Meet a real life "renegade investor": Kate Poole, Co-Founder, Chordata Capital

Description

Can you support regenerative economies, community-controlled investment, and still earn a reasonable return? 

What would you do if you suddenly had $2 million? Take it easy? Retire early? Maybe buy that custom vintage car you’ve been eyeing for years? None of the Renegade Capital crew have had to grapple with that particular question, so we decided to talk to someone who has. In this episode, we talk with Kate Poole, whose journey from inheriting a trust fund to becoming an “anti-capitalist” wealth manager provides a totally unique perspective on how people with means can leverage their capital.

About Kate.

Kate Poole takes a unique perspective on what it takes to build a just economy. With her business partner, Tiffany Brown, she co-founded Chordata Capital, an “anti-capitalist” wealth management firm that supports clients in redistributing rather than continuing to accumulate wealth. With a background in organizing and agitating in the impact investing field, Kate partners with young people with inherited wealth to transform their investment portfolios. Kate also co-founded Regenerative Finance in 2014 to organize other inheritors to shift control of capital to frontline communities; has worked in the local investing ecosystem since 2009; has been a member of Resource Generation since 2013; and now, with much thanks from us, is an official Renegade Capital alumni.

A renegade not only listens but acts. We've consolidated a few tips from this episode to help you invest in local communities.

1. Be honest & vulnerable about what you want to do with your investments: Tell others about your goal to invest in local communities. Don't be shy about your class background. When others learn about your plans, they may share opportunities and introduce you to people that can help you.
2. If you inherit money, first learn what's permitted:  Some inheritances are in vehicles that aren't easily transferrable (ex: trusts). Learn how the inheritance is structured, what you're allowed to do, who the decision-makers are (if any), and what your organizing strategy should be if there are other decision-makers.
3. Take your time: Don't rush, but move at a pace where you feel grounded and at peace.
4. Connect with others who share your values and goals: Consider joining groups to see how others have invested their money. Organizations like Resource Generation, a nonprofit that organizes young people with wealth and class privilege, can be helpful.
5. See where larger organizations are investing: Some organizations like Calvert Impact Capital and the Reinvestment Fund are supporting small communities across the country and world. You can start your research by seeing where and how they have invested.
6. Contact Chordata Capital to learn how you can get started: If you want to redistribute your wealth, contact Kate and Tiffany Brown's firm, Chordata Capital. (Note: Check out Kate's cartoon that explains more about her personal investing journey