ABOUT US

Purpose-driven partners that support entrepreneurs working towards a regenerative future.

DAF CAPITAL PARTNERS is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs who are committed to creating a regenerative future. We believe in the power of purpose-driven businesses to positively impact society and the environment. Our team is passionate about supporting and helping these visionaries achieve their goals.

David Cooper co-creates funding strategies with DAF Capital partners. He and his partners create opportunities that match risk with return and reconnect impact investors to the entrepreneur's performance. David’s work is focused on an industry-wide commitment to agroecological, social, environmental, and climate impact investing and asset management. He has 20-plus years of experience directing the acquisition, alternative financing, ownership, and disposition of early-stage mission- and purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He brings a deep knowledge of equity and debt transactions, including due diligence, structuring, closing, and operational management. David has a track record of profitable impact investing and strategic advising. He has long-standing relationships with crucial multi-cycle finance, growth, and disposition industry champions.

James G Cutler is an impact investment and integrated capital consultant specializing in providing outsourced design and execution of multi-asset impact portfolios. James has expertise in data structure, business process, and investment management to help clients solve the challenges of integrating multiple functions across the impact investment lifecycle of due diligence, portfolio construction, asset management, and reporting. Before forming his consulting practice, James had led teams and structured or advised on billions of dollars of investment transactions across donor-advised funds, multinational corporations, family offices, and private foundations.

Merril Gilbert helps founders make the right decisions to move their businesses forward. As CEO of Curious Futures and creator of FoundHer Forward, she works with entrepreneurs, especially women, who are scaling, securing funding, or navigating key transitions. With 25 years of operational experience in CPG, food systems, health, and wellness, Merril combines strategic insight with a deep understanding of how emerging technology and economic shifts shape business success. She is dedicated to shaping the future of food as a cornerstone for a healthier world.

Alisa Knapp grew up at Green Gulch Farm Zen Buddhist Meditation Center in Northern California and has dedicated her career to building a more resilient food system. From global food service to CPG innovation and fine dining to food truck operations, Alisa is a seasoned professional who believes the food industry is poised for a paradigm shift where the focus can now be restoration and regeneration. She is passionate about increasing biodiversity in the soil, lifting up growers and producers, and creating delicious foods that are widely appealing.