Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

In episode 207 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Hardika Shah, Founder and CEO of Kinara Capital, on transforming lives and local economies, by providing access to capital for small business entrepreneurs. Armed with a mission to empower the 70 million small business entrepreneurs in the country, Kinara has embarked on a journey to provide fast and flexible collateral-free business loans. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a dedication to customer service, Kinara Capital revolutionized the lending landscape with its digital processes and doorstep assistance. Over the years, the company has disbursed more than $300 million to over 40,000 small business entrepreneurs, ushering thousands into the realm of financial inclusion. This transformative journey has not only created jobs and spurred economic growth but has also generated over $100 million in incremental income for MSMEs across India. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Hardika honed her skills as a management consultant, working on projects for global companies across the USA, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Her passion for social impact led her to devote nearly a decade to mentoring emerging social entrepreneurs. At Kinara Capital, the mission is clear: to transform lives, livelihoods, and local economies by providing access to capital for every entrepreneur. With a vision of a financially inclusive world, Hardika and her team continue to pave the way for a brighter future for small business entrepreneurs across India. I hope you enjoy the conversation, until next time, stay humble and stay creative. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

In episode 206 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen, on dedicating his life to driving systemic policy changes to combat extreme poverty worldwide. As the Co-Founder of Global Citizen and an advocate for global social impact, Michael Sheldrick has dedicated his life to driving systemic policy changes to combat extreme poverty worldwide. In this podcast, he shares his insights into the work of Global Citizen, his experiences, and his new book, "From Ideas to Impact: A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World." Michael Sheldrick's journey began with the founding of Global Citizen, an international education and advocacy organization committed to ending extreme poverty. Over the past decade, Global Citizen has mobilized millions of individuals worldwide to take action on critical issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Through collaborative efforts with governments, businesses, foundations, and the artist community, Global Citizen has distributed over $40 billion to anti-poverty initiatives, making significant strides towards achieving its mission. At the core of Global Citizen's work is the belief in the power of collective action. Sheldrick emphasized the importance of bridging divides and fostering cooperation to drive meaningful change. He highlighted the role of policy entrepreneurs—visionaries who prioritize impact over rhetoric and work tirelessly to implement tangible solutions. Through his new book, "From Ideas to Impact," Sheldrick offers a comprehensive playbook for individuals seeking to make a difference in our divided world. "From Ideas to Impact" delves into the essential traits of successful policy entrepreneurs and provides practical tools for navigating challenges and driving policy change. Sheldrick draws from his experiences at Global Citizen and historical movements to illustrate the transformative potential of united voices and collective action. The book serves as a guide for changemakers across various sectors, from philanthropy and corporate social responsibility to policymaking and higher education. In our interview, Sheldrick expressed optimism about the future of global social impact. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and narrative building in inspiring change and empowering individuals to take action. With "From Ideas to Impact," Sheldrick hopes to equip readers with the tools and inspiration needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

What’s up everybody, this is Grant at Causeartist. Welcome to the Disruptors for Good Brief, where we dive into the top stories of the day related to impact startups transforming the sustainable and regenerative economy. Turning our attention to climate startups, Sprih has raised a $3 million funding round headed by Leo Capital. The company specializes in carbon emission management and is aiming to expand its global reach. With a revenue target north of 6 million dollars, Sprih's innovative AI models and solutions are set to revolutionize how businesses measure, assess, and decrease their carbon footprint. Moove, an emerging mobility fintech, has successfully raised $100 million in a Series B funding round. This investment is co-led by Uber and Mubadala Investment Company, the sovereign wealth fund of Abu Dhabi. This latest financial endorsement underscores the confidence in Moove’s innovative revenue-based vehicle financing model, which caters to the mobility ecosystem. With a mission to democratize vehicle ownership in its current markets, Moove is dedicated to providing accessible financing options for gig economy drivers. On the frontlines of technology and ecology, NVIDIA steps into the limelight with a pretty big announcement. They've unveiled Earth-2, a climate digital twin cloud platform heralded for simulating and visualizing weather and climate dynamics. Imagine a world where we can see the ebb and flow of weather with great precision, thanks to AI models that push the boundaries of forecasting speed and clarity. Entities like The Weather Company and the Taiwan Weather Administration are already set to harness the potential of Earth-2, which promises to enhance our preparedness for future weather disasters. Let's head over to Latin America where Marco has raised a $12 million Series A funding round. Marco's vision is to revolutionize trade finance for SME exporters in the region. From providing financial solutions to enabling LLC formation and insurance services, Marco's mission is to bridge the daunting 350 billion dollar trade financing gap in Latin America and energize an entire industry. Lastly, but certainly not least, we have re-launched the Investing in Impact podcast. Our most recent episode is with Social Innovation Circle, a platform dedicated to coaching and nurturing the spirit of social entrepreneurship. We sat down with their cofounder, Anshul Magotra, to talk about her journey and the mission and vision of the company. Subscribe to the Investing in Impact podcast wherever you stream. Thank you for joining us today, remember to share this episode, rate us, and subscribe. Until next time, stay humble and stay creative. Connect with Grant Connect with Causeartist

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

In episode 205 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Inna Braverman, the founder of Eco Wave Power, about her journey in the renewable energy industry and the potential of wave power. Nearly 2.4 billion people, about 40% of the global population, live within 100 kilometers of a coast. Inna shares her inspiration for starting Eco Wave Power, which stemmed from her personal experience with the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. She explains the concept of wave power and its advantages over other renewable energy sources. Inna also discusses the challenges of scaling wave power, including regulatory hurdles and funding limitations. She emphasizes the importance of policy support for the commercialization of wave energy. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future goals and successes of Eco Wave Power. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies. Welcome to Causeartist. Social Entrepreneurs Interviews. Impact Investor Interviews. Impact Startup News. Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world. ⏺ Weekly Podcasts ⏺ Weekly Newsletter ⏺ Deep Dive Interviews ⏺ Community(coming soon) To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

In episode 204 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Nina Rauch, Sr. Social Impact Lead at Lemonade, on leading social impact initiatives from startup to IPO. Nina discusses her journey into social impact, starting with the founding of Pink Week, an organization aimed at raising awareness of breast cancer among young people. She shares the lessons she learned from starting Pink Week and the importance of passion and putting oneself out there. Nina then talks about her transition into corporate roles and the preconceptions she had about corporate impact. She highlights the B Corp certification process and the importance of authenticity and transparency in social impact efforts. Nina also discusses Lemonade's give back model and the impact it has had on various causes. She emphasizes the need to think outside the box when looking for social impact opportunities in the corporate world and the importance of accessibility and diversity in the social impact space. Nina concludes by sharing her future goals and vision for spreading the word about corporate social impact. About Lemonade Lemonade stands at the forefront of the insurtech industry, redefining insurance with a strong emphasis on digital convenience and social responsibility. With an innovative platform, Lemonade offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, allowing customers to secure insurance for personal belongings, homes, pets, families, and vehicles effortlessly through a single app. Beyond providing essential insurance services, Lemonade distinguishes itself through its commitment to social impact. The company's unique Giveback program transforms the traditional insurance model by donating unused premiums to charities selected by its customers. This initiative reflects Lemonade's dedication to community welfare and social good, contributing over $8 million to various non-profit organizations globally. Lemonade's approach to insurance is built on transparency, efficiency, and compassion, making it a trailblazer in leveraging technology for social change.

Going forward, I am going to do my best to deliver briefs three times a week on the Top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies. Below are the sources from each of the stories mentioned in this episode. StormFisher Hydrogen Ziplines Education Zusa becomes a B-Corp Gap and Ambercycle 30 Nonprofit Leaders Who Will Impact the World in 2024 Thanks, please share and subscribe.

In episode 203 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Frank Heidinger, Founder of HALEVAI, on the environmental benefits of electric boating and the future goals of the company. Frank shares his journey from a career in production and hospitality to his passion for environmental conservation. He discusses his involvement with Parley for the Oceans and the inspiration behind electrifying boats. Frank explains the challenges in the supply chain and manufacturing process and highlights the mission and vision of HALEVAI. He emphasizes the importance of creating an approachable user experience and targeting both the B2C and B2B markets. Takeaways: About HALEVAI Meet HALEVAI, a new American boat manufacturer, is focused on creating and building sustainable and high-performance electric boats. Founded in 2020, their mission is to create safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective boating experiences. At the heart of HALEVAI's mission is the ambition to revolutionize the marine industry by adopting and promoting renewable energy sources. The company has taken significant strides in reimagining the composite structure of recreational boats, emphasizing energy security and independence. By utilizing biodynamic materials, Halevai aims to reduce the environmental footprint of its products significantly. Despite the challenges posed by the current supply chain, the focus has primarily been on redesigning the powertrain to support renewable energy sources, setting a precedent for global manufacturing practices.

In episode 202 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Emma Bukowski, founder of Noserider, on journey of becoming a surfer and starting her sustainable swimsuit brand in Bali. Emma talks about the challenges she faced and the passion that drove her to create her own designs. Emma also discusses the importance of sustainability in her business and her goals for future certifications and scaling around the world. She touches on the importance of community and brand focus, as well as the decision-making process behind choosing the brand name. Emma also emphasizes the significance of building a community around the brand and how it has shaped the direction of Noserider. Takeaways Chapters Following the editing process, there may be discrepancies in the timing of the chapters. 00:00 Emma's Journey to Becoming a Surfer 05:00 Starting Nose Rider in Bali 08:55 Designing the First Products 13:59 Switching to Sustainable Materials 17:48 Growing Nose Rider and Opening a Store 23:58 Tips for Entrepreneurs About Noserider Noserider Surf Club, founded by Emma in Bali in March 2022, embodies a sustainable and socially responsible approach to surfwear. Originating from Emma's long-held dream of being part of the surf community and living an active, beach-oriented lifestyle, the brand quickly evolved from a personal project into a vibrant community and brand. The brand's inception was marked by a surf retreat that not only celebrated the start of Emma's venture but also set the tone for the community-centric ethos Noserider would embody. The brand's surf suits, made from 78% ECONYL® regenerated nylon and 22% elastane, exemplify this commitment. This choice ensures durability, resistance to harmful elements like chlorine and sun creams/oils, and provides UV protection. Moreover, the production process, centered in Bali and carried out by a female-owned manufacturer, supports local craftsmanship and small batch production, reinforcing the brand's community-focused values.

In episode 201 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Kendrick Nguyen, co-founder of Republic, on building the financial infrastructure to create equal access to assets for everyone. Kendrick Nguyen is the Co-founder and CEO of Republic, a pioneering platform dedicated to democratizing investing and making it universally accessible. Under his leadership, Republic has emerged as an innovative force in the investment sector, boasting a community of over 2.5 million members worldwide, supporting over 2,000 ventures and deployed over $2 billion in investments. Kendrick's entrepreneurial spirit has also led him to co-found two fintech startups and offer strategic advice to numerous investment funds, startups, and blockchain initiatives. His professional journey spans from business management and product strategy to investing, with significant roles in both New York City and Silicon Valley, notably at AngelList. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial path, Kendrick started his career as a litigator and served as a Stanford Law Fellow, experiences that laid the groundwork for his legal expertise. Today, he continues to leverage this expertise through a semi-active pro bono practice, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community. At the heart of Kendrick's work with Republic is a mission to enable everyone to invest in the future they envision, fostering a world that is diverse, sustainable, and interconnected. Through his dedication and innovative approach, Kendrick Nguyen is not just leading an investment platform; he is shaping the future of accessible investment opportunities for individuals around the globe. Takeaways Chapters Following the editing process, there may be discrepancies in the timing of the chapters. 00:00 Introduction and Mission of Republic 03:01 The Catalyst for Starting Republic 05:19 Understanding Equity Crowdfunding 08:01 Expanding Republic Globally 12:38 Explaining the Breadth of Republic's Offerings 16:05 Challenges of Growing a Startup Globally 19:43 The Rise of Crypto and its Impact on Republic 24:59 Current Hurdles and Goals for Republic 28:13 Leadership Advice for Founders 32:29 Future Goals and Successes for Republic Disclosure: This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

In episode 200 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Ben Christensen, co-founder of Cambium, on transforming trees into sustainable materials and the inefficiencies in the lumber industry. The business focuses on salvaging wood from urban areas and processing it locally, creating a more sustainable supply chain. The company's carbon-smart materials offer significant carbon savings compared to traditional forestry. Ben highlights the positive response from cities and architects and the potential for job creation. He also discusses the challenges of scaling the business and outlines the company's goals for the future. Key Takeaways: Chapters: timing of chapters might be a bit off after editing. 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:15 Identifying Inefficiencies in the Lumber Industry 08:35 Building a Sustainable Supply Chain 13:22 The Carbon Savings of Cambium's Approach 16:41 Positive Response from Cities and Architects 18:43 The Potential for Job Creation 20:58 Challenges in Scaling the Business 23:58 Timeline and Goals for the Future About Cambium Cambium, a pioneering company in the field of sustainable wood utilization, is revolutionizing the way we think about urban wood waste and its potential impact on the environment. At the core of the company's mission is the transformation of fallen urban trees, which would otherwise be discarded, into high-value wood products. This innovative approach not only prevents wood waste but also contributes to new tree planting, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both the environment and local communities. Founded with a deep understanding of sustainable wood use and climate action, Cambium's journey began with a focus on reimagining the urban wood supply chain. Carbon Smart Wood Cambium Carbon's Carbon Smart Wood™ solution represents a revolutionary approach to sustainable wood utilization, playing a vital role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices. This innovative material is sourced from fallen trees, which would otherwise contribute to landfill waste. By salvaging these trees, Cambium prevents the release of carbon dioxide and methane that occurs when wood decomposes in landfills. A key feature of Carbon Smart Wood™ is its low environmental impact compared to traditional lumber production. The process of transforming fallen trees into this sustainable wood not only reduces carbon footprint but also keeps the carbon sequestered in the wood, instead of releasing it back into the atmosphere. This makes Carbon Smart Wood™ a strategic choice for mitigating climate impact, especially in construction and other industries where wood is heavily used. Beyond repurposing fallen trees, Cambium's approach also includes a commitment to urban reforestation. A portion of the profits from Carbon Smart Wood™ sales is allocated to planting new trees in urban areas. This not only supports the ecosystem but also contributes to the natural process of carbon sequestration, further aiding in the battle against climate change. The adoption of Carbon Smart Wood™ sets a new standard in the wood industry, encouraging other companies to shift towards more sustainable practices. This industry-wide change can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the construction and manufacturing sectors. For consumers, choosing Carbon Smart Wood™ is more than a product selection; it represents a commitment to a sustainable and climate-conscious approach. Each purchase supports a movement that prioritizes the health of the planet, making every consumer a part of the solution to climate change.

In episode 199 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Kevin Noertker, Co-founder and CEO of Ampaire, on his journey and the vision to decarbonize aviation. He discusses the advancements in hybrid electric planes and the challenges of building a sustainable future for aviation. About Kevin: Kevin Noertker is Co-founder and CEO of Ampaire. Over the past eight years, Kevin and his team have pioneered practical, compelling electrified flight through the upgrade of existing aircraft types. Prior to Ampaire, Kevin contributed engineering and program management expertise to advanced aircraft and satellite technology development programs at Northrop Grumman, and as a research fellow at Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. An entrepreneur at heart, Kevin is driven to apply the science and engineering disciplines of large aerospace organizations to pressing environmental problems here on Earth. Takeaways Chapters timing of chapters might be a bit off after editing. 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:06 Kevin's Journey and Education 03:01 Inspiration and Vision for Ampaire 17:42 Explaining Amp Air to Everyday People 18:53 Advancements and Graduation of Ampaire's Technology 24:46 Hurdles and Goals for Ampaire 32:53 Advice for Aspiring Founders 38:49 Goals and Successes for the Next 3-5 Years Follow: @causeartist - X / IG / LinkedIn @granttrahant - X / IG / LinkedIn

In episode 198 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Jason Marks and Forrest North, Co-founders of Telo Trucks, on their journey to creating Tello Trucks, an electric vehicle company focused on building utilitarian small trucks. The founders talk about their backgrounds in the EV industry and the catalyst for starting TELO. The conversation covers battery technology, battery lifespan, and the challenges of battery production. They also discuss the design of TELO Trucks and their goals for the future, including expanding their product line and making a positive impact on the environment. Takeaways Chapters timing of chapters might be a bit off after editing. 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 The Journey to Tello Trucks 09:00 Battery Technology and EVs 18:00 Battery Management and Lifespan 20:00 Production and Release Timeline 21:00 Operating System and Infotainment 28:00 Design and Aesthetics 29:00 Goals and Future Plans 34:00 Conclusion Follow: @causeartist - X / IG / LinkedIn @granttrahant - X / IG / LinkedIn

In episode 197 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Antonio Nuño, Co-founder and CEO of Someone Somewhere, on his journey starting the brand and the impact it has had on alleviating poverty through business and commerce. The conversation covers topics such as the transition from B2C to B2B, pitching to Fortune 500 companies, sustainable manufacturing in Mexico, and the positive response from the artisan community. Antonio also discusses the future goals for the company and the visual impact in the sales cycle. Takeaways *Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Genesis of the Company 03:23 First Steps in Starting the Brand 10:06 Transition to B2B 14:19 Expansion into B2B Market 15:41 Pitching to Fortune 500 Companies 18:30 Sustainable Manufacturing in Mexico 24:26 Future Goals for the Company 28:18 Visual Impact in Sales Cycle 31:35 Physical Production Process 34:09 Impact on Artisan Community *timing of chapters might be a bit off after editing.

In episode 196 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with David VanHimbergen, CEO of Reel Paper, on scaling a startup with a mission to change the paper industry. Reel Paper is a company that is on a mission to change the paper industry. They are committed to creating sustainable paper products that are better for the planet and still deliver the premium quality and convenience you expect. Every single day, a staggering 27,000 trees are cut down to produce conventional toilet paper, leading to significant deforestation and environmental harm. Reel Paper uses 100% tree-free fibers, making it the most sustainable paper on the market. Their products are also packaged and shipped in eco-friendly materials and come wrapped in 100% recyclable paper. In addition to using sustainable materials, Reel Paper is also committed to offsetting their carbon emissions and planting trees. They partner with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every order that is placed. If you are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly paper product, Reel Paper is a great option. Their products are made with high-quality materials and they are committed to making a difference for the planet.