Using Capital to Build a Better World

Build and Serve The 2026 Business Reset podcast episode

In this two-part episode of More Than Legal, Danielle Laughlin speaks with Juliana Garaizar, Partner at Greenbackers Investment Capital and General Partner at Portfolia Rising America Fund, about venture capital, climate innovation, access to capital, and using money as a tool for impact.

Juliana’s work sits at the intersection of finance, innovation, and stewardship. Throughout the conversation, she shares how capital can help build bridges between founders, investors, industries, and communities that are often left out of the room.

Profit and Impact Can Work Together

One of the strongest themes in the episode is that profit and impact do not have to compete. Juliana explains that sustainability, innovation, and financial return can work together when people are willing to look past the usual “us versus them” mindset.

She shares the example of bringing Greentown Labs to Houston, a city known for oil and gas. Instead of treating climate tech and traditional energy as opposites, Juliana saw an opportunity to bring both sides into the same conversation.

Her approach is practical: the future of energy is not about choosing one solution. It is about building a portfolio of solutions that includes oil and gas, renewables, utilities, batteries, AI, capital, and innovation.

Investing Is a Team Sport

In Part Two, Juliana and Danielle talk about women, money, and investing. Juliana shares that many women are not held back by a lack of intelligence or ability. Often, they are held back by shame, isolation, or the belief that they need to become experts before they begin.

Juliana pushes back against that idea. Investing is not something people have to figure out alone. It is a team sport, and the right networks can help more women and diverse investors begin participating with confidence.

She also reminds listeners that investing is not only a financial decision. It can also be a way to support the companies, products, and solutions people want to see in the world.

Data Changes the Conversation

The episode also explores bias in fundraising. Juliana explains that women and diverse founders often face different assumptions when they pitch, even when the business itself is strong.

Her advice is clear: know your numbers.

Data helps move the conversation away from bias and back to the business. When founders understand their market, financials, model, and potential return, they are better prepared to answer hard questions and lead the conversation with confidence.

Build and Serve The 2026 Business Reset podcast episode

The Bottom Line

This conversation is about more than venture capital. It is about stewardship.

Juliana’s message is that capital, when used with intention, can create opportunity, support innovation, and help build a better future. Whether the topic is climate tech, women investors, diverse founders, or access to capital, the lesson is the same: progress does not have to be a fight. We can build bridges, grow the pie, and use money for good.

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