Bethany Larsen is the co-founder of Charm Impact, an impact investment platform that crowdsources funding for renewable energy startups in emerging markets, including Kenya, Nigeria and India. 

Over the past 2 years, Charm Impact has partnered with the UK government and various energy non-profits to successfully crowdsource over £400,000 to support over 300,000 people.

Bethany talks about the role of private finance and impact investing to help reach development goals and the challenges with diversity in the development sector. She is also generous enough to talk openly about how she has personally dealt with discrimination as a female leader.

Most of all, though Bethany's sheer determination to drive positive change shines through. When talking about how we can all make a positive difference in the world, she tells us: “start where you are, start small and be consistent”.


The Social Innovators Podcast is hosted by Naomi Whitbourn, an innovation manager at Nesta Challenges.

In this podcast, Naomi speaks to entrepreneurs and leaders developing innovative solutions to tackle global challenges.

You can follow us on:

• Twitter: @Soc_Innov_Comm
• Linked In: @Social Innovators Community

We'd also love to hear from you if you have any feedback or questions for our guests. Do get in touch at: social.innovators.pod@gmail.com

Please note: At the time of recording, the podcast was called the Voices of Development podcast. The audio content will reflect this.