Hey friends,
This week’s stories remind us that purpose and progress can thrive across every corner of the globe—from the volcanic slopes of Hawaii to the innovation hubs of Africa and North America.
Our featured interview dives deep into how Waiākea, a Hawaiian beverage company, is reshaping consumer goods through sustainability, cultural stewardship, and circular design.
We also spotlight the opening of era92 Hub, a transformative new center for youth empowerment in Africa, alongside record-breaking funding rounds driving the future of renewable energy, clean water, and conservation.
Let’s explore what’s shaping the next wave of impact innovation.
— Grant
Featured Interview - Inside Waiākea: How a Hawaiian Beverage Company is Redefining Sustainability
In the crowded world of consumer packaged goods, few companies truly live their mission from the inside out. Waiākea Hawaiian Beverages, founded in 2012 in Hilo, Hawai‘i, stands apart as one that does.
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.
Case Study: Beyond Meat - Coming Soon
Our next Causeartist case study examines how Beyond Meat reshaped the global food industry by bringing plant-based protein to the mainstream and how the company’s rapid growth was followed by steep challenges.
We’ll explore its early success as a climate-driven disruptor, the cultural shift it inspired in sustainable eating, and the factors behind its recent market declines.
📰 News & Funding Rounds
Data Philanthropy Invests $1.2M in buildOn to Expand Global Education Access
Funding: $1.2 million
Goal: Build 20 new schools across Burkina Faso, Guatemala, Haiti, Malawi, and Senegal
Impact: Strengthening data systems to drive transparency and long-term educational outcomes
Causeartist
The era92 Hub Officially Opens, Empowering Africa’s Next Generation
Location: Uganda
Goal: Provide training, mentorship, and financing to young entrepreneurs
Impact: Tackling youth unemployment through education, technology, and faith-based development
Tagaddod Raises $26M to Expand Circular Energy Solutions Across the MENA Region
Funding: $26.3M (Series A)
Goal: Scale waste-to-energy operations and cooking-oil recycling infrastructure
Impact: Reducing landfill waste and advancing regional energy independence through circular systems
Water.org Reaches 81 Million People with Access to Safe Water and Sanitation
Milestone: 81 million lives impacted
Goal: Accelerate global access to clean water and sanitation through microfinance and innovation
Impact: Transforming health, opportunity, and gender equity across developing regions
Public Interest Registry Announces Winners of the 7th Annual .ORG Impact Awards
Event: .ORG Awards - hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist Common
Goal: Recognize organizations advancing education, equity, and sustainability
Impact: Celebrating global changemakers leveraging the .ORG domain for positive impact
Base Power Raises $1B Series C to Build the Future of American Energy
Funding: $1 billion
Goal: Modernize U.S. grid infrastructure and expand renewable generation capacity
Impact: Accelerating America’s clean-energy transition through large-scale grid innovation
🔗 Learn more about Base Power →
Enurgen Raises $4.1M Seed to Scale Solar Performance Software
Funding: $4.1 million
Goal: Enhance data analytics for solar asset management
Impact: Helping global operators optimize solar efficiency and output through predictive modeling
Membrion Secures $20M to Advance Industrial Water Circularity
Funding: $20 million
Goal: Expand its ceramic membrane technology for wastewater recycling
Impact: Revolutionizing industrial water management and reducing global water waste
Wave Function Ventures Launches $15M Fund I to Back Deep Tech Founders
Funding: $15 million
Goal: Support breakthrough innovation at the intersection of physics, materials, and computing
Impact: Empowering frontier-tech founders solving global challenges in energy and sustainability
Grant Trahant
Founder | Causeartist + Causeartist BackOffice
Host | Disruptors for Good + Investing in Impact
Venture Partner | Pay it Forward Ventures
Connect: LinkedIn | X
