Causeartist Weekly #291 - Regenerative Ag, Compact EVs, and $225M+ in Climate & Education Funding

Hey friends,

As we head into Q4, the pace of progress across climate tech, regenerative agriculture, and mission-driven business continues to accelerate. This week’s stories offer a clear signal: values-aligned innovation is not only thriving, it’s reshaping entire industries.

From Fairphone’s bold challenge to the traditional electronics supply chain to Arizona State University’s historic $115M gift to launch a school for biodiversity and conservation, we’re seeing major bets placed on long-term innovation.

At the same time, the capital continues to flow into frontier solutions like CO₂-based geothermal energy, compact electric vehicles, and safe, tech-enabled urban transport, especially in underserved markets.

If you’re a founder or team member looking for support as you scale, don’t forget to check out our growing library of tools and insights from our updated directory of social enterprise accelerators and fellowships to our impact startup case studies (with a new one on Chobani coming soon).

The goal of this newsletter remains simple: surface the people, companies, and ideas driving real impact and equip you to take action in your own work.

Let’s dive in.

— Grant

Case Study: Fairphone

Fairphone is not just making phones—it’s redesigning how electronics are made, sourced, and disposed of. Learn how they’re introducing fairer labor practices, circular design, and transparency in consumer tech.

🔗 Read the full case study →

Coming Soon: The Chobani Case Study

Next up in our case study series: How Chobani reshaped food business culture by building one of America’s most beloved brands on the foundation of equity, access, and community reinvestment.

Whether you’re an early-stage founder or scaling your mission, we’ve refreshed our global list of accelerators and fellowships designed for social enterprises.

🔗 Explore the updated list →

📰 News & Funding Rounds

Mad Capital Closes $78M Fund II to Back Regenerative Farmers

Funding: $78 million
Goal: Support regenerative organic agriculture at scale
Impact: Unlocks flexible, founder-friendly capital for farmers transitioning to climate-resilient systems

🔗 Read more →

Telo Raises $20M to Build Compact Electric Pickup Trucks

Funding: $20 million
Goal: Manufacture space-efficient EV trucks for urban environments
Impact: Reducing urban vehicle footprint while expanding EV adoption

🔗 Read more →

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Check out out interview with the founders of Telo Trucks

Aurora Tech Award Now Open for Women Tech Founders

Funding: Up to $30,000 per winner
Goal: Celebrate and support female-led tech startups
Impact: Driving gender equity in global tech entrepreneurship

🔗 Apply now →

BusCaro Raises $2M to Modernize Commuting in Pakistan

Funding: $2 million
Goal: Build safer, tech-enabled public transport for cities
Impact: Improving urban mobility, particularly for working women

🔗 Read more →

Arizona State University Receives $115M for Conservation School

Funding: $115 million (gift from Rob and Melani Walton Foundation)
Goal: Launch the Rob and Melani Walton School of Conservation Futures
Impact: Pioneering global education for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience

🔗 Read more →

Factor[e] Secures $9.1M to Advance CO₂-Based Geothermal Power

Funding: $9.1 million
Goal: Scale CO₂-injected geothermal power plants
Impact: Boosting clean energy production using an unconventional climate solution

🔗 Read more →