respected. Within Capacura’s DNA, listening and learning are not mere practices but integral elements of their commitment to delivering value and nurturing enduring relationships.
Leadership to Flourish in the Industry Together
At Capacura, Ingo and his team were early adopters of ‘Impact Investment’ when it was still a niche concept. Today, they engage with more than 8,000 prospects, support 30 startups, create 200 jobs, and achieve an impressive 30% annual growth in their asset base. In addition, he proudly states, “We are particularly proud of the fact that we have improved the lives of 1.8 million people in terms of health and education, by helping to remove one million kilograms of plastic from the environment and reducing tons of CO2 emissions.”
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Ingo acknowledges significant challenges, with German financial regulations being among the most stringent in the world. Determined to overcome this obstacle, Capacura diligently navigated strict data protection and anti-money laundering requirements. They developed an asset management system that received approval from BAFIN, demonstrating their commitment to regulatory compliance.
He recalls, “In the year we were founded, it was not yet clear whether this asset investment would find a market, because many investors at the time wondered whether they wanted to achieve a high return or donate their money to charity.” Capacura resolved this dilemma by creating a bridge that elegantly combined both objectives. Today, the message is clear: achieving substantial returns and making a positive impact are not mutually exclusive but can coexist harmoniously.
A Team with Ambition to Reach New Heights
At Capacura, the team is an integral part of the success story. They share in the company’s prosperity with a fair success fee, amounting to 10% of business revenues, distributed through virtual shares (VSOP). However, more important than financial rewards is the team’s working environment. They adhere to a guiding principle: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Moreover, the team at Capacura lives by its core values, including:
- Integrity: Don’t talk crap, but be sure to be measured by what you say!
- Responsibility: Step up when there is a crisis; be part of the solution, not the problem.
- Respect: If you can’t show respect for people and the environment, you don’t belong to our team or our network of partners.
- Passion: As long as you have the greatest enthusiasm for your subject, you will win every competition in the long run.
A Glimpse into the Near Future
In 2024, Capacura is gearing up to broaden its impact investment offerings. This expansion is not limited to individuals but also extends to companies. These companies can now engage in impact investments for their employees, provided the projects align with the mission and show promise. This shift toward market expansion signifies a substantial step. It empowers individuals and provides large corporations with an opportunity to embrace social and societal responsibility while simultaneously allowing them to have a positive impact on their workforce.
In many countries, demographic changes have increased the talent competition. Forward-thinking business leaders are placing employees at the core of their business strategies, emphasizing purpose and retention. It is only logical to meet their needs while also contributing to a better world. As Capacura evolves, its goal is to bridge the gap between corporate objectives and societal impact, fostering a win-win situation for all involved.
Ingo’s Sanctuary Away from the Office
Ingo unveils a lesser-known side of his life outside the office walls. When he steps away from his desk, he immerses himself in gardening, a simple joy that holds profound significance. He shares, “I love working in the garden. It clears the mind. I enjoy nature. It gives me strength. And by the way, as a gardener, you are the only person responsible for the well-being of the plants. The rest is done by nature itself.”
Words of Wisdom for Those on the Path
- “Choose your battles wisely.” You don’t have to fight for everything. But if there is something really important for you, then use all your strength to push through your goals.
- If someone says, “You can’t do that!” – Do it twice and take pictures!
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