Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

In the crowded world of consumer packaged goods, few companies truly live their mission from the inside out. Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, founded in 2012 in Hilo, Hawai‘i, stands apart as one that does.Co-founded by Ryan Emmons, his cousin Alex Preston, and friend Matt Meyer, the brand was built on a simple but revolutionary idea: great taste should never come at the planet’s expense.From using 100% post-consumer recycled plastic to pioneering OceanPlast®, a proprietary coastal recycling initiative, and creating the Kōkua Initiative nonprofit to uplift local communities, Waiākea has become a model for what the next generation of sustainable businesses can be.The company’s products, from its naturally alkaline volcanic water to its new coffee line, all flow from a foundation of respect for the land, its people, and a shared responsibility for the future.We sat down with Ryan Emmons, Co-Founder and CEO, to talk about the origins of Waiākea, the company’s triple-bottom-line philosophy, and how it continues to redefine what it means to build a purpose-driven brand.Full interview ----------------------------------------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.

At Causeartist, we love highlighting founders who turn lived experiences and community insights into solutions that change lives. Erik Olson, CEO of Dignity Made, has built a social enterprise tackling generational debt among coconut farmers in the Philippines.What began as a single conversation with a farmer has grown into a thriving business that provides economic freedom, restores dignity, and protects vulnerable communities from exploitation.There’s an ugly side to the coconut industry — one that traps farmers in extreme poverty, robs them of their land, and pushes families toward dangerous choices.In the Philippines, home to 3.5 million coconut farmers, nearly 90% live below the poverty line.Full interview ----------------------------------------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.

Oddbird is transforming the wine industry, proving that world-class wines can be just as sophisticated and celebratory without alcohol.Founded in Sweden in 2013 by a former social worker who witnessed the impact of alcoholism on families firsthand, Oddbird was born from a desire to challenge the role of alcohol in modern culture.Today, the brand stands as a pioneer in the dealcoholized wine movement, serving at several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park, and even partnering with Porsche in Sweden, where each new car is delivered with a bottle of Oddbird’s sparkling wine.Joining his mother’s mission, Mehmet Gürbüzer now leads the company as CEO, turning her vision into a global brand.Under his leadership, Oddbird has rapidly expanded across international markets, achieving 200% growth in the U.S. since launching late last year, selling over 7 million bottles annually, and generating nearly $30 million in revenue.At the heart of Oddbird’s philosophy is the idea of being liberated from alcohol. The team partners with renowned vineyards across Italy, France, and Spain, hand-selecting high-quality varietals for natural fermentation.Moa Gürbüzer Founder, Mehmet Gürbüzer CEOEach wine is aged for 12–36 months before undergoing a patented vacuum-distillation process that gently removes the alcohol while preserving complexity, structure, and flavor.Every bottle represents a meticulous four-to-five-year journey, a labor of love that celebrates craftsmanship, culture, and conscious living.In this Founder Spotlight, we speak with Mehmet Gürbüzer, CEO of Oddbird, to explore how the brand started, the mission driving its growth, and how it’s quietly reshaping how we think about wine and wellbeing.Full interview ----------------------------------------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.

When most people think about brushing their teeth, they rarely think about nutrition. For Vladimir Vukicevic, it became the foundation for a new way of thinking about health and habit.As the Co-founder and CEO of Better & Better, Vladimir is reimagining what daily wellness can look like, starting with something as simple and universal as toothpaste.Born in Belgrade, Serbia, Vladimir’s story is one of resilience and reinvention.After surviving a childhood cancer diagnosis and enduring long-term side effects from chemotherapy, he faced a new challenge: managing his health through daily supplements that were difficult, costly, and easy to forget.That frustration sparked an idea that would eventually lead to Better & Better—a wellness company built on the belief that health should be effortless, integrated, and sustainable.Better & Better’s breakthrough product is a 2-in-1 vitamin-infused toothpaste that delivers essential nutrients through one of the body’s most absorbent pathways—the mouth.With every brush, users not only clean their teeth but also nourish their bodies with vitamins like D3, B12, and Zinc, without the need to swallow another pill.Under Vladimir’s leadership, the company has become a pioneer in what he calls “habit-based health,” creating products that transform daily routines into opportunities for better living.Beyond innovation in wellness, Better & Better is deeply committed to environmental responsibility, using recyclable, sugarcane-based packaging, bamboo toothbrushes, and naturally derived ingredients that are better for both people and the planet.Read full interview with the founder. ----------------------------------------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 an industry dominated by excess packaging and synthetic ingredients, Lola Arnao is carving out space for what the brand calls “slow beauty”, a movement focused on simplicity, sustainability, and self-care that’s good for both people and planet.Founded by a mother-daughter duo in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Lola Arnao creates concentrated, plastic-free skincare products designed specifically for people with sensitive skin.Each product is handcrafted in small batches, formulated with plant-based ingredients, and wrapped in sustainable, low-waste packaging.We spoke with Angela Gargano, Lola Arnao’s co-founder, a wellness entrepreneur and lifelong advocate for cleaner living, about the inspiration behind the brand, what slow beauty really means, and how they’re proving that mindful growth can be just as powerful as scaling fast.Read full interview. ----------------------------------------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.

Every year, universities across the world throw away thousands of pounds of perfectly good food, from untouched entrees to overproduced menu items.For Raccoon Eyes AI, a startup born out of Georgia Tech, this isn’t just a statistic. It’s a challenge to be solved through data, design, and behavioral science.Founded by a group of engineering students who turned their senior capstone project into a full-fledged impact company, Raccoon Eyes helps dining halls measure, understand, and reduce food waste through a blend of smart hardware, analytics, and playful behavioral nudges.Read full interview with CTO and Co-founder, Ivan Zou. ----------------------------------------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.

Mural Pay’s founder, Sinclair Toffa, joins Disruptors for GOOD to share how stablecoins and programmable payments can rewire cross-border money movement for businesses, creators, and marketplaces.From early inspiration in West Africa to on-the-ground deployments with global platforms, Sinclair explains why faster settlement, lower fees, and end-to-end transparency are changing what is possible for millions of people who work and sell across borders.Episode highlights:Why high-speed, programmable rails make payouts and treasury simpler for platforms and marketplacesHow creators and contractors receive earnings instantly, with fewer failures and lower feesThe role of clear policy in unlocking bank participation and enterprise adoptionHow forward-deployed engineering compresses time to value for complex launchesA vision for accounts that are global by default, portable, and compliantPractical use cases to spark ideas:Creator and freelancer platforms paying out at scale in Africa and Latin AmericaArtisan marketplaces issuing dedicated accounts for each seller and releasing escrow instantly on deliverySaaS platforms embedding cross-border collections and payouts without rebuilding core bankingRoyalty distributors consolidating multi-platform streams and paying artists same week ----------------------------------------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.

On this episode of Disruptors for GOOD, I sits down with Kevin Barenblat, Co-founder of Fast Forward, to unpack how the nonprofit accelerator is helping mission driven teams use technology, and now AI, to scale impact.From the early days of tech nonprofits to a new wave of AI powered organizations, Kevin shares what he is seeing on the ground, what the 2025 AI for Humanity Report reveals, and how philanthropy can help the sector move faster and more responsibly.Fast Forward launched the first accelerator dedicated to tech nonprofits and has now supported more than 100 organizations.Alumni have reached hundreds of millions of people and unlocked over one billion dollars in cumulative follow on funding, a signal that this model works at scale. ----------------------------------------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.

Trusty is building a simple, human way to pass down more than money. In this episode, Trusty co-founder and CEO Randy Frisch joins to share how a digital Letter of Wishes, paired with AI and secure sharing, can reduce confusion for families, bring advisors into the loop, and preserve the stories behind the things we love.Key takeawaysTrusty creates a digital Letter of Wishes with video messages, so heirs understand intentMax AI powers image recognition, document summaries, and an estate Q and A agentConsumer app is free, advisor platform is licensedCharities can be named as beneficiaries, sentimental value is captured alongside dollarsPurpose is clarity, less conflict, and stronger human connection during life transitionsWhat Trusty doesCreate a digital Letter of WishesCapture what should go to whom, in your own words and voice. Record short video wishes so heirs understand the why, not only the what.Add and assign assets in secondsSnap a photo, Trusty detects the category and fills key details with high accuracy, then you can assign an heir and add notes.Store and explain your estate planUpload wills, powers of attorney, and related documents. Trusty extracts key facts, provides plain language summaries, and lets you ask questions through an AI agent.Invite the right peopleShare access with a spouse, children, executors, and advisors. Everyone sees what they need, when they need it.Security you can rely onBank grade encryption, biometric login, and a clear stance that personal data is never used to train AI models. ----------------------------------------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.

Hey friends,Welcome back to Funding Rounds, where we break down the week’s most impactful startup and venture funding announcements—highlighting the mission, the money, and the impact behind it all.This week, over $1 billion was invested across public safety tech, clean energy, autism care, robotics, carbon removal, and more. Let’s get into it.First Due Secures $355 Million to Scale Public Safety SoftwareFunding: $355 MillionGoal: Expand public safety and emergency response software solutionsImpact: Empowering first responders with technology to improve community safety🔗 Read moreHeron Power Lands $38M Series A to Fast-Track All-Electric FutureFunding: $38 millionGoal: Accelerate transition to an all-electric futureImpact: Advancing clean energy adoption across industries🔗 Learn morebeatBread Raises $124M to Empower Independent MusiciansFunding: $124 millionGoal: Offer flexible financing to independent musiciansImpact: Expanding access to capital for artists without sacrificing ownership🔗 Learn moreEquatic Secures $11.6M Series A to Scale Carbon Removal and Green HydrogenFunding: $11.6 millionGoal: Advance permanent carbon removal and green hydrogen productionImpact: Scaling technologies to address climate change at the source🔗 Read moreVulcan Elements Closes $65M Series A to Boost U.S. Rare Earth Magnet ProductionFunding: $65 millionGoal: Produce high-performance rare earth magnets in the U.S.Impact: Strengthening domestic supply chains for critical clean energy materials🔗 Read morePositive Development Secures $51.5M Series C to Advance AI-Powered Autism TherapyFunding: $51.5 millionGoal: Expand access to play-based developmental therapy and enhance its AI model for personalized autism careImpact: Supporting children with autism and their families through at-home, relationship-focused, and development-driven programs🔗 Learn moreBetter Nature Lands $1.5M to Expand Clean-Label Tempeh in UK and AbroadFunding: $1.5MGoal: Grow alternative protein product lines globallyImpact: Driving plant-based innovation in the protein market🔗 Read moreFORT Robotics Secures $18.9M Series B ExpansionFunding: $18.9 millionGoal: Advance safety and security solutions for robotics and physical AI systemsImpact: Enabling safe, secure, and dynamic control for autonomous machines across industries including agriculture, construction, defense, and factory automation🔗 Learn moreAira Lands €150M to Accelerate Europe’s Shift to Electric Residential HeatingFunding: €150 millionGoal: Accelerate clean home energy adoption across EuropeImpact: Driving decarbonization of residential heating🔗 Read moreCirculate Capital Closes $75.8M Latin America & Caribbean Environmental Fund to Tackle Plastic WasteFunding: $75.8 millionGoal: Combat plastic pollution and scale recycling infrastructure in Latin America & the CaribbeanImpact: Reducing ocean plastic, creating jobs, and building resilient recycling supply chains🔗 Read more📢 Final ThoughtsThat wraps up this week’s Funding Rounds. Over $1 billion invested into systems that touch nearly every part of our lives—from how we heat our homes and power our cities, to how we create music, deliver therapy, and protect our communities.If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, leave a quick review, and check out all the stories mentioned today at causeartist.com. ----------------------------------------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 this episode of Disruptors for GOOD, host Grant Trahant speaks with Jorge Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Hope Hydration, a startup on a mission to make free water universally accessible—powered by beautiful, connected hardware and backed by advertisers.Fresh off a $20 million Series A funding round, Jorge shares how Hope is transforming how people interact with hydration infrastructure by combining smart IoT technology, elegant design, and ad-driven revenue models.Their refill stations are already popping up in airports, stadiums, and major cities, with big plans ahead.It’s a powerful mix of hardware, software, and social impact, and Jorge and his team are already making waves in cities like New York, LA, and Miami.If you're into climate solutions, smart cities, or just love hearing how bold ideas come to life, this episode is for you. ----------------------------------------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.

Varda Raises $187M Series C to Manufacture Medicine in Space 🚀Funding: $187 millionGoal: Bring zero-gravity biomanufacturing to commercial scaleImpact: Creating life-saving therapies that can only be made in orbit🔗 Learn moreAWAKE Chocolate Lands $8M CAD to Fuel Functional Chocolate Growth 🍫Funding: $8 million CADGoal: Expand caffeinated chocolate snacks as an alternative to energy drinksImpact: Blending deliciousness and wellness in every bite🔗 Learn moreSHIFT Invest Hits €92M First Close for Impact Fund 🌏Funding: €92 millionGoal: Back circular economy, food, and climate startupsImpact: Driving sustainability-focused VC across Europe🔗 Read moreGeologicAI Raises $44M for AI-Driven Mining Innovation ⛏️Funding: $44 millionGoal: Digitize geological exploration with AI and automationImpact: Making mining cleaner, faster, and more efficient🔗 Read moreHadrian Raises $260M to Build Automated Space Factories 🛰️Funding: $260 millionGoal: Modernize precision manufacturing for aerospaceImpact: Accelerating innovation in national and planetary security🔗 Read moreFortuna Health Raises $18M to Modernize Medicaid Access 📲Funding: $18 million Series AGoal: Rebuild Medicaid infrastructure with user-friendly techImpact: Empowering millions to access benefits more easily🔗 Learn moreProvectus Algae Raises $12.6M for Bio-Based Climate Solutions ♺Funding: $12.6 million Series AGoal: Scale precision fermentation using algae for sustainable ingredientsImpact: Creating new climate-positive materials through biology🔗 Learn moreBetterComp Raises $33M to Advance AI in Compensation Strategy 📊 ----------------------------------------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.

Carbon to Sea Initiative Commits $4M to Ocean Carbon Removal R&DFunding: $4 million joint investment with MEOPARGoal: Advance research on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal in CanadaImpact: Unlocking ocean tech as a scalable solution for climate mitigation🔗 Read moreTrusty Raises $1M to Redefine Estate Planning with AIFunding: $1 million pre-seed roundGoal: Build modern, AI-powered Letters of Wishes for families and advisorsImpact: Making legacy planning more accessible, personalized, and human🔗 Read moreBilt Raises $250M to Accelerate Community-Centric HousingFunding: $250 million at a $10.75B valuationGoal: Expand its housing and neighborhood commerce platformImpact: Reinventing the renter experience while building stronger local economies🔗 Read moreOpen Philanthropy Launches $120M Fund for Innovation and GrowthFunding: $120 million fundGoal: Support ambitious nonprofits and research orgs with breakout potentialImpact: Accelerating high-leverage projects in global health, AI safety, and more🔗 Read moreOpen Philanthropy Launches $120M Fund for Innovation and GrowthOpen Philanthropy has launched a $120 million Abundance and Growth Fund to accelerate scientific innovation, improve housing and regulatory policies, and reduce the cost of living.🔗 Read moreLGND Raises $9M to Make Earth Data ActionableFunding: $9 millionGoal: Democratize environmental intelligence for climate actionImpact: Helping organizations translate raw geospatial data into meaningful impact🔗 Read moreFoundation EGI Raises $23M to Rethink Global InfrastructureFunding: $23 millionGoal: Develop innovative platforms for sustainable infrastructureImpact: Empowering regions to build smarter, more resilient communities🔗 Read moreLorient Capital Closes $500M Fund III for Healthcare FoundersFunding: $500 million Fund IIIGoal: Back founder-led healthcare companies at the intersection of care and technologyImpact: Fueling innovation in patient-centric, value-based care🔗 Read moreOpenEvidence Raises $210M to Reinvent Medical AIFunding: $210 million at $3.5B valuationGoal: Build the fastest-growing clinical AI app for physiciansImpact: Streamlining real-time decision-making at the point of care🔗 Read more ----------------------------------------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.

Hey friends,After 10 incredible years of building Causeartist solo, I’m excited to share something personal with you.Last year, some amazing partners who believe deeply in the mission and future of Causeartist reached out. I knew from the initial conversation it was the right fit.The Pay It Forward Company (PIF) has officially acquired Causeartist, and I couldn’t be more energized about what this means for the next decade.What’s changing?Nothing about the core mission or voice will change. I’m still the founder of Causeartist and will continue to lead our daily content, podcasts, and community—just with more support, more resources, and a bigger vision.What’s new?In addition to running Causeartist, I’ve also joined the PIF Venture Team as a partner. This means I’ll be working more closely with early-stage impact startups and the people building infrastructure for a better world. More on that soon.Joining PIF feels like the perfect move at the right time.Their values align perfectly with everything Causeartist stands for: purpose-driven ventures, impactful innovation, and paying it forward.You can learn more about the venture side of the firm here and the advisory side here.To everyone who’s subscribed, shared a post, tuned into the podcast, or built something impactful—you’ve helped Causeartist grow into what it is today. And now, we get to grow even further, together.We have some exciting things happening in the future.Here’s to the next decade. 😄 ----------------------------------------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.

Fiber Global Raises $20M to Scale Circular Building MaterialsFunding: $20 million Series AGoal: Expand production of sustainable materials that reduce construction wasteImpact: Tackling industrial emissions and advancing the circular economyRead more →Lumion Secures $10M to Power the Future of Trade SchoolsFunding: $10 million seed roundGoal: Build an operating system to modernize vocational educationImpact: Addressing the skilled labor gap through better tech and infrastructureRead more →Swen Capital Raises $183M for Ocean Impact VenturesFunding: €183 millionGoal: Invest in early-stage startups protecting marine ecosystemsImpact: Scaling technologies for ocean conservation and sustainabilityRead more →Mealogic Raises $16M to Advance Food-as-Medicine InnovationFunding: $16 millionGoal: Integrate personalized nutrition and clinical outcomes through techImpact: Helping prevent chronic illness and improve health through better food systemsLearn more →Accessibility Startup Sociability Raises $3.5MFunding: $3.5 million seed roundGoal: Build accessible tech solutions for people with disabilitiesImpact: Empowering inclusive innovation with support from global backersLearn more about Sociability →SparkCharge Secures $30.5M to Expand Mobile EV ChargingFunding: $30.5 millionGoal: Scale its mobile charging network across the U.S.Impact: Making EV adoption more convenient and equitable through on-demand serviceRead more → ----------------------------------------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 230 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Angela O’Brien, founder and creative director of Cleobella, an ethical fashion brand rooted in global inspiration, artisan partnership, and sustainability.What began as a dream during a year-long adventure through Southeast Asia in 2006 has grown into a globally recognized brand celebrated for its craftsmanship, transparency, and commitment to empowering women.In our conversation, Angela shares the remarkable 20-year journey behind Cleobella, the brand’s ethos, and how deep, long-standing artisan partnerships have shaped every collection.Angela’s early career as a model took her across Europe and Japan, but she always felt called to create rather than be the product. That creative spark led her and her husband Jim on a global backpacking trip that would change everything.In Bali and India, Angela connected with local artisans whose traditions and techniques would inspire the very foundation of Cleobella.What started with wrap skirts made from recycled saris and hand-tooled leather bags sold at farmer’s markets in Maui has now evolved into a certified B Corp fashion label, recognized for blending luxury design with slow fashion values. ----------------------------------------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 this episode of Disruptors for GOOD, I sit down with Brian Sheng, the co-founder and CEO of Aquaria, to explore how his company is reshaping the future of water access.At a time when nearly 30 million Americans are affected by water scarcity each year—and our infrastructure is failing to keep up—Aquaria offers a revolutionary solution: extracting clean, reliable water directly from the air.Brian shares how an unexpected path led him into the world of climate tech, why aging water systems are a ticking time bomb, and how Aquaria is making water independence not only possible—but scalable. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, innovation, and the future of infrastructure.About Brian ShengBrian Sheng is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aquaria, a Public Benefit Corporation building the world’s first Air Water Infrastructure network. A serial entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Brian has dedicated his career to solving massive problems at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and climate.After witnessing the devastating water shortages in cities like São Paulo, Cape Town, and Mexico City, Brian partnered with his brother Eric to launch Aquaria. Their goal? To provide decentralized water security by harnessing a resource that’s all around us—air.Today, Brian leads Aquaria with a bold vision: to serve 1 million people in water-scarce regions using atmospheric water generation (AWG) technology over the next decade. In his own words, "I consider this my life's work."About AquariaAquaria is a climate-tech company using Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) to produce clean water—anytime, anywhere—by condensing and purifying moisture from the air. Their technology doesn’t require pipelines, wells, or municipal connections. It's plug-and-play water independence.Aquaria’s flagship products include the Hydropack series for households and the Hydrogrid platform for community-scale water infrastructure. These systems can generate from 66 to 10,000+ gallons of clean water per day, offering a sustainable alternative to aging or nonexistent water systems.What sets Aquaria apart:✅ No permits or plumbing needed🌞 Solar-ready and energy efficient🌎 Ideal for off-grid, emergency, and underserved communities🏡 Focused on residential first—scaling to cities next🤝 Partnerships with nonprofits, developers, and policymakersWith over $100M in financing secured and recognition from outlets like TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024, Aquaria is scaling fast. And it’s not just a business—it’s a movement to democratize access to clean water. ----------------------------------------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 228 of the Disruptors for GOOD Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder & CEO of Acumen on her global journey that led her from the world of international banking to the heart of social entrepreneurship—beginning in Rwanda, and now reaching 650+ million lives through Acumen’s work around the world.From Chase Bank to Kigali: A Journey Rooted in EmpathyJacqueline’s journey began not with a grand strategy, but with a moment of clarity while working in Rwanda in the late 1980s, where she helped launch one of the country’s first microfinance institutions.There, she witnessed how markets could be harnessed to empower individuals—especially women—but also saw how fragmented and fragile traditional aid systems were."Access isn't enough; capability is key."That idea would eventually become Acumen.The Founding of Acumen: Bridging Markets and PhilanthropyFounded in 2001, Acumen was created to tackle what Jacqueline calls "the blue flame" space—the gap between pure philanthropy and market-driven capitalism. Acumen uses “patient capital” to invest in entrepreneurs solving problems in energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, and workforce development."We need to reframe what risk means in investing."Acumen has since invested over $150 million into companies that have impacted millions of people in low-income communities across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the U.S. But the goal isn’t just scale—it’s systemic change.What It Takes to Build Markets That Work for the PoorJacqueline explains that creating sustainable impact requires far more than capital—it demands a deep understanding of local contexts, cultural norms, and the lived experiences of the communities being served."The status quo exists for a reason; change is hard."She emphasizes that real progress depends on:Entrepreneurial courageLong-term thinkingCollaboration with governments and civil societyAcumen works to build "markets with moral imagination", where value creation doesn’t come at the cost of human dignity or environmental degradation.Education, Circular Impact, and the Future of Social EntrepreneurshipAnother major focus of Acumen is education. Through the Acumen Academy, they’ve trained over 1,800 social enterprise leaders, equipping them with tools in moral leadership, storytelling, and systems thinking.Jacqueline envisions a circular economy of impact investing, where capital flows to and from communities, creating sustainable, inclusive systems over time."Resilience and moral imagination are essential qualities for social entrepreneurs."She sees the future of impact rooted in innovative partnerships—between private and public sectors, startups and institutions, and across geographies.A Legacy of Courage and CompassionAs Jacqueline looks ahead, her message is clear: we need a new moral framework for capitalism—one that measures success not just in returns, but in human dignity and long-term value for society.Her story is a reminder that systems can change, markets can heal, and entrepreneurs—when supported with the right kind of capital and community—can solve the world’s most pressing problems. ----------------------------------------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.

Welcome to another episode of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Andy Kuper, Founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, a pioneering firm that has reshaped how global capital can drive profit with purpose.Dr. Andy Kuper, founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, has redefined how private capital can create meaningful change. Since launching the firm in 2007, Kuper has led with a bold vision: to deliver "Profit with Purpose" by investing in businesses that generate strong returns while solving real-world challenges across Asia and Africa.📈 Impact at Scale: 537 Million Lives ReachedToday, LeapFrog’s portfolio companies serve over 537 million people, providing access to essential services like healthcare, financial tools, and climate solutions. Of those reached, 359 million are emerging consumers, many of whom are gaining access to formal financial and health services for the first time.Beyond reach, LeapFrog’s investments have supported over 241,000 jobs and livelihoods in more than 37 countries, contributing to inclusive economic development at scale.💸 Billions Raised, Sustainable Growth DeliveredLeapFrog has secured nearly $3 billion in capital commitments from some of the world’s leading financial institutions. The firm typically invests $20–75 million in high-growth companies led by exceptional teams, targeting influential minority or majority stakes.These portfolio companies have achieved an average annual growth rate of 23% since investment—proving that social impact and financial success are not mutually exclusive.🏆 Global Recognition for Global ImpactLeapFrog has received international acclaim for its transformative approach. Fortune named it one of the Top 5 Companies to Change the World, alongside Apple and Novartis—making it the first private investment firm to earn that recognition.Dr. Kuper has been honored worldwide, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2022 for distinguished service to impact investing and financial inclusion. He’s also been recognized by the World Economic Forum, EY, YPO, and the Economist Group for his global leadership.🎓 Scholar, Author, and AdvocateOriginally from South Africa and now an Australian citizen, Andy Kuper holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and has held academic roles at Harvard, Cambridge, and Columbia. He’s the author of two books on globalization and governance and has co-authored publications with Nobel laureates and international leaders.📊 Leading the Way in Impact MeasurementLeapFrog is not only a pioneer in impact investing but also a leader in measuring and reporting impact. The firm is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, earning their highest A+ rating. It also plays a leading role in advancing industry standards as a founding Investors Council Member of the GIIN and a contributor to the Impact Management Project.🚀 Aiming to Impact One Billion LivesWith a mission to reach one billion people through the power of capital markets, LeapFrog Investments continues to raise the bar for what’s possible in private equity and impact investing.By combining rigorous financial discipline with a deep commitment to social good, LeapFrog proves that capital can be a catalyst for lasting, systemic change—especially in the places that need it most. ----------------------------------------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 227, we’re diving into a powerful conversation about reproductive health and a movement that’s transforming the prenatal wellness space for both women and men. I’m joined by the incredible minds behind WeNatal, a supplement brand designed to shift the fertility narrative — from a woman-only issue to a couple’s shared journey.When it comes to fertility and prenatal care, the focus has long been solely on women — but what about the other half of the equation?That question sparked a movement in reproductive health and wellness, led by two best friends who turned personal heartbreak into purpose.Meet WeNatal, a science-backed, couple-centered supplement brand that’s transforming the fertility journey for both women and men.A Brand Born from Shared LossWeNatal was founded by Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim, two moms, friends, and now co-founders who experienced miscarriages just one week apart. Both were healthy, taking standard prenatal vitamins, and doing everything “right.” Yet, they were left with more questions than answers.Doctors dismissed their losses as “random” or due to age, and frustratingly, the conversation always circled back to their eggs — never their partners’ sperm. Realizing half the fertility equation was being ignored, they set out to find a better way.What they discovered would ultimately reshape how people approach conception.The WeNatal DifferenceWeNatal isn’t just another supplement company — it’s a mission-driven movement rooted in cutting-edge science and a commitment to empowering both partners on the fertility journey.Here’s what sets WeNatal apart:For Him and Her: WeNatal is one of the few prenatal brands that designs targeted supplements for both men and women, recognizing that sperm quality is just as critical as egg health for conception and healthy pregnancy.Science-Obsessed Formulas: Crafted by leading doctors, nutritionists, and fertility experts, WeNatal supplements are 3rd-party tested, allergen-free, and loaded with 24 bioavailable nutrients in clinically effective doses.High-Potency, Low-Pill Count: While most prenatals require 6–8 capsules per day, WeNatal’s innovative formulation condenses potent nutrition into just 3 capsules daily without fillers, binders, or flow agents.Clean, Conscious Ingredients: No junk, no gimmicks. WeNatal only uses nutrients backed by real science — not trends — to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness.Product Lineup That Supports Every StepFrom preconception to postpartum, WeNatal offers a complete ecosystem of products to support fertility, pregnancy, and overall wellness:WeNatal for Her – Supports egg health, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum recovery.WeNatal for Him – Improves sperm quality, testosterone, libido, and energy.Omega DHA+ – Critical for baby’s brain development and overall reproductive health.Egg Quality+ – Targets oxidative stress and supports hormonal balance and mitochondrial function.Rest + Digest Magnesium – Calms the nervous system, supports digestion, and improves sleep.And it doesn’t stop at supplements. WeNatal provides a full suite of educational resources, including a Fertility IQ quiz, preconception guides, and a practitioner directory — helping users make informed decisions at every stage. ----------------------------------------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.