Hey friends,
This week’s stories sit at the intersection of systems change and everyday impact. From new models for funding ocean protection and forest restoration, to AI tools reshaping education, to breakthroughs in mobility and clean water access, the focus is not just on innovation, but on who benefits from it.
We are also featuring a timely podcast on WYDE, a crypto-powered impact exchange that is rethinking how capital flows to nonprofits and social causes.
As digital finance continues to mature, platforms like WYDE are exploring how transparency, on-chain accountability, and new market structures could unlock more consistent and measurable funding for impact.
Across the board, this week reflects a growing shift toward infrastructure that makes good outcomes easier to achieve.
Whether it is a better way to fund ocean conservation, a smarter system for AI in classrooms, or new tools that expand mobility and independence, these efforts are quietly reshaping what progress looks like.
Let’s get into it.
— Grant
Featured Podcast
Meet the Impact Exchange Turning Trading Fees Into Nonprofit Funding
In this episode, we dive into WYDE, a crypto-native impact exchange designed to connect capital markets with real-world social outcomes. The conversation explores how on-chain transparency, programmable giving, and market-based incentives could help nonprofits access funding more efficiently while giving supporters clearer insight into impact.
It is a thoughtful look at how financial infrastructure, when designed with intention, can serve public good rather than speculation.
Featured Resource
Ocean Conservation Startups to Watch
Our latest resource rounds up startups working to protect marine ecosystems, reduce plastic pollution, restore coral reefs, and improve ocean monitoring. These companies are combining science, technology, and new business models to address one of the planet’s most urgent challenges.
Definition: Carbon insetting is the process where a company invests in carbon reduction or removal projects directly within its own value chain—rather than purchasing external offsets from unrelated projects.
🗞️ News and Headlines
Open Forest Protocol Partners with Republic to Expand Climate Investment Access:
Open Forest Protocol announced a partnership with Republic to broaden participation in forest monitoring and climate data infrastructure. The collaboration aims to bring more transparency and accessibility to nature-based climate solutions while enabling wider investor participation.
Noble Research Institute Launches Online Profitability Course for Livestock Producers:
The Noble Research Institute has introduced a digital version of its well known profitability course, giving U.S. livestock producers broader access to tools that improve financial resilience, land stewardship, and long term sustainability.
Toyota’s “Tentacle” Wheelchair Recognized as a Top Social Impact Design:
Toyota’s new autonomous wheelchair, featuring foldable “tentacle” legs capable of climbing stairs, has been named one of the top social impact designs of 2025. The innovation represents a meaningful leap forward in mobility and independence for aging and disabled users.
🙌 Events and Opportunities
- The Urban Future Prize Competition (Climate Tech): Calling all climatetech innovators! Two winners will receive a $50,000 cash prize and admission into the ACRE Incubator in New York. The focus is on scaling solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation. Apply Now
- NewSchools Venture Fund (EdTech): NewSchools is seeking applications for its 2026 funding cycle. They provide capital and support for innovative schools and learning solutions that reimagine K-12 education. Explore Funding Areas
- Mercy Corps Ventures: AI for Financial Resilience: A call for proposals for startups using AI and blockchain to build financial resilience for unbanked and climate-vulnerable populations in emerging markets. Learn More
- EIC Accelerator (European Startups): Catalyze Group is highlighting the EIC Accelerator program, which offers up to €2.5M in grants and €15M in equity for breakthrough European innovations. Check Eligibility
💰 Funding and Capital Watch
- BoodleBox secures a $5M Seed round to scale the first collaborative AI platform for education. Their FERPA-compliant workspace allows students and faculty to use multiple models (GPT-5.1, Claude, Gemini) while cutting compute costs by up to 96%. Learn more
- Nanit raises $50M in growth capital to expand its AI-powered "Parenting Intelligence System," which uses advanced sensors to give parents real-time insights into infant sleep, health, and developmental milestones. Learn more
- Vital Lyfe announces a $24M Seed round led by Interlagos and General Catalyst. Founded by former SpaceX engineers, the startup is developing portable "water-making" tech to provide clean drinking water anywhere on Earth. Learn more
- Axion closes a $37M Series B led by Salesforce Ventures to expand its AI-powered manufacturing quality platform, helping global manufacturers detect and resolve product issues before they reach customers. Details on Axion
- ReSoil (France) secures €4M to scale its regenerative agriculture initiatives. The platform helps farmers transition to sustainable practices by providing upfront income through certified carbon and biodiversity credits. Learn more
Grant Trahant
Founder | Causeartist
Host | Disruptors for Good + Investing in Impact
Venture Partner | Pay it Forward Ventures
Connect: LinkedIn | X
