Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

In episode 205 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Inna Braverman, the founder of Eco Wave Power, about her journey in the renewable energy industry and the potential of wave power.

Nearly 2.4 billion people, about 40% of the global population, live within 100 kilometers of a coast.

Inna shares her inspiration for starting Eco Wave Power, which stemmed from her personal experience with the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. She explains the concept of wave power and its advantages over other renewable energy sources. Inna also discusses the challenges of scaling wave power, including regulatory hurdles and funding limitations.

She emphasizes the importance of policy support for the commercialization of wave energy. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future goals and successes of Eco Wave Power.

Welcome to Causeartist.

Social Entrepreneurs Interviews.
Impact Investor Interviews.
Impact Startup News.

Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world.

⏺ Weekly Podcasts
⏺ Weekly Newsletter
⏺ Deep Dive Interviews
⏺ Community(coming soon)

To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

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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.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies.

Welcome to Causeartist.

Social Entrepreneurs Interviews.
Impact Investor Interviews.
Impact Startup News.

Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world.

⏺ Weekly Podcasts
⏺ Weekly Newsletter
⏺ Deep Dive Interviews
⏺ Community(coming soon)

To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

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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.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies.

Welcome to Causeartist.

Social Entrepreneurs Interviews.
Impact Investor Interviews.
Impact Startup News.

Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world.

⏺ Weekly Podcasts
⏺ Weekly Newsletter
⏺ Deep Dive Interviews
⏺ Community(coming soon)

To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

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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.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies.

Welcome to Causeartist.

Social Entrepreneurs Interviews.
Impact Investor Interviews.
Impact Startup News.

Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world.

⏺ Weekly Podcasts
⏺ Weekly Newsletter
⏺ Deep Dive Interviews
⏺ Community(coming soon)

To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

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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.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies.

Welcome to Causeartist.

Social Entrepreneurs Interviews.
Impact Investor Interviews.
Impact Startup News.

Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world.

⏺ Weekly Podcasts
⏺ Weekly Newsletter
⏺ Deep Dive Interviews
⏺ Community(coming soon)

To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

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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 204 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Nina Rauch, Sr. Social Impact Lead at Lemonade, on leading social impact initiatives from startup to IPO.

Nina discusses her journey into social impact, starting with the founding of Pink Week, an organization aimed at raising awareness of breast cancer among young people. She shares the lessons she learned from starting Pink Week and the importance of passion and putting oneself out there. Nina then talks about her transition into corporate roles and the preconceptions she had about corporate impact.

She highlights the B Corp certification process and the importance of authenticity and transparency in social impact efforts. Nina also discusses Lemonade's give back model and the impact it has had on various causes.

She emphasizes the need to think outside the box when looking for social impact opportunities in the corporate world and the importance of accessibility and diversity in the social impact space. Nina concludes by sharing her future goals and vision for spreading the word about corporate social impact.

About Lemonade

Lemonade stands at the forefront of the insurtech industry, redefining insurance with a strong emphasis on digital convenience and social responsibility. With an innovative platform, Lemonade offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, allowing customers to secure insurance for personal belongings, homes, pets, families, and vehicles effortlessly through a single app.

Beyond providing essential insurance services, Lemonade distinguishes itself through its commitment to social impact. The company's unique Giveback program transforms the traditional insurance model by donating unused premiums to charities selected by its customers.

This initiative reflects Lemonade's dedication to community welfare and social good, contributing over $8 million to various non-profit organizations globally. Lemonade's approach to insurance is built on transparency, efficiency, and compassion, making it a trailblazer in leveraging technology for social change.

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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.

Going forward, I am going to do my best to deliver briefs three times a week on the Top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies.

Below are the sources from each of the stories mentioned in this episode.

StormFisher Hydrogen
Ziplines Education
Zusa becomes a B-Corp
Gap and Ambercycle
30 Nonprofit Leaders Who Will Impact the World in 2024

Thanks, please share and subscribe.

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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 203 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Frank Heidinger, Founder of HALEVAI, on the environmental benefits of electric boating and the future goals of the company.

Frank shares his journey from a career in production and hospitality to his passion for environmental conservation.

He discusses his involvement with Parley for the Oceans and the inspiration behind electrifying boats.

Frank explains the challenges in the supply chain and manufacturing process and highlights the mission and vision of HALEVAI.

He emphasizes the importance of creating an approachable user experience and targeting both the B2C and B2B markets.

Takeaways:

• Frank's journey from production and hospitality to environmental conservation and electrifying boats
• The challenges in the supply chain and manufacturing process for electric boats
• The mission and vision of HALEVAI to create an approachable user experience and target both the B2C and B2B markets
• The environmental benefits of electric boating and the future goals of HALEVAI

About HALEVAI

Meet HALEVAI, a new American boat manufacturer, is focused on creating and building sustainable and high-performance electric boats.

Founded in 2020, their mission is to create safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective boating experiences.

At the heart of HALEVAI's mission is the ambition to revolutionize the marine industry by adopting and promoting renewable energy sources.

The company has taken significant strides in reimagining the composite structure of recreational boats, emphasizing energy security and independence.

By utilizing biodynamic materials, Halevai aims to reduce the environmental footprint of its products significantly.

Despite the challenges posed by the current supply chain, the focus has primarily been on redesigning the powertrain to support renewable energy sources, setting a precedent for global manufacturing practices.

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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 202 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Emma Bukowski, founder of Noserider, on journey of becoming a surfer and starting her sustainable swimsuit brand in Bali.

Emma talks about the challenges she faced and the passion that drove her to create her own designs. Emma also discusses the importance of sustainability in her business and her goals for future certifications and scaling around the world.

She touches on the importance of community and brand focus, as well as the decision-making process behind choosing the brand name.

Emma also emphasizes the significance of building a community around the brand and how it has shaped the direction of Noserider.

Takeaways

• Follow your passion and pursue your dreams, start small, keep your full-time job and side-hustle in the beginning.
• Seek out sustainable materials and practices to make a positive impact on the environment.
• Engage with your community and build relationships with other businesses to support and grow together.
• Building a community around a brand is essential for long-term success.
• Perseverance and passion are key to overcoming challenges and building a successful brand.

Chapters

Following the editing process, there may be discrepancies in the timing of the chapters.

00:00 Emma's Journey to Becoming a Surfer

05:00 Starting Nose Rider in Bali

08:55 Designing the First Products

13:59 Switching to Sustainable Materials

17:48 Growing Nose Rider and Opening a Store

23:58 Tips for Entrepreneurs

About Noserider

Noserider Surf Club, founded by Emma in Bali in March 2022, embodies a sustainable and socially responsible approach to surfwear.

Originating from Emma's long-held dream of being part of the surf community and living an active, beach-oriented lifestyle, the brand quickly evolved from a personal project into a vibrant community and brand.

The brand's inception was marked by a surf retreat that not only celebrated the start of Emma's venture but also set the tone for the community-centric ethos Noserider would embody.

The brand's surf suits, made from 78% ECONYL® regenerated nylon and 22% elastane, exemplify this commitment. This choice ensures durability, resistance to harmful elements like chlorine and sun creams/oils, and provides UV protection.

Moreover, the production process, centered in Bali and carried out by a female-owned manufacturer, supports local craftsmanship and small batch production, reinforcing the brand's community-focused values.

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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 201 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Kendrick Nguyen, co-founder of Republic, on building the financial infrastructure to create equal access to assets for everyone.

Kendrick Nguyen is the Co-founder and CEO of Republic, a pioneering platform dedicated to democratizing investing and making it universally accessible. Under his leadership, Republic has emerged as an innovative force in the investment sector, boasting a community of over 2.5 million members worldwide, supporting over 2,000 ventures and deployed over $2 billion in investments.

Kendrick's entrepreneurial spirit has also led him to co-found two fintech startups and offer strategic advice to numerous investment funds, startups, and blockchain initiatives. His professional journey spans from business management and product strategy to investing, with significant roles in both New York City and Silicon Valley, notably at AngelList.

Before embarking on his entrepreneurial path, Kendrick started his career as a litigator and served as a Stanford Law Fellow, experiences that laid the groundwork for his legal expertise. Today, he continues to leverage this expertise through a semi-active pro bono practice, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

At the heart of Kendrick's work with Republic is a mission to enable everyone to invest in the future they envision, fostering a world that is diverse, sustainable, and interconnected. Through his dedication and innovative approach, Kendrick Nguyen is not just leading an investment platform; he is shaping the future of accessible investment opportunities for individuals around the globe.

Takeaways

• Republic's mission is to provide equal access to financial opportunities for everyone.
• Equity crowdfunding allows individuals to invest in private securities and share in the success of companies.
• Expanding a startup globally comes with regulatory challenges that vary in each country.
• The rise of crypto has the potential to transform the financial industry and increase liquidity.
• Leadership requires a positive mindset, resilience, and gratitude for the opportunities ahead.
• Republic aims to become a global platform for ownership, allowing individuals to invest in companies they care about.

Chapters
Following the editing process, there may be discrepancies in the timing of the chapters.

00:00 Introduction and Mission of Republic

03:01 The Catalyst for Starting Republic

05:19 Understanding Equity Crowdfunding

08:01 Expanding Republic Globally

12:38 Explaining the Breadth of Republic's Offerings

16:05 Challenges of Growing a Startup Globally

19:43 The Rise of Crypto and its Impact on Republic

24:59 Current Hurdles and Goals for Republic

28:13 Leadership Advice for Founders

32:29 Future Goals and Successes for Republic

Disclosure: This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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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.