
We are proud to be part of the growing Deetken Impact team, and are excited to introduce this diverse and talented group of investment professionals. Each month we will feature one of our colleagues so you can get to know them better!
Meet Paula Giraldo, Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Deetken Impact Alternative Finance. Paula is an investment professional with extensive impact investment experience, particularly in structuring quasi-equity (i.e. revenue-based financing), equity and debt instruments in Latin America. She joined Deetken Impact in 2021 when Adobe Capital and Deetken Impact chartered a joint partnership. Paula is currently focused on investment origination, structuring, and closing within Deetken Impact Alternative Finance (DIAF), in which we provide tailored financing solutions for Latin American businesses that are addressing pressing social and environmental problems. Paula has vast knowledge in impact investing and economic development. She serves as Board Member at WeInvest LatAm, a community of women with decision making power in Venture Capital and Private Equity. She also serves as Board Member at AMEXCAP in addition to several companies: Universidad Kuepa (Mexico), Puntored (Colombia) and Rephone (Chile). Paula has a BsC in Business Management from a dual program from Universidad de los Andes in Colombia and Tulane University in the United States, and a Master of Public Administration from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Born in Colombia, Paula is fluent in English and Spanish.
What is your favorite part of the work you do, and why?
For one, I like being sector agnostic, meaning that we don’t focus on any particular sector. It allows me to become savvy at very different topics very quickly, so I am always learning. Secondly, I love thinking outside of the box to structure tailor made instruments. Thirdly, I like negotiating with potential investees to align our objectives and goals. Fourthly, I like to give back to the ecosystem and guide young talent that wants to get into impact investing. I love mentoring and our team members are the most valuable asset.
Describe your role at Deetken Impact
I am responsible for: i) sourcing companies that are solving the most pressing social and environmental issues across Latin America, ii) structuring tailored-made instruments that take into account the unique needs of each founder, and iii) closing those deals.
What is your favourite way to spend your free time?
I love spending time out in nature with my favorite living things; my partner Felipe, and our dogs Dali and Gracia.

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I have climbed mountains above 5,500mts in elevation: Huayna Potosí (6,088mts) located in Bolivia and Pico de Orizaba (5,636mts), the highest mountain in Mexico and the third largest in North America. I have also run two marathons, NYC and Chicago.
What is your favourite city/country you have visited, and which is at the top of your bucket list to visit?
Bolivia is an underrated gem great for mountaineering and beautiful sightseeing. I also loved traveling in India and I absolutely love Indian food.
I would love to visit Petra, Jordan because of its rock-cut architecture.
You can learn more about Paula by following her on social media!
Get to know more about the Deetken Impact Team by checking out the other features in our Meet the Team series!