Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

Causeartist
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Jan 17, 2024 • 29min

Jason Marks and Forrest North // Co-founders of TELO Trucks

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 198 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Jason Marks and Forrest North, Co-founders of Telo Trucks, on their journey to creating Tello Trucks, an electric vehicle company focused on building utilitarian small trucks.The founders talk about their backgrounds in the EV industry and the catalyst for starting TELO. The conversation covers battery technology, battery lifespan, and the challenges of battery production.They also discuss the design of TELO Trucks and their goals for the future, including expanding their product line and making a positive impact on the environment.TakeawaysTELO Trucks aims to build utilitarian small trucks that meet the needs of city dwellers and have a positive impact on the environment.Battery technology has been steadily improving, but there is still room for innovation and advancements in energy density and manufacturing processes.The lifespan of an EV battery depends on factors such as depth of discharge and temperature management.TELO Trucks plans to have a fully functional press vehicle and begin production in the near future.The design of TELO Trucks focuses on a clean, modern aesthetic that is both functional and visually appealing.The company's goals include scaling quickly, rethinking transportation, and expanding their product line to include other types of vehicles.Chapterstiming of chapters might be a bit off after editing.00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 The Journey to Tello Trucks09:00 Battery Technology and EVs18:00 Battery Management and Lifespan20:00 Production and Release Timeline21:00 Operating System and Infotainment28:00 Design and Aesthetics29:00 Goals and Future Plans34:00 ConclusionFollow: @causeartist - X / IG / LinkedIn@granttrahant - X / IG / LinkedIn Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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Jan 7, 2024 • 32min

Antonio Nuño // Co-founder of Someone Somewhere

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 197 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Antonio Nuño, Co-founder and CEO of Someone Somewhere, on his journey starting the brand and the impact it has had on alleviating poverty through business and commerce.The conversation covers topics such as the transition from B2C to B2B, pitching to Fortune 500 companies, sustainable manufacturing in Mexico, and the positive response from the artisan community.Antonio also discusses the future goals for the company and the visual impact in the sales cycle.TakeawaysStarting a brand with the goal of alleviating poverty through business and commerce can have a significant impact.Transitioning from B2C to B2B can provide consistent jobs and impact in the community.Pitching to Fortune 500 companies requires understanding their needs and speaking their language.Sustainable manufacturing in Mexico can be a viable alternative to manufacturing in Asia.Building a company that brings artisans together can create a supportive and collaborative environment.*Chapters00:00 Introduction00:33 Genesis of the Company03:23 First Steps in Starting the Brand10:06 Transition to B2B14:19 Expansion into B2B Market15:41 Pitching to Fortune 500 Companies18:30 Sustainable Manufacturing in Mexico24:26 Future Goals for the Company28:18 Visual Impact in Sales Cycle31:35 Physical Production Process34:09 Impact on Artisan Community*timing of chapters might be a bit off after editing. Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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Jul 26, 2023 • 36min

Meet Reel Paper, the Tree-Free Toilet Paper: David Vanhimbergen, CEO of Reel Paper

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 196 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with David VanHimbergen, CEO of Reel Paper, on scaling a startup with a mission to change the paper industry.Reel Paper is a company that is on a mission to change the paper industry. They are committed to creating sustainable paper products that are better for the planet and still deliver the premium quality and convenience you expect.Every single day, a staggering 27,000 trees are cut down to produce conventional toilet paper, leading to significant deforestation and environmental harm.Reel Paper uses 100% tree-free fibers, making it the most sustainable paper on the market. Their products are also packaged and shipped in eco-friendly materials and come wrapped in 100% recyclable paper.In addition to using sustainable materials, Reel Paper is also committed to offsetting their carbon emissions and planting trees. They partner with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every order that is placed.If you are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly paper product, Reel Paper is a great option. Their products are made with high-quality materials and they are committed to making a difference for the planet. Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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Jul 24, 2023 • 7min

News Briefing: VERRA Plastic Credit, Bezos Earth Fund invests $400 million, Fungi emerges as a sustainable building material, The EPA launches $20 billion grant competitions for clean technology projects

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comMentioned in the brief:VERRA Plastic CreditBezos Earth Fund - $400 Million for Greening in U.S. CommunitiesFungi emerges as a sustainable building materialThe EPA launches $20 billion grant competitions for clean technology projectsThe Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerator provides $60 million to develop ocean technology for renewable energy and coastal resilienceNon-Toxic Perfume and Cologne Brands for Conscious Consumers Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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10 snips
Jul 13, 2023 • 28min

On a Mission to Create Social Impact Unicorns - Leslie Labruto, Founding Director of 100x Impact Accelerator

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 195 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Leslie Labruto, Founding Director of 100x Impact Accelerator, on funding and advising early stage social enterprises to create social impact unicorns.In today's rapidly evolving world, social enterprises and impact-focused organizations play a crucial role in driving positive change. However, many of these ventures face numerous challenges when it comes to scaling their impact. That's where 100x Impact Accelerator steps in, providing a world-class platform to empower radical thinkers and amplify their impact at an unprecedented scale.Defining the EndgameThe 100x Impact Accelerator recognizes that impactful solutions require a comprehensive approach beyond traditional fundraising. By working together with social entrepreneurs, the accelerator aims to define the endgame—the ultimate goal that will bring about the most significant positive change. Rather than focusing solely on financial support, 100x Impact Accelerator fosters tangible, results-driven models such as government adoption, digitization, and open-source solutions.Exceptional Research and Access to PolicymakersOne of the key strengths of 100x Impact Accelerator is its emphasis on evidence-based research. Through access to exceptional research resources, social enterprises can build their strategies on a solid foundation. Moreover, the accelerator provides an invaluable connection to policymakers, enabling ventures to navigate regulatory landscapes and create substantial impact at scale. This unique combination of research and policymaker access sets the stage for innovative solutions to address pressing social challenges.Catalytic Capital, Global Connections, and Dedicated SupportThe 100x Impact Accelerator offers catalytic capital, injecting £150,000 into selected ventures. This funding serves as a catalyst for further growth, enabling social entrepreneurs to expand their operations and increase their impact. Additionally, participants benefit from global connections, accessing a network of like-minded social entrepreneurs and mentors. The world-class support and bespoke mentoring provided throughout the program empower ventures to overcome hurdles, refine strategies, and unlock their full potential.Impact Accelerator ProgramThe heart of 100x Impact Accelerator is the 12-week Impact Accelerator program. During this intensive period, selected ventures receive specialized guidance, resources, and mentorship tailored to their unique needs. The program creates a collaborative environment where cohorts of like-minded social entrepreneurs can learn from each other, share experiences, and foster meaningful collaborations. At the end of the program, the Summit Day celebration brings together participants, mentors, and stakeholders to celebrate accomplishments and forge lasting connections.Eligibility and Selection CriteriaThe 100x Impact Accelerator welcomes applications from impact-first organizations, including registered charities, non-profits, and social enterprises. To be eligible, ventures should be operating in one of the eight Impact Areas identified by the accelerator. They should have a proven track record of driving positive change, reaching at least 1,000 customers or constituents through direct or indirect models. Additionally, ventures should have a team of four or more full-time paid employees and have raised at least USD 100,000 in capital from any source.Flexible and Impact-First FundingThe 100x Impact Accelerator offers flexible, impact-first funding to selected ventures. The funding provided comes in the form of catalytic grants and ensuring that financial support aligns with the unique needs of each social enterprise. Upon completing the accelerator program, ventures that have achieved extraordinary impact may be eligible for follow-on funding, further supporting their growth and sustainability.The 100x Accelerator represents a powerful force in driving impactful change at scale. By providing exceptional research, access to policymakers, catalytic capital, and world-class support, the accelerator empowers social entrepreneurs to take their ventures to new heights. Through its Impact Accelerator program and long-term alumni membership, 100x Impact Accelerator fosters a vibrant community of innovators who are dedicated to creating a better world. If you are an impact-first organization ready to take the next big leap, the 100x Accelerator could be your catalyst for driving extraordinary and outsized impact.To learn more about 100x Impact Accelerator and start your application, visit their website: www.100ximpact.org Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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Jul 5, 2023 • 55min

Bonus: Michael W. Sonnenfeldt /// Entrepreneur, Investor, and Philanthropist - Founder of TIger 21 and MUUS Climate Partners

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn this episode, I speak with Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, Entrepreneur, Investor, and Philanthropist on his life's journey and the future of climate investing and climate startups.Michael W. Sonnenfeldt is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. With a visionary mindset, he spearheaded the groundbreaking transformation of the Harborside Financial Center in Jersey City, NJ during the 1980s, making it the largest commercial renovation project of its time. Michael went on to establish and lead Emmes & Company, a distinguished real estate investment boutique specializing in the acquisition of distressed portfolios.Having an extensive background in renewable energy, Michael's journey in this sector began with the creation of SOL, a solar company that he built from the ground up. Eventually, SOL was acquired by Carmanah Technologies Corp., a reputable Canadian company engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of solar products and systems. His knowledge and expertise in renewable energy span over several decades.Educationally, Michael holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, further enhancing his foundation for success. Building upon his entrepreneurial achievements, he founded Tiger 21, an esteemed learning and investment network catering to high-net-worth individuals. This platform offers a unique space for peers to engage in open discussions about family, legacy, and investment, allowing Michael to share his evolving priorities.Michael's dedication extends beyond his professional endeavors. Over the past twenty-five years, he has actively contributed to numerous non-profit organizations focusing on crucial causes such as the environment, climate change, national security, Middle East peace, international peacekeeping, the US/UN relationship, and communal development. His commitment to these important issues influences both his business and philanthropic work, shaping the mission of MUUS to invest in a more sustainable and livable future. Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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Jul 3, 2023 • 25min

Harnessing the Power of the Ocean to Create Sustainable Textiles - Tessa Callaghan and Aleks Gosiewski, Co-founders of Keel Labs

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 194 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Tessa Callaghan and Aleks Gosiewski, Co-founders of Keel Labs on harnessing the power of the ocean to create sustainable textiles.The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. The production of textiles requires a significant amount of water, energy, and chemicals, and it releases harmful emissions into the environment.In recent years, there has been a growing movement to create more sustainable textiles. One company at the forefront of this movement is Keel Labs. Keel Labs is a company that develops and produces seaweed-based textiles. Their flagship product is Kelsun™, a yarn made from the biopolymers found in kelp.Kelp is one of the most abundant and renewable resources on the planet, and it grows rapidly. This makes it a sustainable alternative to traditional textile fibers, such as cotton and polyester.Keel Labs - Kelsun™ Advantages Over Traditional Textile FibersFirst, it is much more environmentally friendly. The production of Kelsun™ requires less water, energy, and chemicals than the production of traditional textiles.Second, Kelsun™ is biodegradable. This means that it will break down naturally in the environment, without leaving behind any harmful pollutants.Third, Kelsun™ has a number of unique properties that make it ideal for use in textiles. It is soft, strong, and moisture-wicking. It is also naturally UV-resistant.Keel Labs is committed to creating a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. They believe that Kelsun™ can help to reduce the environmental impact of textiles, and they are working to make Kelsun™ more widely available.How Kelsun™ is MadeKelsun™ is made from the biopolymers found in kelp. Kelp is a type of seaweed that grows rapidly in the ocean. It is a renewable resource, meaning that it can be replanted and harvested without depleting the ocean's ecosystem. To make Kelsun™, the kelp is first harvested from the ocean. It is then cleaned and processed to extract the biopolymers. The biopolymers are then spun into yarn, which can be used to make a variety of textiles.The Benefits of Kelsun™Kelsun™ has a number of benefits over traditional textile fibers.First, it is much more environmentally friendly. The production of Kelsun™ requires less water, energy, and chemicals than the production of traditional textiles.Second, Kelsun™ is biodegradable. This means that it will break down naturally in the environment, without leaving behind any harmful pollutants.Third, Kelsun™ has a number of unique properties that make it ideal for use in textiles. It is soft, strong, and moisture-wicking. It is also naturally UV-resistant.The Future of Kelsun™Keel Labs is committed to making Kelsun™ more widely available. They are working to scale up production and to develop new applications for Kelsun™. They believe that Kelsun™ has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry and to help to create a more sustainable future.Final thoughts.Keel Labs is a company that is at the forefront of the sustainable textile movement. Their flagship product, Kelsun™, is a seaweed-based yarn that has a number of advantages over traditional textile fibers.Kelsun™ is more environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and has a number of unique properties that make it ideal for use in textiles.Keel Labs is committed to making Kelsun™ more widely available, and they believe that it has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry.Learn More about Keel Labs and Kelsun™To learn more about Keel Labs and Kelsun™, please visit their website.You can also follow them on social media:Twitter: @keellabsInstagram: @keellabsLinkedIn: Keel Labs Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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Jun 26, 2023 • 33min

A Nationwide Network of Sustainable Little Orchards - Erica Kratofil & Ashley Williamson / Co-Executive Directors of The Giving Grove

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 193 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Erica Kratofil & Ashley Williamson, Co-Executive Directors of The Giving Grove, on building out a nationwide network of orchards that provide immense impact to local communities.About AshleyAshley brings local and international experience in program development, community engagement, and research. She has a Master in Social Work Advocacy, Policy and Administration from the University of Kansas and is passionate about connecting people, ideas and policies. A dedicated Kansas City community member, Ashley is continuously involved in boards and leadership programs, currently serving as Secretary of Unified Government of Wyandotte Board of Parks Commission, Board Member of Community Capital Fund, Advisory Board Member for the Pride Fund Committee of Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and Advisory Committee Member for the Kansas City Young Farmers Coalition. Ashley is always looking forward to a good podcast, book, or the next time she can work in her ever-expanding vegetable garden.About EricaA social worker with 15 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising and administration, Erica brings a background in food security, housing and homelessness, and education to The Giving Grove. She is passionate about community engagement and enjoys volunteering with her family. Erica is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and has a Master in Social Work and Nonprofit Management from Washington University in St. Louis. She is a Board Member for The For Elysa Foundation and has served as a social work field instructor for the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.About The Giving GroveThe Giving Grove began in 2013 as a grassroots effort to make free, fresh fruits, nuts, and berries available to Kansas City neighborhoods with high rates of food insecurity. The program was launched with the understanding that an orchard must be community-led and community-driven. At the neighborhood's request, The Giving Grove helps provide the trees, supplies, and training necessary to grow a fruitful orchard.Within a few years, The Giving Grove helped install more than 100 orchards in neighborhoods throughout Kansas City that had faced decades of environmental and health inequities, creating beautiful community spaces that each produced hundreds of pounds of free, fresh produce for the neighborhood. After finding success with The Giving Grove program in Kansas City, its founders began expanding the program across the nation in 2019.Today, more than 480 of these little orchards are managed and maintained by over 800 volunteer orchard stewards in fourteen cities across the U.S, with dozens of new orchards added each year.These neighborhood orchards have thousands of fruit trees that will produce more than 64.5 million servings of free, healthy food over their lifetimes (which can be up to 50 years or more), sequester 1,000 tons of carbon, absorb about 177,632 gallons of water per storm, reduce urban flooding and soil erosion, lower urban air temperatures during the summer, reducing risks of heat-related illness, and improve soil biology through holistic orcharding techniques that avoid artificial pesticides and fertilizers, which is healthier for the earth and the people eating the fruit. Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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Jun 20, 2023 • 26min

Jake Wood - Founder of Groundswell and Team Rubicon

---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 192 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Jake Wood, Founder and CEO of Groundswell, on disrupting corporate philanthropy and workplace giving through Donor Advised Funds.Jake Wood is a former U.S. Marine and the founder and CEO of Groundswell, a venture-backed software company focused on democratizing philanthropy by combining fintech, benefits tech, and charity. Prior to Groundswell, Wood was the founder and CEO of Team Rubicon, a renowned disaster response organization. Under his leadership, Team Rubicon grew to become one of America's leading nonprofits, recruiting over 150,000 volunteers and responded to nearly 1,000 disasters and humanitarian crisesWood also played a significant role in raising approximately $300 million for Team Rubicon through various means, including online donor acquisition, family foundations, and corporate partnerships. The organization scaled to 200 full-time employees across four offices and operated a $55 million P&L. Team Rubicon gained recognition for its corporate culture and technological innovation through collaborations with companies like Microsoft, Twilio, and Palantir.Furthermore, his memoir, "Once A Warrior," achieved best-seller status on Amazon and received praise from Tom Brokaw.About GroundswellWorkplace giving programs are an excellent way for companies to empower employees to make a positive impact on causes they care about. However, managing these programs efficiently can be time-consuming and challenging. That's where Groundswell comes in. With its user-friendly platform, Groundswell simplifies donation matching, gifting, and volunteering programs, allowing employees to effortlessly contribute to the causes that matter most to them. Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
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Jun 18, 2023 • 45min

Make Real Estate a Reality with Your Friends - Niles Lichtenstein, founder of Nestment

Niles Lichtenstein, founder of Nestment, discusses revolutionizing real estate investment with a co-buying model for families and friends. Topics include QR code resurgence, Nestment concept, testing entrepreneurial ideas, real estate market dynamics, and benefits of group real estate investments.

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