Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Eric: Scientific method. Unlocking the secret to clean, limitless energy could transform the world’s economy, environment, and future. Eric Lerner, President and Chief Scientist at LPPFusion, is leading a team that is taking a radically different approach to nuclear fusion—one that could make abundant, safe energy a reality for all. Unlike massive, billion-dollar fusion projects, LPPFusion focuses on a compact and cost-effective technology. Instead of using traditional deuterium-tritium fuel, which creates dangerous neutrons and requires enormous, expensive machinery, LPPFusion uses hydrogen and boron—both non-radioactive and plentiful. The result? As Eric Lerner explained in this episode of Superpowers for Good, “when they combine, they produce pure helium and no neutrons. And that means we can make the machine very compact, very small, very cheap, and we can convert the energy directly to electricity without using steam turbines and generators, which are very expensive.” This technological shift is also about access. LPPFusion is raising capital through regulated investment crowdfunding, allowing everyday people—not just wealthy, accredited investors—to participate in the future of energy. As Eric shared, “through crowdfunding, we can reach lots of people. And we are reaching lots of people… we are using crowdfunding simply to reach a mass audience that has to know about this technology.” LPPFusion’s approach is also unique in its embrace of nature’s own plasma instabilities, rather than fighting them. “Most people in the field try to suppress those instabilities… but we imitate nature… the machine we’re working with, plasma focus, uses those instabilities to compress and heat the plasma. And that also makes our path a lot easier,” Eric said. Despite raising only a fraction of the capital of their larger competitors, Eric and his team have achieved the best scientific results among private fusion efforts. Their work is openly published, and the opportunity to learn more or even invest is available to all. As the world seeks solutions to the global energy crisis, innovators like Eric Lerner and the LPPFusion team show that transformative ideas often come from smaller, more agile labs. Their work could redefine energy—and now, anyone can help make it happen. tl;dr: Eric Lerner explains how LPPFusion is using hydrogen-boron fuel to pursue cleaner, safer fusion energy. Their approach leverages plasma instabilities, making fusion devices smaller, cheaper, and more efficient. LPPFusion raises funds through regulated investment crowdfunding, inviting broader public participation. Eric shares how scientific method and persistent teamwork drive progress, even with limited resources. The episode highlights the transformative potential of fusion energy and how anyone can get involved. How to Develop Scientific Method As a Superpower Eric’s superpower is the scientific method. He describes it as the power to “not only… predict the future, but to change the future.” It’s not merely a set of laboratory procedures, but a disciplined, collaborative way of learning “the truth about the universe, by the method of prediction and test against observations made subsequent to those predictions.” Eric credits mentors like Hannes Alfven for teaching him that the scientific method is about teamwork, persistent experimentation, and understanding the processes that create and sustain things—not just the things themselves. Eric’s application of this superpower is best illustrated by his early work in...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Marcus: Dealing with failure. Some of the most powerful voices in our culture come from the world of sports. Marcus Daniell, a decorated tennis player and Olympic bronze medalist, understands this better than most. He founded High Impact Athletes to channel that influence toward causes that measurably improve lives. When I spoke with Marcus, he shared how the transition from tennis to philanthropy wasn’t sudden. As soon as he began earning enough from his career, he started giving back—carefully. "I didn't really trust the charities that I'd grown up around, and I wanted to do my own research," he said. That research led him to the concept of effective giving: doing the most good per dollar. What started with a personal 1% pledge grew into something much bigger. "There was a greater purpose to the grind of being a tennis player," Marcus said. "Every match that I won had something bigger off the back of it." That sense of purpose eventually inspired High Impact Athletes. Marcus guessed he’d have to persuade fellow athletes one by one, but the response surpassed expectations. "Very quickly it became obvious that there was a real appetite amongst the athlete community for something they could trust." Today, the organization has over 230 elite athletes across 50 sports and 35 countries. They're not just giving—they're amplifying impact by inspiring fans to do the same. "Athletes have a place in society where they have a really powerful voice," Marcus explained. "They can cut through different levels of society." The group recently partnered with High Rocks, a global fitness event series, to expand peer-to-peer fundraising. Participants can support causes like global health, climate change, mental health and women’s empowerment. While High Impact Athletes isn’t currently running a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign, the model it showcases is one worth noting. It proves that purpose and influence can merge to make philanthropy more effective and more human. The emotional impact is tangible. One athlete shared with Marcus that his High Impact Athletes key rings, earned for hitting donation milestones, were as meaningful as any sports medal. "That really touched me," Marcus said. This isn’t just about giving. It’s about creating lasting meaning from influence—and Marcus is helping athletes do just that. tl;dr: Marcus Daniell shares how Olympic-level tennis success led him to a life of purpose-driven philanthropy. High Impact Athletes empowers elite athletes to give effectively and mobilize fans for global good. Marcus explains that charity effectiveness varies greatly, making donation impact a key focus for change. Through partnerships like High Rocks, High Impact Athletes expands reach via peer-to-peer fundraising events. Marcus reveals his superpower—dealing with failure—and how resilience fueled both his athletic and nonprofit journeys. How to Develop Dealing with Failure As a Superpower Marcus Daniell describes his superpower as the ability to productively deal with failure. He explains that this skill is essential for professional athletes, who face constant challenges and losses. “In order to be a successful tennis player, you must be able to deal with failure productively,” Marcus said during today’s episode. He emphasizes the importance of processing setbacks, learning from mistakes, and moving forward with renewed focus. Marcus shared a moving example from the 2016 Rio Olympics. After losing a first-round tennis match with match points against Canada, he and his...

Main Street Meets the SuperCrowd: Why This Conversation Matters Jen Risley, the powerhouse editor behind the Main Street Journal, joined me once again for our monthly livestream—an ongoing collaboration we’ve come to call Main Street Meets the SuperCrowd. These conversations are quickly becoming a cornerstone of community-building for our shared audience—readers who are hungry for smart, actionable ideas to strengthen local economies, invest with impact, and think more holistically about systems change. If you missed the livestream, let me offer a few highlights that made this session both thought-provoking and energizing. A Meeting of Minds, Not Echoes Jen and I began by acknowledging how similar our respective platforms are in terms of mission and audience. But this isn’t an echo chamber. Superpowers for Good and Main Street Journal approach the same problems from different angles, drawing on unique voices, frameworks, and solutions. That makes our collaboration not just refreshing, but necessary. As Jen put it, we’re both “scurrying and collecting” a deep basket of ideas and stories from the grassroots—ensuring that the best thinking doesn’t go unnoticed. Trade Policy Meets Local Impact One of the focal points of our conversation was an essay by Michael Shuman, the Publisher of the Main Street Journal, advocating for governors to consider using “negative tariffs” as a response to federal trade policy. Michael, a lawyer and economist, doesn’t just write for impact—he writes with it. His provocative suggestion: states could effectively subsidize imports that benefit local economies, pushing back against protectionist tariffs that often do more harm than good. It’s a bold concept, and while it drew criticism from at least one reader, we found the idea worth exploring. The critique—that tariffs protect American jobs—misses the macroeconomic reality Michael articulates so well: we simply don’t manufacture like we used to. We’re not bringing back a 1950s economy, no matter how much we may long for it. What we can bring back is strong worker representation, living wages, and economic dynamism—and those don’t have to come from factories alone. In fact, we discussed how strong unions, not just strong industries, were the real drivers of middle-class prosperity in the postwar era. What if we had a powerful union of fast-food workers today? Imagine how that might reshape not just wages, but career pathways in the service economy. Rethinking Nonprofits: A Heated but Needed Conversation We pivoted to another popular topic in Jen’s world—a recent post arguing that nonprofits are, in many cases, the least effective vehicle for systemic social change. That headline alone sparked strong reactions, particularly among those with nonprofit roots (Jen included). But the conversation went beyond provocation. We examined the idea that nonprofits, for all their mission-driven focus, are structurally hampered by the need to chase grants and donors. This often means they spend more time fundraising than delivering on their mission. As Jen rightly pointed out, that dynamic saps not just time and energy but also local economic value. Michael’s past reporting, including a 2005 Nation cover story co-authored with Marian Fuller, argues that even progressive nonprofits could do more by rethinking their business models. And we’re seeing that today—especially with entities like OpenAI, which began as a nonprofit but now operates as a public benefit corporation (PBC), a structure that allows it to serve a mission while generating revenue and attracting capital. I pushed back just slightly—out of respect for the enormous good nonprofits have done. Since the time Michael and I were born, global poverty has dropped from over 50% to roughly 10%. That’s not magic. That’s decades of nonprofit work on health, education, and development. But when it comes to economic development—whether in Nairobi or Nebraska—it’s hard to deny that mission-driven...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Karl: Simplifying complex ideas Capitalism is due for a makeover. Karl Sjogren, author of The Fairshare Model, believes the key lies in a revolutionary approach to startup funding—one that reimagines IPOs with a performance-based structure to better align the interests of investors and entrepreneurs. As Karl explained in today’s episode, the conventional approach to valuing startups is fraught with uncertainty. “No one knows how to value a startup reliably,” he said. This uncertainty creates two major risks for investors: failure risk, which includes market readiness and product viability, and valuation risk, which Karl describes as “the risk of overpaying for a position.” While venture capitalists often mitigate valuation risk with deal terms, Karl’s Fairshare Model brings a similar approach to the IPO market, offering a fairer, more transparent system for everyone involved. The Fairshare Model introduces a dual-class stock structure. Investors receive tradable shares, while founders and employees receive performance-based shares that only convert to tradable stock upon achieving defined milestones. These milestones could vary widely, from reaching sales targets to demonstrating social impact, such as measurable environmental benefits. Karl explained, “The Fairshare Model doesn’t reduce failure risk, but it dramatically can reduce valuation risk.” This model not only empowers investors but also incentivizes founders and employees to deliver results. Karl likened the conventional IPO structure to a balloon filled with uncertainty. In his analogy, traditional models place certainty on ownership, leaving performance uncertain. The Fairshare Model flips this dynamic, putting the weight of certainty on performance instead. The implications of this approach are profound. By creating a framework that ties rewards to outcomes, the Fairshare Model offers a path to reduce speculation and foster trust between entrepreneurs and investors. It’s a bold vision that could reshape how startups raise capital—and how capitalism itself operates. Karl’s book, The Fairshare Model, is available on Amazon, and he’s actively sharing insights on LinkedIn. He’s also working with a Bay Area company that plans to implement the Fairshare Model in an upcoming modular housing IPO. If you’re as intrigued as I am, I encourage you to explore Karl’s ideas and see how they might apply to your own ventures. tl;dr: Today’s episode introduces Karl Sjogren’s Fairshare Model, a performance-based structure for venture-stage IPOs. Karl highlights two major risks for investors: failure risk and valuation risk, and how to address them. The Fairshare Model uses dual-class stock, aligning rewards with performance milestones. Karl’s superpower is simplifying complex concepts, making them accessible with analogies like a balloon metaphor. The episode underscores the potential of the Fairshare Model to reshape capitalism and startup funding. How to Develop Simplifying Complex Ideas As a Superpower Karl Sjogren’s superpower is his ability to make complex, technical concepts accessible and engaging. As Karl explained, “My superpower is the ability to take something that’s complex, somewhat differently than other people would, and to break it down in a way that is accessible to others.” This skill allows him to connect with audiences unfamiliar with the intricacies of capital markets, effectively translating his insights into actionable ideas. Karl shared a vivid analogy from his book to illustrate the Fairshare Model’s novel...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Paul: Insatiable curiosity Citizen Portal is transforming how we stay informed about local government. The platform, led by CEO Paul Allen, uses AI to create a personalized, nonpartisan newsfeed that makes it easier than ever to monitor public officials and engage in civic issues. Paul explained, “We redesigned the site to literally use AI to detect every important topic discussed in every government meeting.” By analyzing over 1.3 million hours of public meetings, Citizen Portal generates bite-sized articles on key issues, giving users a consumable, easy-to-navigate interface resembling a news site. This shift has been a game-changer. Paul shared that the platform has attracted nearly a million users this year alone. The tool addresses a growing demand for transparency and accountability in government while filling a void created by the decline of local newspapers. Unlike platforms driven by ad revenue or partisan agendas, Citizen Portal operates on a subscription model designed to empower its users. “There’s no spin, no partisan bias, and no kind of echo chamber,” Paul said. Instead, the platform’s algorithm, called BRAIN, tailors content to users’ locations and interests, ensuring relevance. Citizen Portal’s mission is ambitious yet essential. Paul envisions a world where “it’ll be a thousand times easier to become an informed and engaged citizen.” The platform not only provides insights into local schools, city councils, and state legislatures, but also offers actionable steps for users to make their voices heard. For those interested in supporting this social impact initiative, Citizen Portal is raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign. This funding will allow the company to expand its reach and enhance its technology. Paul’s vision is clear: to strengthen democracy by making civic engagement easier and more effective. With Citizen Portal, we can all stay informed, get involved, and make a difference in our communities. tl;dr: Citizen Portal uses AI to transform 1.3 million hours of government meetings into actionable news. The platform fills the gap left by declining local newspapers with nonpartisan, customizable newsfeeds. Paul’s vision is to empower citizens and policymakers with tools for informed engagement. Citizen Portal is raising capital through regulated crowdfunding to expand its impact and technology. Paul’s superpower, insatiable curiosity, drives his passion for creating tools that make information accessible. How to Develop Insatiable Curiosity As a Superpower Paul described his superpower as a deep passion for learning and gathering information. “I just have an insatiable curiosity for finding content in libraries, researching archives, [and] finding hidden gems,” he explained. This natural drive to consume and organize information has fueled his success, from co-founding Ancestry.com to leading Citizen Portal. He combines his love of learning with a knack for turning chaotic data into meaningful tools that empower others. Paul shared how his superpower helped him build Citizen Portal. He and his team analyzed millions of hours of government meeting records, transforming vast, fragmented data into actionable, AI-generated newsfeeds. His love for gathering information and creating order enabled him to design a platform that empowers citizens to monitor local governance and engage more effectively. Tips for Developing Curiosity Identify and lean into your natural strengths using tools like the Clifton Strengths Assessment. Focus...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Dr. Canaan: Faith and empathy Affordable housing is more than a real estate challenge; it’s a mission to create stability and hope. In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of exploring this mission with Dr. Canaan Van Williams, the Fund Manager of ProActive Real Estate Group. His work focuses on Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAA), helping underserved communities secure quality, affordable homes while delivering returns for investors. Dr. Canaan shared his passion for affordable housing through his latest project, Rancho Affordable Living, in Las Vegas. This 23-unit development provides low-income housing at 20–30% below market rates. It prioritizes second-chance housing for people previously evicted, unhoused, or escaping domestic violence. He explained, “Second chance housing is such a huge part of the low-income affordable housing sector. We tend to serve people who are anywhere from 50 to 30 percent AMI or below.” What makes this effort even more compelling is its focus on impact and speed. By revitalizing existing properties, ProActive Real Estate Group avoids the delays associated with subsidies, enabling quicker housing solutions. According to Canaan, “We’re able to achieve above market-rate returns because we pass on the cost savings benefits of revitalizing what’s existing.” For those who want to get involved, there’s exciting news: ProActive Real Estate Group has a live Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) campaign now. This democratizes investment opportunities, allowing non-accredited investors to support affordable housing while earning current income. Canaan brings a unique perspective to this work, drawing from his upbringing in Oakland, California, where his family benefited from affordable housing programs. This personal connection fuels his commitment to creating sustainable communities. “We do everything we can to help our residents,” he shared. Affordable housing projects like Rancho Affordable Living exemplify how mission-driven investments can combine social impact with financial returns. By investing in efforts like this, we can celebrate milestones like Juneteenth not just in words, but in action. tl;dr: Dr. Canaan Van Williams pioneers affordable housing projects like Rancho Affordable Living, offering below-market rents. His work prioritizes second-chance housing, helping underserved people rebuild their lives with dignity. ProActive Real Estate Group’s Reg CF campaign allows everyone to invest in impactful housing solutions. Dr. Canaan’s faith in God and humanity drives his compassionate approach to building sustainable communities. His advocacy for housing stability showcases the power of love, empathy, and mission-driven leadership. How to Develop Faith and Empathy As a Superpower Dr. Canaan’s superpower is rooted in his faith in God and humanity, coupled with a deep empathy for others. He said, “Our superpower is love. We really practice and demonstrate empathy as much as we possibly can.” This perspective drives his work, enabling him to create housing solutions that prioritize dignity and community for underserved populations. Dr. Canaan’s faith inspires him to focus on impact first, trusting that everything else will follow. A compelling example of Dr. Canaan’s superpower in action comes from a story about two single mothers in Las Vegas. Both women, homeless and struggling with expired Section 8 vouchers, reached out to him for help. Despite bureaucratic resistance, Canaan advocated on their behalf, convincing the housing office to reinstate...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Webb: Resilience Plastic has become an omnipresent part of childhood, with most toys made from this enduring material. But what if there were a better way—something sustainable, durable, and just as fun? Webb Knudsen, CEO and founder of Playper, has created a solution. Playper produces planet-friendly, buildable toy sets made from an innovative material called “Playper board.” These toys not only spark children’s imagination but are also designed to reduce plastic waste. Webb explained, “Playper is award-winning, planet-friendly, buildable playsets and storytelling card sets designed for imagination-inspiring pretend play.” He continued, “We make our toys out of a material called Playper board. It’s durable, thick, and flexible… you can spill water, ketchup, whatever on it and wipe it right off.” Playper’s toys are designed to endure even the roughest play while inspiring creativity. They feature a unique tongue-and-groove slotting system, creating a satisfying “click” when assembled. This system ensures that kids can build and rebuild their toys, offering hours of hands-on engagement. The company has already gained traction, with products available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart.com, and in dozens of independent toy stores. Webb’s mission to create sustainable toys has resonated with parents seeking alternatives to plastic. “There’s a lot of demand for more sustainable toy options,” Webb said. “The majority… of all toys are made out of plastic. I really felt like there had to be a better way.” In addition to its environmental focus, Playper emphasizes education. Webb described how the toys’ storytelling elements and social-emotional learning features set them apart. “They teach kids about their emotions,” he said. “That’s a real big segment within toys.” Playper is also raising capital through WeFunder, allowing everyday people to invest in the company. “I wanted the average person to be able to invest in our business,” Webb explained. “It really is the type of business that resonates with normal everyday people.” By creating toys that prioritize sustainability and imagination, Webb and Playper are building a better future for kids and the planet. tl;dr: Playper creates durable, eco-friendly toys from paper to reduce plastic waste and inspire kids’ creativity. The toys are available nationwide, including at Barnes & Noble, and emphasize storytelling and education. Webb Knudsen credits his success to resilience, adapting through challenges to refine Playper’s products. Playper is raising capital via WeFunder, inviting everyday people to invest in its sustainable mission. Webb’s leadership, team-building skills, and passion for innovation drive Playper’s growth and impact. How to Develop Resilience As a Superpower Webb Knudsen identifies his resilience as a key superpower, enabling him to persevere through challenges. “When things don't go well, I get back up, brush myself off, and keep going,” he shared. Webb keeps two motivational reminders at his desk: an image of a frog refusing to be swallowed with the caption “never give up,” and a quote from tennis player Vitus Gerolitis, “Nobody beats Vitus Gerolitis 17 times in a row.” These keep him grounded, reminding him to stay persistent despite setbacks. Webb shared that Playper’s journey has not been an overnight success. The company has faced numerous challenges, from refining its materials to pivoting product lines. Through trial and error, Webb and his team found the right formula for sustainable, buildable toys. Their...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Nicole: Willingness to take bold leaps and embrace the unknown. Imagine a world where cancer is as treatable as the flu. That’s the vision Nicole Paulk, the founder and CEO of Siren Biotechnology, is working tirelessly to bring to life. Driven by groundbreaking science, Nicole’s company is on the brink of launching clinical trials for a revolutionary cancer treatment. Nicole’s work leverages engineered viruses—those that don’t make you sick—to deliver genetic medicines directly to cancer cells. These “good viruses” act as a delivery system for anti-tumor drugs, targeting difficult-to-treat cancers like recurrent high-grade gliomas, a fatal brain cancer. “We started to see data that looked really promising in this space,” Nicole explained, adding, “We felt a moral obligation to go after this cancer where there’s just this huge unmet need.” Siren Biotechnology’s approach is designed to have broad applications. Unlike treatments that target specific genetic mutations, their method has the potential to work on various tumor types. Nicole describes it as using viruses like a “little FedEx delivery truck” that can be engineered to deliver medicine precisely where it’s needed in the body. This innovation didn’t happen overnight. Nicole, a former professor of virology at UCSF, took the bold step of leaving academia to launch Siren Biotechnology. “I decided to resign from my faculty position and go be the founder and CEO just because I was so excited about the data and what we had so far,” she shared. In addition to traditional venture capital funding, Siren Biotechnology is inviting the public to invest through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign. This unique opportunity allows patients, families, and supporters touched by cancer to be part of their journey. “We wanted to bring patients and their families onto our cap table,” Nicole said. “It’s a way to involve them in the conversation much earlier.” Siren Biotechnology’s work could redefine cancer care and inspire a new model for patient-centered innovation. With clinical trials just months away, the future looks brighter for those battling cancer—and for all of us who dream of a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence. tl;dr: Nicole Paulk’s Siren Biotechnology transforms viruses into targeted cancer therapies with universal potential. The company focuses on recurrent high-grade gliomas, a fatal brain cancer with no standard treatment. Nicole left academia to lead Siren, leveraging her groundbreaking virology research to launch the company. Siren’s unique crowdfunding campaign lets patients and families invest in the fight against cancer. Nicole’s superpower, fearless innovation, drives her bold mission to revolutionize cancer care. How to Develop Fearless Innovation As a Superpower Nicole’s superpower is her willingness to take bold leaps and embrace the unknown. After spending nearly two decades building her academic career, Nicole left her position as a virology professor at UCSF to start Siren Biotechnology. She explained, “I feel like my superpower is just kind of being willing to jump off the cliff without a parachute and be like, we’re going to figure it out. We’re going to make it work.” Nicole exemplified fearless innovation when her research led to a groundbreaking discovery about the biology of a virus, one that required rewriting existing textbooks. Initially met with skepticism, her work was later validated and became a foundation for Siren Biotechnology’s cancer treatment. This pivotal moment highlights...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Scott: Bias for action Firefighters face life-threatening risks every day, and for too long, many of these dangers have gone unaddressed. Scott Holman, CEO and Founder of Red Line Safety, is on a mission to change that with innovative technology designed to protect firefighters in real time and improve their long-term health. Scott, a retired firefighter himself, brings decades of experience to this venture. His company builds wearable devices that gather physiological and environmental data, an advanced communication infrastructure to transmit the data, and a cloud-based dashboard for incident managers to monitor conditions and make data-driven decisions. "We create a solution that not only protects firefighters in real time but also helps them address long-term health issues," Scott explained during this episode of Superpowers for Good. The technology has already proven its potential. In one pilot test, Red Line Safety identified a critical health issue in a 24-year-old firefighter, enabling life-saving surgery. Scott shared, “When you tell firefighters these stories, they can’t wait to use the technology. They want to know what they’re exposed to, how they’re responding physiologically, and they want to create an exposure record.” The market opportunity for Red Line Safety is enormous. Scott explained that the global market for firefighter safety equipment is valued at $20 billion. With patented technology and first-to-market status, Red Line Safety is poised to scale quickly. The company has already attracted attention from national and international organizations. To bring this life-saving technology to more firefighters, Red Line Safety is raising capital through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder. Anyone interested in supporting this mission can visit s4g.biz/redline to learn more and consider investing. Every firefighter deserves to come home safely. Scott’s vision, paired with Red Line Safety’s groundbreaking technology, makes that goal closer to a reality. tl;dr: Red Line Safety develops wearable tech and cloud systems to protect firefighters in real time. Founder Scott Holman, a retired firefighter, brings decades of firsthand experience to the company’s mission. The technology has already saved lives and provides invaluable data for long-term firefighter health. The $20 billion global market offers enormous potential for scaling Red Line Safety’s patented solutions. A Wefunder campaign invites everyone to invest in this innovative, life-saving technology. How to Develop Bias for Action As a Superpower Scott Holman describes his superpower as a “bias for action.” This stems from his Marine Corps training, which instilled a belief that he could accomplish any goal he set his mind to. “I came out of [boot camp] feeling extremely confident, like there’s nothing I couldn’t do,” Scott shared. This confidence has driven him to tackle challenges head-on, even in unfamiliar territory. Early in his life, Scott exemplified his bias for action by building a home for his family. Despite having no prior experience, he purchased a kit home, bought land in a rural community, and assembled the house largely on his own. “I realized we needed a house, and the only way I could do it was to build it myself. And I did,” he recalled, inspiring others to take bold steps as well. Tips for Developing the Superpower: Don’t talk yourself out of trying something just because you haven’t done it before. Believe in your ability to learn and adapt as you go. Build a support system—seek...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Tamara: My ability to listen to people and connect with people, understand what their needs are, and then really creating spaces and connections for them to get those needs met. When life feels overwhelming, many of us long for a helping hand. Tamara Lucas, the founder and CEO of My Panda, has turned that universal feeling into a business that’s transforming lives and communities. My Panda, short for “Personal Assistant Next Door App,” connects people with trusted, hyper-local assistants—called Pandas—who can handle everything from grocery runs to household chores. “What we need is community,” Tamara said during today’s episode. “What we need is people to turn to that we trust to be able to ask for the help that we need and also an opportunity for people to provide assistance and help.” Unlike gig-economy platforms like TaskRabbit or Uber, My Panda emphasizes community, trust, and mutual support. Tasks submitted through the app are matched with Pandas in the user’s local area, fostering a sense of connection and accountability. “You’re a lot less likely to steal someone’s grandmother’s jewelry if you’re going to run into them at Publix,” Tamara joked. The business model is as innovative as it is impactful. Users pay a flat hourly rate for services, with membership options that offer discounts and additional perks. Pandas, who are independent contractors, are primarily women—just like the users they assist. This creates what Tamara describes as “a culture of women helping women,” which has become a hallmark of My Panda. Tamara is also leveraging community to fund her vision. Through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder, anyone can invest in My Panda, starting with as little as $100. “By doing crowdfunding, not only are we raising the capital that we need to grow,” she explained, “but we’re also giving people a sense of ownership and deepening relationships within the community.” As My Panda prepares to expand beyond Atlanta to new markets like Charlottesville, Virginia, Tamara’s vision of creating a modern-day village is gaining momentum. Her approach is about more than convenience—it’s about rebuilding the connections we’ve lost in today’s fast-paced, individualistic world. My Panda isn’t just a service; it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that we’re better together, and with the right tools, we can create a community that lifts everyone up. tl;dr: My Panda connects people with hyper-local assistants to provide trusted help for daily tasks. The app fosters community by hiring local Pandas and creating a culture of mutual support. My Panda’s business model includes flat hourly rates, memberships, and perks for users. Tamara’s superpower is empathy, helping her identify and act on others’ needs. The company is raising capital via a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign to support its expansion. How to Develop Empathy and Connection As a Superpower Tamara Lucas’s superpower is her ability to deeply listen, empathize, and connect with others. “My biggest superpower is my ability to listen to people and connect with people, understand what their needs are, and then really creating spaces and connections for them to get those needs met,” she explained in today’s episode. Tamara’s background in psychology and social work has informed her approach, but it’s her natural ability to engage and understand people that has been the foundation of her success. One day, a conversation with a friend sparked the idea for My Panda. Tamara’s friend, a dog walker, shared her frustration: “I...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Steve: Intellectual curiosity, paired with a problem-solving mindset. Media shapes perception, and perception shapes reality. That simple truth drives Steve Jones, Founder and CEO of pocstock, to challenge the way people of color and other underrepresented groups are portrayed in stock photography and now artificial intelligence. Steve launched pocstock after discovering, while running a digital marketing agency, that major stock photo libraries lacked images reflecting diverse identities. "People of Black, Asian, Hispanic and other backgrounds, people who were older than 50, or living with a disability" were all underrepresented, Steve said. This gap was not unique to the U.S. — it was global. Today, pocstock is meeting a bigger challenge: the biases baked into AI image generation. Because AI was trained on biased media libraries, "the data is literally what the AI industry needs in order to become what it's going to be," Steve explained. With AI expected to generate 80% of online imagery soon, pocstock's culturally accurate, bias-free library positions the company as a vital resource for the future of ethical AI. But Steve isn’t stopping with just providing imagery. He’s ensuring that the creators of these visuals—photographers and artists—can share in the value AI creates. "We created a model where our creators can be included in the AI boom," he said, highlighting pocstock's mission to avoid leaving behind the very people it seeks to represent. As part of that effort, pocstock is raising capital again, this time through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. By setting a minimum investment of just $250, Steve and his team are inviting everyone—not just venture capitalists or accredited investors—to participate. "This gives people an opportunity to access AI through pocstock," he said. The implications are profound. "Imagery is how you change people's perceptions of people they haven't met," Steve noted. The consistent underrepresentation or stereotyping of certain groups impacts real-world outcomes, from law enforcement to healthcare. "If you let the media tell it, everybody's racist... and this couldn't be further from the truth." Supporting pocstock, whether by investing or using its imagery, helps rewrite those narratives. Steve's work stands as a reminder that inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s a strategy for both equity and innovation. To invest, visit wefunder.com/pocstock or s4g.biz/poc. tl;dr: Steve Jones founded pocstock to address the lack of diverse, accurate imagery in media and technology. pocstock’s inclusive content is now powering major AI projects and helping to reduce bias in technology. The company is raising capital through regulated investment crowdfunding, inviting everyone to invest for impact. Steve’s superpower is intellectual curiosity, which drives him to solve problems and connect across differences. Listeners are encouraged to embrace curiosity, meet new people and invest in more inclusive representation. How to Develop Intellectual Curiosity As a Superpower Steve Jones’s superpower is intellectual curiosity, paired with a problem-solving mindset. He explained, “I’ve always looked to see how I can make the world the way I think it should be.” This constant questioning of the status quo fuels his drive to address social injustices, foster inclusion, and solve challenges in innovative ways. From tinkering with objects as a child to reshaping the media landscape with pocstock, Steve’s curiosity and creative thinking guide his...

Today, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a special livestream on Substack with Jen Risley, the editor of the Main Street Journal. We're calling it “Jen and Devin Live,” and we hope it marks the beginning of a recurring series to strengthen the ties in our shared community of impact crowdfunding enthusiasts. Jen and I both publish on Substack and share a mission to promote community capital. While we could be viewed as competitors, we see ourselves more as complementary partners. That’s why we came together—to cross-promote, build bridges, and amplify the voices in this growing movement. What’s New at the Main Street Journal Jen highlighted a recent MSJ Extra feature: an in-depth interview with John Abrams, author of the forthcoming book From Founder to Future. John transitioned his company—South Mountain Company, a design, building, and solar firm on Martha’s Vineyard—into a worker cooperative. Now retired, he’s focused on helping other founders do the same. Jen shared that the response to this piece was overwhelmingly positive, confirming that interest in worker ownership models is growing fast. Updates from Superpowers for Good On my end, I shared some exciting updates about Superpowers for Good. Our recent SuperCrowdLA event, which was livestreamed to e360tv and Substack, drove tremendous traffic. But what’s been even more rewarding is the success of our new initiative, Super Crowd Voices (read it here, submit your contribution for consideration here). This channel invites new writers to share their perspectives, and it’s working better than we imagined. In fact, one of the first posts—by Dorian Dickinson of Funding Hope—became our most-read post ever. His powerful argument for giving investment crowdfunding “a seat at the table” clearly struck a chord. It was particularly rewarding to learn from Jen that our feature on Dorian inspired Main Street Journal to expand their platform listings in their weekly offering summaries. They had initially focused on just a few platforms—but now, they include more, making their coverage even stronger. That kind of cross-pollination is exactly what this collaboration is all about. Shared Admiration for Kathleen Minogue We also talked about our mutual admiration for Kathleen Minogue and her “Crowdfund Better” methodology. Jen and I both hold her in high regard. Michael Shuman’s interview with Kathleen in MSJ Extra—which I was able to read as a paying subscriber—was one of the best practical pieces I’ve seen. She explains how a rewards-based campaign can serve as a stepping stone to a successful investment crowdfunding raise. Kathleen’s approach is a masterclass in how to crowdfund strategically, and Jen shared how Kathleen supported a local crowdfunding initiative in her home region of New Hampshire. It's amazing to see this kind of thought leadership making a real-world impact. Reflections on SuperCrowdLA and a Preview of SuperCrowd25 Jen kindly mentioned how much she appreciated the summary I wrote following SuperCrowdLA. She quoted a line I often use: “Capital is not just about dollars. It's about power, purpose, and possibility.” That meant a lot. I shared that we’re working on a full book based on the conference’s transcripts and insights—something far deeper than a quick summary. We hope to release it by the end of June. I also highlighted some standout speakers from the event: * Doug Willmore, CEO of World Tree, which has raised $17M (including $12M from the crowd) to fund a carbon-sequestering tree farm model. * Sarah Hardwick, former CMO of Aptera, who helped the company raise $140M through Reg CF and Reg A offerings. Her speech was both riveting and deeply insightful. Looking ahead, SuperCrowd25 is coming up on August 21–22, and we’re streaming it live again on E360tv. I’m thrilled by how many people discover crowdfunding for the first time through these events. I invited Jen—and Michael Schuman as well—to join us as speakers. Their voices are essential to this...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Sona: Resilience—the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and solve critical problems. Every year, millions of people in low-income countries suffer due to a lack of access to basic medical technology. Sona Shah, CEO and co-founder of Neopenda, is tackling this challenge head-on with an innovative solution—a wearable vital signs monitor called Neoguard. This simple yet powerful device is already saving lives in sub-Saharan Africa and has the potential to make a global impact. Neoguard is a headband-style device that monitors four key vital signs: pulse rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. The data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a centralized dashboard on a tablet, allowing clinicians to monitor multiple patients simultaneously. “The intent of this product,” Sona explained, “is really to alert clinicians in really overcrowded, understaffed hospitals that something could be wrong with the patient so that our clinicians can provide more timely and appropriate care to the patients that need it most.” What makes Neoguard even more remarkable is that it was specifically designed for low-resource settings. Sona shared how she and her team traveled to Uganda during the early days of Neopenda to understand the unique challenges faced by hospitals in such environments. “We saw hospitals that didn’t have any functioning medical equipment. They had rooms that nurses called the ‘equipment graveyard,’ just mounds of broken equipment,” she said. This inspired her to create technology that is resilient and tailored to these conditions, addressing issues like power instability and limited connectivity. Beyond its life-saving potential, Neoguard represents a significant business opportunity. With a $3.4 billion market for vital signs monitoring across Africa alone, Neopenda is poised for growth. The company has already launched in over 45 hospitals, primarily in Kenya, and is generating revenue. To scale further, Neopenda is raising capital through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder, allowing anyone to invest with as little as $100. “What better way to scale than involve the community in our efforts?” Sona said, emphasizing the value of democratizing access to investment opportunities. Neopenda is more than just a company—it’s a movement to bring equitable healthcare to underserved populations while offering investors a chance to make both an impact and a profit. Sona’s story is proof that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand to create a better world. tl;dr: Neopenda creates affordable medical technology like Neoguard, a wearable vital signs monitor saving lives. Sona Shah’s passion for equitable healthcare drives her innovative solutions for underserved populations. Neoguard is designed for low-resource settings, addressing challenges like power instability and broken equipment. Neopenda is raising capital via a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign, democratizing investment opportunities. Sona’s resilience and vision have propelled Neopenda’s growth, proving impact and profit can coexist. How to Develop Resilience As a Superpower Sona Shah’s superpower is resilience—the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and solve critical problems. She described it as the ability to “move mountains” when faced with challenges. Sona’s resilience stems from her passion for addressing inequities in healthcare. “If there’s something that I’m really passionate about, I will move mountains to figure out how to make it work,” she said. This mindset has...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Prof. Alan: Creative problem-solving The world doesn’t change on its own—people with vision, grit and creativity drive progress. Few embody this more than Prof. Alan Arthur Tratner, who helped organize the very first Earth Day in 1970 and has since built a global legacy supporting green entrepreneurs and inventors. Alan’s work reminds me that bold action in the face of crisis can spark lasting transformation. In today’s episode, he shared the story of rushing to the oil-soaked beaches of Santa Barbara after the catastrophic 1969 spill, an experience that moved him to tears and propelled him into environmental activism. “I broke down, fell on my knees and cried... and then I just said we’ve got to stop this. We have to find a way to do it,” Alan recalled. That determination led him to found Green2Gold, a unique non-profit incubator that has nurtured over 100,000 inventors, entrepreneurs and more than 300 non-profits focused on environmental and social responsibility. Alan’s approach is rooted in the belief that innovation can solve the problems it helped create. “We invented our way into this mess, we could innovate and invent our way out,” he explained. One of the most compelling aspects of Alan’s work is his early embrace of investment crowdfunding. He recognized that democratizing access to capital could accelerate the development of climate solutions. “Equity crowdfunding was the democratization of investing. No longer did you have to be wealthy or be in power... anyone in the world, accredited or unaccredited, could invest in an American company,” Alan said. Through Green2Gold’s programs, Alan continues to champion breakthrough technologies in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and disaster recovery. His “Build Back Green” project, for instance, emerged in response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina and now provides a blueprint for rebuilding communities in sustainable, resilient ways. If you’re inspired by Alan’s vision or want to learn more about Green2Gold’s work, visit green2gold.org. For entrepreneurs and inventors seeking support—or anyone interested in investing in a better world—Alan and Green2Gold are showing what’s possible when we put creativity and collective action to work for the planet. tl;dr: Alan Tratner shared his journey from the first Earth Day to launching the Green2Gold impact incubator. He described the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing environmental crises worldwide. Alan emphasized the power of equity crowdfunding to democratize investment for green ventures and climate solutions. He highlighted the importance of perseverance, creativity and passion for lasting impact in nonprofit and business work. Alan offered actionable advice for aspiring changemakers to lead with purpose and build sustainable ventures. How to Develop Creative Problem-Solving As a Superpower Alan’s superpower lies in the fusion of creativity, scientific thinking and practical experience. As he described, “I think that creative spark, that passion, you know, I try to give our entrepreneurs and our nonprofits the same feelings about... inventing in the fields that are going to make a difference.” He credits his background in science, art and design, as well as years of nonprofit leadership and invention, for giving him a “quiver of superpowers” that enable him to help others become problem solvers and critical thinkers. Illustrative Story:Alan shared how he has supported over 315 nonprofits and 100,000 entrepreneurs through Green2Gold by...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Lyneir: What I believe is my calling is to see value in people and places that other people overlook or undervalue. Democratizing commercial real estate isn’t just a lofty vision for Lyneir Richardson, it’s his mission. As the CEO of The Chicago TREND Corporation, Lyneir is pioneering a model for strengthening urban neighborhoods by enabling small investors to own a stake in commercial properties. In today’s episode, he shared how his organization is transforming communities while offering everyday people the opportunity to invest alongside wealthy, institutional players. Lyneir explained, “Retail is the first impression of a neighborhood. If the retail corridor is blighted, it attracts crime, brings down property values, and becomes a liability.” Recognizing this, The Chicago TREND Corporation focuses on revitalizing retail spaces in underserved neighborhoods, blending community impact with financial returns. Since its founding in 2016, Chicago TREND has completed three crowdfunding campaigns, raising nearly $1 million from impact-oriented individuals. Lyneir described these investors as “small dollar, impact-oriented individuals who want to see progress in a neighborhood.” In one project, they partnered with a local nonprofit to redevelop a blighted industrial site. After acquiring the property for $3 million, they demolished a decaying building and planned a new 100,000-square-foot warehouse. Before construction began, another buyer offered $4.5 million. This exit not only provided a threefold return for investors but also strengthened their balance sheet for future projects. Lyneir emphasized that crowdfunding is more than a financial tool—it’s also a way to foster community ownership. “We call it #WeOwnThis,” he said, describing how local investors are more likely to patronize and protect these properties. This inclusive approach to ownership creates a ripple effect, empowering communities to take pride in their neighborhoods while benefiting financially. Today, Chicago TREND is actively raising capital for additional projects. By combining crowdfunding with old-school community organizing—meeting in church basements, library common areas, and on Zoom—Lyneir and his team are proving that inclusive investment can transform neighborhoods. Lyneir’s work demonstrates that commercial real estate can be a powerful tool for social change. By inviting ordinary people to invest in their own communities, he’s creating opportunities for financial growth while building stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods. tl;dr: Lyneir Richardson democratizes commercial real estate by enabling small investors to revitalize underserved neighborhoods. Chicago TREND uses crowdfunding to finance retail projects that strengthen communities and boost property values. A recent project gave investors a threefold return while transforming a blighted industrial site. Lyneir’s superpower is recognizing value in overlooked places and fostering community-driven redevelopment. By balancing profit and impact, Lyneir is creating opportunities for ordinary people to invest in change. How to Develop Seeing Value in Overlooked People and Places As a Superpower Lyneir’s superpower is his ability to recognize potential where others see obstacles. As he explained, “What I believe is my calling is to see value in people and places that other people overlook or undervalue.” This skill allows him to envision opportunities for revitalization in underserved neighborhoods, often dismissed by traditional investors as “too hard” or...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Timothy: My faith, my passion to see this get into the hands of people that really need it. The dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for many, but innovative solutions are emerging to address this challenge. The most powerful change comes from combining financial technology with a genuine desire to help people succeed—especially first-time buyers who often lack guidance and support. Timothy Griggs, CEO and Founder of Kribsavup, knows firsthand how heartbreaking it can be to deliver a mortgage denial to someone whose only mistake was not understanding the process. As Timothy explained in this episode, “They have a vision for their family. They have a good heart, but they have no idea about the steps to take to prepare for homeownership… That just hurts my heart and me wanting to help them prepare for homeownership.” That pain point inspired Timothy to create Kribsavup—a social fintech app designed to help users understand their finances, monitor their credit, and get ready for the mortgage process well before applying. Kribsavup links accounts, provides real-time credit information, and enables users to invite friends and family members to join them on the journey. “You can save together. You can improve your finances together. We’re not sharing data. We’re very sensitive about that. But the users can actually interact with each other,” Timothy shared. The app also brings in gamification and AI features to make the process less daunting and more engaging. Timothy described how users can compete with an AI character, Stuart, in a race to better credit and stronger finances. This approach aims to make financial health not just accessible but enjoyable, especially for young people and those unfamiliar with the complexities of buying a home. Kribsavup is currently available in app stores, and Timothy is inviting the crowd to participate directly in the company’s growth through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Netcapital. “We are seeking to get help by going to our audience and investors to come on board to see our vision and to help us get this out to market, to get Kribsavup out to the market, get it out to the users, get it into our communities to be able to help users to be able to improve the process of home ownership,” Timothy said. By blending technology, community, and a clear mission, Kribsavup stands out as a tool designed not just to help people buy homes, but to transform lives and build a stronger path toward financial wellness. The opportunity to invest alongside the Kribsavup team makes this an especially compelling story for anyone who believes in the power of impact crowdfunding to change the world. tl;dr: Timothy Griggs shares how Kribsavup helps first-time homebuyers prepare for mortgage success. The app offers gamification, real-time credit info, and community support for financial wellness. Kribsavup is raising capital through regulated investment crowdfunding on Netcapital. Timothy’s superpower is his faith-driven passion to help others achieve homeownership. Personal stories highlight the impact of encouragement, guidance, and community support in reaching financial goals. How to Develop Faith-Driven Passion As a Superpower Timothy’s superpower is an unwavering faith and deep passion to help others achieve homeownership and financial security. As Timothy described, “It’s my superpower, my faith, my passion to see this get into the hands of people that really need it… It’s a passion to be able to help users in our communities to be...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Cameron: Ability to foster collaboration and build meaningful connections. Peter: Courage to speak truth, even when facing potential backlash. A major obstacle to global prosperity is the chronic underfunding of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in emerging markets. In this episode of Superpowers for Good, Cameron Neil, CEO of LendForGood, and Peter Rostovsky, CEO of Raiseway, discussed their new collaboration that aims to close that gap. Together, they're making it easier for impact-driven businesses to raise capital and for everyday people to lend across borders. LendForGood is already empowering impact enterprises in places like Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond to access much-needed debt financing from a global pool of lenders. Now, with Raiseway's support, these entrepreneurs will have access to tools that make running a crowdfunding campaign simpler, more efficient and more likely to succeed. Peter explained, "There are so many elements to a crowdfunding campaign...this is super challenging even for large organizations...we want to be that platform that supports the campaign throughout the process." The two companies align not just in function, but in values. Cameron emphasized that "the gap for small business capital access is significant...it's a real growing problem" that requires global infrastructure and collaboration to solve. The World Bank and UN have estimated that SMEs in emerging markets face an annual $5 trillion funding shortfall. The traditional financial system simply isn't built to serve them effectively. As banks consolidate, smaller loans become less profitable and more scarce. Raiseway and LendForGood aim to fill that void. Their shared belief in the potential of debt crowdfunding—versus equity financing, which isn't ideal for most small businesses—fuels their work. As Peter noted, "Your community is never going to foreclose you." Though not currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign, both platforms are building the infrastructure and momentum for an ecosystem where everyday investors can meaningfully support small businesses doing good in the world. This collaboration underscores the power of mission-aligned tech partnerships to tackle some of the world’s most stubborn problems. By streamlining access to impact capital, they’re helping to rewrite the rules of small business finance—on a global scale. tl;dr: LendForGood and Raiseway collaborate to simplify cross-border impact crowdfunding and support small businesses globally. Cameron explains how LendForGood connects global lenders with impact enterprises needing debt financing. Peter shares Raiseway's role in streamlining campaigns and making crowdfunding more accessible and effective. Cameron and Peter discuss the massive global SME funding gap and why crowd lending is a vital solution. They reveal their superpowers—collaboration and courage—and offer tips on using them to drive meaningful impact. How to Develop Collaboration and Connectivity As a Superpower Cameron Neil’s superpower lies in his ability to foster collaboration and build meaningful connections. Reflecting on his approach, he shared, “I have found an ability to… build collaborative initiatives, to build posses… or a network to form.” Cameron’s knack for bringing people together with shared goals and inspiring them to work collectively has been a cornerstone of his success. He credits this skill with driving impactful projects like LendForGood’s partnership with...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Todd: I care What if a favorite drink could change the world? That’s the ingenious idea behind Chef Todd Manley’s Mutiny Island Vodka. By using breadfruit—a tropical superfood—as its primary ingredient, Mutiny Island Vodka addresses two pressing global challenges: poverty and climate change. Todd, a chef turned entrepreneur, explained how breadfruit transforms lives in tropical regions. “One breadfruit tree will feed a family of four for life,” he noted, emphasizing its nutritional and economic potential. In regions plagued by food insecurity and poverty, breadfruit provides not only sustenance but also economic opportunities. Farmers can grow breadfruit to feed their families, sell it locally, or export products like breadfruit flour. Mutiny Island Vodka incentivizes the planting of these trees, creating a sustainable cycle of economic growth and environmental restoration. Breadfruit’s environmental benefits are equally impressive. Todd highlighted, “Breadfruit trees sequester hundreds of tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and they’re long living.” Unlike annual crops like wheat or corn that require replanting, breadfruit trees thrive for decades, continuously bearing fruit while pulling carbon dioxide from the air. Mutiny Island Vodka, the world’s first vodka made from breadfruit, is more than just a spirit—it’s a movement. The company’s partnerships with organizations like the Trees That Feed Foundation amplify its impact. For every bottle sold or investment made, a breadfruit tree is planted in a region that needs it most. This initiative not only addresses food security but also serves as a scalable climate solution. Todd and his team are currently raising funds through a regulation crowdfunding campaign on Start Engine. This capital will help expand production and distribution, bringing Mutiny Island Vodka to more people and creating even greater impact. Todd shared his ambitious vision: “We are set on becoming a household name...better cocktails, better planet.” Todd’s innovative approach and commitment to making a difference demonstrate how business can be a force for good. Mutiny Island Vodka isn’t just a drink—it’s a tangible example of how ingenuity and purpose can tackle global challenges. Those interested in supporting this mission can explore the opportunity to invest and join the effort to fight poverty and save the planet, one sip at a time. tl;dr: Mutiny Island Vodka uses breadfruit to fight poverty and climate change while producing award-winning spirits. Breadfruit trees provide food security, economic opportunities, and carbon sequestration in tropical regions. Mutiny Island Vodka is raising funds via regulation crowdfunding to expand production and impact. Todd’s superpower, caring, drives his work and fosters a network of trust and collaboration. During the pandemic, Mutiny produced hand sanitizer for frontline workers, showcasing care and ingenuity. How to Develop Caring As a Superpower Todd’s superpower is his genuine care for others. He explained, “I think my number one superpower is I care.” This deep empathy fuels his work and draws like-minded people into his orbit, fostering a network of trust and collaboration. Todd elaborated, “When you find someone else that has that same superpower, you tend to really latch on to them...having that is just incredible.” Illustrative Story:During the pandemic, Todd noticed that the Virgin Islands had no hand sanitizer for hospitals, police, or frontline workers. Leveraging Mutiny Island Vodka’s resources,...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Paul: Ability to heal through the power of forgiveness. Paul Lovejoy, a financial advisor and Principal Advisor of Stakeholder Enterprise, embarked on a bold mission: to make a regulation crowdfunding investment every single day for an entire year. His goal? To truly understand the experience of a crowdfunding investor and leverage that knowledge to help others build wealth ethically and effectively. Paul explained, “I wanted to give investment plans for people without extractive corporations, without exploitations. For me to recommend investments, I really needed to know the industry at the most core level—that of a customer.” Immersing himself in the world of crowdfunding, he sought to experience firsthand the challenges and opportunities that investors face. Through his journey, Paul uncovered a standout takeaway: the power of debt crowdfunding, or as he calls it, “crowdlending.” He shared, “Debt crowdfunding is like the greatest thing that has happened to investing probably ever. From a financial planning standpoint, it’s so helpful to have predictable monthly payments.” By crowdfunding amortized loans, investors can benefit from steady repayments of principal and interest, making it easier to plan financially. Paul’s passion for crowdlending stems from its accessibility and reliability. “Crowdlending allows the general public to access private credit, an asset class that has been outperforming the stock market since 2008,” he said. For those seeking an alternative to traditional Wall Street investments, crowdlending offers a practical and impactful solution. This year-long experiment also led Paul to create the Crowd Capital Blueprint, a program designed to help compassionate people invest with purpose. The step-by-step system empowers individuals to move their money from exploitative investments to ethical, regenerative ones, while simplifying the process of building wealth with intention. Paul’s journey proves that investing isn’t just about growing money—it’s about aligning finances with values. By embracing the principles of regulation crowdfunding, he’s paving the way for a new era of financial activism, one investment at a time. tl;dr: Paul Lovejoy invested in regulation crowdfunding every day for a year to understand the experience. He discovered debt crowdfunding, or “crowdlending,” as a powerful tool for financial planning. Paul shared personal lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, including the importance of ethical investments. He created the Crowd Capital Blueprint to help people build wealth ethically and sustainably. Paul’s superpower, healing through forgiveness, inspires others to grow from pain and help others. How to Develop Healing Through Forgiveness As a Superpower Paul Lovejoy’s superpower is his ability to heal through the power of forgiveness. Reflecting on the shame and pain of being defrauded during the 2008 financial crisis, Paul explained, “The first step into healing is to simply acknowledge your suffering and to give yourself compassion for it.” He emphasized that forgiveness is not about excusing others but about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment. “Resentment is poison for the soul, and forgiveness is the antidote,” he said. In one striking story, Paul described forgiving Doug Swenson, the man who defrauded him and his family of over a million dollars. Paul explained that forgiveness wasn’t about excusing Swenson’s actions or ignoring accountability. Instead, it was about releasing the pain he carried. “I only was defrauded once,...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Gary: Tenacity, never giving up. Education in the United States is in crisis. Sixty-eight percent of students are below grade level, a staggering statistic Gary Surdam, Founder and CEO of Bright Start Ed-Tech Inc., refuses to accept. In this episode of the Superpowers for Good show, Gary shared how his company is addressing this challenge with an innovative AI-powered solution designed to create personalized learning experiences for every student. Gary explained that the idea for Bright Start Ed-Tech’s flagship program, Illuminate, began while teaching a STEAM course in Thailand. He recalled giving students a problem to solve: “You could see the wheels in their mind turning, but you didn’t see them finding the solution. Then, all of a sudden, this young man’s face illuminated. Within seconds, he gave a solution to the problem.” That moment of discovery became the foundation for Illuminate, a program designed to spark these “illuminating moments” in students worldwide. Using AI, Bright Start Ed-Tech tailors lessons to individual learning styles, levels, and preferences. “AI really brings all of that together and individualizes the learning for our students,” Gary explained. The company’s approach is a bold departure from the traditional one-size-fits-all education model. Bright Start’s strategy unfolds in two phases. The first phase focuses on empowering parents as educators. “Parents are the first and most important teachers in the lives of their children,” Gary emphasized. The program equips parents to address the learning gaps many students experienced during the pandemic. The second phase targets school systems, delivering personalized learning apps to transform classrooms. “We’re the answer to the problems that are happening in education,” Gary said. By using AI to provide targeted engagement, the program aims to re-engage students and help them succeed. Bright Start Ed-Tech is currently raising funds through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on Funding Hope to scale its transformative technology. “We’re looking at raising our funds to take us a step further,” Gary said, inviting support from investors who share his vision of a brighter future for education. Bright Start Ed-Tech isn’t just a company—it’s a catalyst for change in an education system that desperately needs innovation. Gary’s vision and determination are paving the way for a brighter future for students everywhere. tl;dr: Bright Start Ed-Tech uses AI to create personalized learning solutions tailored to each student’s needs. The company’s two-phase approach empowers parents and transforms schools with targeted educational tools. Gary Surdam’s vision began with a moment of inspiration while teaching a STEAM course in Thailand. His superpower, tenacity, has driven him to overcome challenges and refine his innovative technology. Bright Start Ed-Tech is raising funds via crowdfunding to scale its transformative personalized learning platform. How to Develop Tenacity As a Superpower Gary Surdam’s superpower is tenacity—a relentless determination to overcome challenges and drive forward. As Gary explained, “Tenacity, never giving up. I had this vision…never be ashamed to dream big dreams, because what you dream, you will become.” He emphasized the importance of perseverance, even when progress feels slow, and shared how his unwavering commitment to his vision for Bright Start Ed-Tech has kept him moving forward despite obstacles. Illustrative Story:Gary shared a story illustrating his tenacity. In 2015, he had the...