Tharald Nustad

Tharald is Norwegian, grew up in Norway, and studied physics in
the US. Coming from a family that emphasized positive societal
impact and business success, he ventured into the tech space
after his studies, starting several companies. His journey into
impactful life began around 2010 when he started working with
Ashoka, helping social entrepreneurs make a positive impact. This
experience led him to impact investing and eventually, in 2014,
he committed to 100% impact, dedicating his time, capital, and
skills to creating positive global change.


He talks about starting Catapult in 2016, which included
initiatives like the Catapult FutureFest, Catapult Accelerator,
and others, focusing on mobilizing people around impact
investing, technology, and building a better society. The
discussion also touches upon how businesses can be a force for
good, combining problem-solving with profitable models.


Tharald also shares his views on what constitutes a good life and
society, discussing concepts like Wohlstand (well-being beyond
just material wealth) and the idea of a post-scarcity society. He
believes in the importance of having material needs and security
met, allowing people to focus on more fulfilling aspects of life.


The conversation delves into the shifts needed in the financial
system to support this vision. Tharald argues for the integration
of externalities into the financial system, the shift from
short-term profit focus to long-term impact, and the need for a
fundamental change in the perception of capital's purpose. He
also emphasizes the role of innovation in addressing global
challenges, such as energy transition and sustainable practices.


Regarding technology, Tharald acknowledges its potential
drawbacks, like being energy and materials hungry, but believes
in the necessity of sustainable innovation. He stresses the
importance of a more conscious approach to technology development
and use, particularly in terms of energy consumption and the
environmental impact.


In relation to Africa, Tharald discusses the potential for
entrepreneurial and business solutions to address social and
environmental challenges. He notes the positive shifts in tech
competence, investment, and market functionality in Africa and
the concept of leapfrogging, where developing regions can bypass
certain stages of development and adopt advanced technologies
more quickly.


Tharald concludes by emphasizing the importance of an abundant
mindset and collaboration for positive impact. He advocates for a
culture shift from fear and scarcity to abundance and growth,
suggesting that societal and cultural shifts need to go hand in
hand with business, investing, and financial system changes. His
vision is for a world where everyone collaborates to solve
problems and create a better society.