Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

In episode 174 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Phoebe Yu and Kat Dey, Co-founders of ettitude, on leading the way in creating sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics for the world to sleep on.Ettitude is a sustainable brand that has made a name for itself in the bedding industry by offering high-quality, eco-friendly bedding products that are as comfortable as they are sustainable. Ettitude offers a wide range of bedding products that are made from 100% organic bamboo lyocell, a material that is known for its softness, breathability, and durability.Unlike traditional cotton bedding, which requires a significant amount of water and pesticides to grow, bamboo is a highly sustainable and renewable resource that requires little water and no pesticides. But Ettitude's commitment to sustainability goes beyond just using eco-friendly materials. The company also takes great care in its production processes to minimize waste and reduce its carbon footprint.One of the standout products from Ettitude is their signature Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set, made from their exclusive, sustainable CleanBamboo™ fabric. These sheets are incredibly soft and silky to the touch, making them the perfect addition to any bedroom. They're also highly breathable and moisture-wicking, which means you'll stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.Ettitude also offers a range of other bedding products, including duvet covers, pillowcases, and blankets, all made from the same high-quality CleanBamboo™ material. ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 173 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Mark Vandevelde, Founder of Komrads, on creating zero waste circular & sustainable sneakers for the ethical fashion movement.Komrads is a footwear brand that is based in Belgium and has been making sustainable sneakers for nearly five years.The brand was founded by husband and wife team, Mark and Greet Vandevelde, with the goal of creating sneakers that were not only stylish but also environmentally friendly.The shoes are made using raw materials that are recycled, certified, vegan & traceble, and are ethically manufactured in Portugal. Komrads also focuses on reducing waste by creating a closed-loop system where customers can return their old shoes to be recycled into new ones.Of the 24.2 billion pairs of shoes manufactured globally each year, experts say that most of them (97%) end up in a landfill or incinerator, because there are simply too many shoes and not enough recycling solutions.This means only 3% of all sneakers are given a second life.The company collects your old Komrads Sneakers and will upcycle them into raw materials to be used in other products. Overall, Komrads is a brand that is dedicated to creating stylish and sustainable sneakers that have a positive impact on the environment and society. ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 172 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Tanis Jorge, Co-founder of Co-founder of Trulioo and The Cofounder's Hub, on building a unicorn tech company and the importance of a choosing the right cofounder.Tanis is a serial tech entrepreneur and a leading advisor on entrepreneurship and building successful cofounder partnerships.​Over the course of her career in startups, spanning the last 20 years, Tanis has cofounded, scaled, and successfully exited multiple, data-driven businesses with the same partner. ​Her successes culminated with her most recent venture, Trulioo, which she co-founded in 2011. Between 2011 and 2015, Tanis served as Chief Operations Officer of Trulioo, working to lay the groundwork and build the foundation for the trusted, innovative, and disruptive company it has become today. In 2021, Trulioo reached "unicorn" status, solidifying both its place as the world’s leading identity verification company and Jorge’s track record for founding successful businesses.​Today, Tanis is one of the go-to voices and experts on the cofounder relationship. Author of The Cofounder's Handbook and Founder of The Cofounder's Hub, her work focuses on how cofounders can function in an open, productive, and symbiotic way to ensure continued and long-term business success. ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 171 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Chris Georgen, Founder of Topl, on empowering corporations, startups and nonprofits to unlock value from positive impact using blockchain technology.Chris is a highly accomplished leader with an impressive track record in the web3 space. Serving as Managing Director of Topl, he helps to spearhead the only blockchain ecosystem dedicated to radical impact and takes an active role in protocol design while leading tokenomics and governance efforts. Furthermore, Chris has been part of this sector since 2012 when co-founding a mobile payments fintech that launched on Ethereum shortly after its launch; his success having stemmed from degrees obtained at Rice University spanning Mathematics, Chemical Physics & Philosophy.During his time at university, Chris made an impact in the academic realm - researching complex systems and developing models that would power Topl's unique design. He also pushed forward conversations on blockchain technology, economics, sustainability, international development across 20 countries during invited talks and various working groups. His efforts further empowered web3 to bring meaningful social impact initiatives into realization.About ToplTopl is revolutionizing the way businesses interact in today's economy. By utilizing its groundbreaking blockchain, corporations, startups and nonprofits have access to a new world of capabilities that unlock value from positive global impact. With this technology comes data capture methods never seen before as well as smart asset digitalization and tokenization - allowing for cutting-edge markets & economies built on the Topl platform. Step into an era with more accessible sustainable transformation; step into an age where visionaries can monetize their ideas –with Topl.Businesses around the globe are leading a modern revolution of conscientious action. Powerful tools developed in recent years mean that making an impact is more efficient, cheaper and effective than ever before.Ways Topl is helping the impact revolution.Helping a coffee or cocoa farmer earn a living wageTracking COVID-19 tests, ensuring they stay cold in their journey to patientsOpening a window into diamond supply chains, offering proof that stones are conflict-freeEnabling seamless carbon capture, allowing businesses to transact in growing markets while giving back to the earth ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 170 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Nitzan Pelman, Founder of Climb Hire, a nonprofit organization taking an innovative approach to up-skilling overlooked and hidden talent.About NitzanNitzan Pelman is a three time social impact entrepreneur whose life mission is to create economic opportunity for hidden and overlooked talent. She founded Climb Hire in 2019 as a way to generate upward mobility for people earning below livable wage. Climb Hire’s program model is based on Nitzan’s first-hand research as an Entrepreneur in Residence at LinkedIn, where she studied the powerful role that social networks can play in securing living wage jobs.Nitzan was the founding CEO of an Entangled Ventures company called ReUp Education that focuses on re-enrolling students who have dropped out of college (acquired in 2022 by Avethon). She also founded the New York region of Citizen Schools, a middle school initiative for low income students.Early in her career she worked at the Department of Education in New York City, KIPP, and Teach for America. Nitzan holds a Masters in Public Administration from New York University and a BA from Stern College for Women, and is an Ascend Fellow with the Aspen Institute, as well as an official “LinkedIn Influencer.”About Climb HireClimb Hire is an innovative upskilling nonprofit organization that helps overlooked and hidden talent develop the soft and in-demand skills, as well as the professional network needed to break into new careers with livable wages. Climb Hire places a strong emphasis on social capital, as LinkedIn data suggests that jobseekers are 9x more likely to be hired when referred by someone else.Once climbers finish a designated learning track, they pay it forward by returning to the program and teaching others, ultimately helping one another grow their networks and increase job opportunities, similar to an Ivy League-type university network for people who lack traditional means of gaining skills or social capital.Climb Hire mantaints 50+ employer partnerships with companies in industries ranging from tech, to healthcare, to financial services, effectively providing businesses with a pipeline of motivated, vetted talent. 80% of climbers secure new roles within 6 months, and their average income increases by $15-20k.  ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 169 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Dr. Jules Hammond, CEO & Co-founder of BeFC, on biofuel cells and the future of sustainable batteries. Billions of batteries are disposed of every year. Conventional batteries often contain toxic materials, metals, and dangerous electrolytes. BeFC is about to change this dynamic.15 billion primary batteries are disposed of every year97% of miniature batteries end up in landfill or are incinerated1 in 3 adults admit to regularly throwing batteries in the binThe BeFC biofuel cells are a revolutionary way to power electronics. Combining advanced chemistry and nanomaterials, these cells are capable of providing high performance energy in a safe and sustainable way.They can be used to power everyday items like smartphones, tablets, or even robots. The cells utilize organic materials, meaning they are completely metal-free and biodegradable. This makes them ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas where traditional batteries may be harmful to the environment.Additionally, BeFC biofuel cells offer traceability and transparency which allows for greater insights into the impacts of energy consumption. In terms of performance, these cells boast higher energy density than traditional batteries and have a longer operational life with minimal self-discharge. With this in mind, the use of BeFC biofuel cells is an effective way to reduce waste while still providing an efficient source of energy. ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 168 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Shannon Farley, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Fast Forward, on empowering tech nonprofits to scale impact like top startups.About Shannon - Shannon is an experienced social entrepreneur. She was the founding Executive Director of Spark, the world's largest network of Millennial philanthropists. Prior to joining Spark, Shannon co-founded The W. Haywood Burns Institute, a MacArthur Award-winning juvenile justice reform organization. Shannon holds a BA in American Studies from Georgetown University and an MS in Gender and Social Policy from the London School of Economics.Fast Forward is nonprofit tech accelerator that provides a range of resources and support to tech nonprofits, enabling them to create positive impact on a large scale. They offer technical guidance and advice; access to mentors, funders, and other key influencers. Fast Forward seeks to strengthen the capacity of tech nonprofits by providing support in areas ranging from technology development and implementation to fundraising, marketing, operations management, financial planning, and strategic communications.Through their initiatives, Fast Forward aims to create a more equitable world by amplifying the impact of tech nonprofits working on issues related to social justice, education, health care access and delivery, economic empowerment and opportunity, climate change adaptation and resilience building, civic engagement and advocacy.What is a tech nonprofit?A tech startup building software that has selected a nonprofit business model to scale impact, not profit.Fast Forward helps scale nonprofit in three ways.The Fast Forward Startup Accelerator - Take your tech-powered nonprofit organization to the next level with the Startup Accelerator. They provide hands-on guidance, financial support and powerful connections - all designed to enable you meet the unique obstacles facing modern entrepreneurs like yourself. Pursue your mission with confidence this accelerator is here for you.The Fast Forward Growth Accelerator - Technology revolutionizing our world is now more accessible than ever. We've found eight of the boldest, brightest innovators harnessing tech to create real change and advancements, regardless of their own financial gain. The Fast Forward Growth Accelerator has stepped in to match these ambitious non-profits with philanthropists who want reenergize contribution towards sustainable growth - allowing for maximum impact at a faster rate than ever before!The Tech Nonprofit Playbook - Fast Forward's Accelerator has been a standout success, enabling 79 tech nonprofits to reach their scaling goals. They've crafted the Tech Nonprofit Playbook for your benefit. Discover actionable takeaways and techniques from the leaders who have revolutionized social impact spaces, playing an integral role in our world today. ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 167 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Joshua Ross, Co-founder of Humanitix, on turning annoying booking and ticketing fees into a force for good.Humanitix is a non-profit organization that has been transforming the way ticketing works since their launch in 2016. By using their technology and services, events both big and small can run a modern event, all while, in parallel, raise money for educational causes.Their mission is to make a difference with every ticket sold. The organization exists to close the education gap – but they can't do it alone. That's why have a community of Partners and Supporters who are each doing amazing work for a better world.The Humanitix mission is summed up easily in their giving model. Turning annoying booking fees into a force for good. Through the revenue from booking fees Humanitix funds education projects for the world's most disadvantaged children to close the global education gap.To date, the organization has donated $2,540,040 + to educational projects around the world.Hosting events on Humanitix is not only a great way to connect, but also helps make the world brighter for disadvantaged kids. Each event has an impact and can help create a future of equal opportunity. ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 166 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Steve Fambro, Co-CEO of Aptera, on creating the most efficient solar electric vehicle on the planet.Steve Fambro is a venture partner and COO at Ocean Holding, an environmental-focused developer of clean energy solutions.He's also the founder of Famgro – pioneering indoor farming technology that ditches pesticide/herbicide usage in favor of creating super efficient food production systems requiring only $8m to launch.Aptera is empowering the next generation to lead a more sustainable lifestyle with efficient transportation solutions. With an Aptera, you can reduce your daily carbon footprint by 14K pounds of CO2 - and make lasting change through thoughtful resource management.Aptera is revolutionizing transportation by reimagining how vehicles are conceptualized and assembled. With a bold embrace of 3D printing, AI technology, and composite body construction techniques; Aptera has taken an innovative leap forward in mass-producing efficient automobiles with unparalleled speed and affordability.The Aptera starts at $25,900.With Aptera, you can get the best of both worlds. Drive up to 40 miles a day with free solar energy or take off on an adventure that lasts for up to 1,000 miles! Get unlimited possibilities and zero emissions today.Its energy efficiency is due in part to its light weight, as well as its use of regenerative braking which captures energy normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery when you come to a stop.The Aptera vehicle allows you to go five times farther than other electric vehicles. ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.

In Episode 165 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, we speak with Mallory Brown, on her mission walking a marathon, one mile at a time, in 26 different countries, as steps into the shoes of impoverished women and shows how the empowerment of women is key to pulling families out of poverty.Mallory Brown is an amazing filmmaker, humanitarian and global speaker who has traveled to over 60 countries in her mission of creating a more compassionate and connected world. Through her films, she has raised hundreds of thousands in donations directly assisting people in need while inspiring audiences across the globe through talks on living with passion and generosity. Mallory's extraordinary efforts have garnered recognition from major outlets such as Today Show, The New York Times, Huffington Post & Cosmopolitan Magazine.About the Walk a Mile seriesWalk A Mile is a global marathon for women's empowerment.Mallory is walking a marathon, one mile at a time, in 26 different countries. She steps into the shoesof impoverished women and shows how the empowerment of women is key to pulling families out of poverty.Each mile benefits a local women's charity. Watch here. ----------------------------------------Disruptors for GOOD is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.