Investing in People, Innovation & Change - Light Dao Salon (NYC)
Fireside Chat with Robert Wolk, Catalytic Impact Foundation.
What makes an early-stage investment succeed? Is it the technology, the market, the business model - or ultimately, the people behind it?
Join us for an intimate evening with Rob Wolk, Executive Board Chair of the Catalytic Impact Foundation and Founder & Co-Chair of Princeton Alumni Angels, for a conversation about investing, entrepreneurship, breakthrough innovation - and using capital and experience to create meaningful impact.
Rob has been involved in more than 125 early-stage investments. Earlier in his career, he was a Partner at The Carlyle Group in Hong Kong, leading technology, telecom and media investments across Asia, and an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs in London and Hong Kong. His work has taken him across more than 40 countries and, over time, toward a question that sits at the heart of this conversation: How can we use our experience, capital and networks to make a meaningful difference?
We'll explore Rob's personal journey from traditional finance to impact investing; what decades of investing have taught him about backing exceptional people; why brilliant technologies sometimes fail to solve problems customers actually care about; and how relatively simple innovations can create extraordinary impact.
Through stories from investing, mentoring founders, healthcare and his work in Africa, we'll also explore a larger lesson: creating meaningful change starts with understanding the people and communities you're trying to serve.
This will be a candid, highly interactive fireside conversation, with plenty of opportunity for audience questions.
About Rob Wolk
In addition to his roles with the Catalytic Impact Foundation and Princeton Alumni Angels, Rob is an Executive in Residence at Princeton University and USA Board Chair of Amref Health Africa. He teaches and mentors scientists, entrepreneurs and early-stage founders, with a particular interest in translating breakthrough innovation into real-world impact.
As always, expect a highly curated evening of founders, investors, operators, and executives who value meaningful relationships, thoughtful dialogue, and long-term collaboration.
SALON AGENDA:
7:00-7:30pm - Welcome, light snacks & drinks served
7:30-7:40pm - Introductions
7:40-8:05pm - Group connection experience
8:05-8:45pm - Fireside Q&A
8:45-9:00pm - Business connect
9:00-9:30pm - Deepen connections
Members often connect for dinner or drinks after the salon.
VENUE DETAILS: The gathering is in Manhattan. The exact address will be sent to confirmed guests.
DRESS: We encourage authentic self-expression! Shoes off because in private residence.
GUEST POLICY: We are a members only (known as Dao Owners) community. All Dao Guests must be approved and can receive one in-person gathering for free. Dao Guests are eligible to become a Dao Owner Member. Otherwise, one must become a Dao Owner to continue attending gatherings. Please note that invitations are not a guarantee for entry, and we invite you to thoroughly answer the approval questions. Friends or +1s must RSVP individually. Unapproved show-ups will not be granted entry.
JOIN US: Light Dao is a fast-growing trusted global community of over 5000 conscious investors and entrepreneurs with curated in-person and online gatherings and experiences, having hosted in 16 cities across North and South America, Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Our heartfelt mission is to bring abundance for all by expanding the collective consciousness, enlightening society, and empowering values-aligned relationships. Together, we co-create a thriving regenerative future for humanity. We are excited to welcome you to our global community! http://wearelight.one/