Causeartist Weekly #246
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Causeartist Weekly Newsletter, where we showcase the latest news, innovations, and products making a difference in the impact economy.
This week, we dive into funding announcements from some of the most forward-thinking companies in climate tech and AI education, inspiring podcasts that explore new visions for public good, and eco-friendly products that are helping consumers reduce their environmental footprint.
Let’s get started.
Podcast:
In episode 220 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers by reimagining and rebuilding forgotten spaces into high-quality homes.
Impact: Adaptive Commons’ model focuses on creating community benefits from real estate projects, ensuring long-term equity and inclusivity in development.
- Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
- Subscribe on Spotify
Episode Takeaways
- Derwin's upbringing in Far Rockaway shaped his understanding of the built environment.
- The importance of community engagement in real estate development.
- Adaptive Commons aims to repurpose vacant school buildings for affordable housing.
- Catalytic capital is crucial for bridging funding gaps in development projects.
- Ensuring affordability for essential workers is a key focus of Adaptive Commons.
- Walkability and access to amenities are vital for community well-being.
- The narrative around adaptive reuse needs to shift towards public good.
- Teachers and essential workers deserve affordable, quality housing.
- The future of urban development lies in innovative reuse of existing structures.
In episode 78 the Investing in Impact podcast, I speak with Gavin Smith PhD, Managing Director, Head of Equity Research and Sustainable Investing for PGIM Quantitative Solutions, on his journey into sustainable investing and the evolution of ESG and SDGs.
- Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
- Subscribe on Spotify
Episode Takeaways
- Data quality is crucial for effective ESG and SDG investing.
- Engagement with companies is essential for improving data transparency.
- SDGs provide a framework for assessing the impact of investments.
- The future of sustainable investing relies on better data and education.
- Investors are increasingly interested in the financial performance of sustainable companies.
- The integration of ESG and SDGs can lead to more impactful investment strategies.
News:
Google.org Supports CodePath to Train 25,000 AI-Native Software Engineers
- Funding: Supported by Google.org
- Goal: Train 25,000 AI-native software engineers over the next two years to meet the growing demand for AI expertise in the workforce.
- Impact: This initiative will help bridge the tech skills gap while empowering a new generation of engineers with AI knowledge to drive future innovations. Read more
Elemental Announces $100M in Upcoming Climate Tech Funding
- Funding: $100 million
- Goal: Fund groundbreaking climate tech projects that address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
- Impact: This investment will accelerate climate tech solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions and building a more resilient planet. Read more
Earth First Food Ventures Launches $10M Round
- Funding: $10 million
- Goal: Raise funds to support sustainable food and agriculture ventures that address global food security and environmental issues.
- Impact: The investment will promote innovative food systems and technologies that prioritize sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of food production. Read more
Cerulean Ventures Closes $10M Climate Tech Fund
- Funding: $10M
- Goal: Invest in transformative climate tech companies that are driving solutions for the climate crisis.
- Impact: This venture capital fund will provide critical support to early-stage climate tech startups, helping them scale and create measurable impact on the environment. Read more
Dandelion Energy Closes $40M Series C to Expand Geothermal Offerings
- Funding: $40 million Series C
- Goal: Expand Dandelion Energy’s geothermal energy solutions nationwide, making clean energy more accessible to homes across the U.S.
- Impact: By scaling geothermal energy, Dandelion will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower household energy costs, and contribute to a more sustainable energy grid. Read more
First-Time Homebuyer Accelerator Program Helps Navigate the Real Estate Market
- Funding: Up to $25K Towards Your Home Purchase
- Goal: Support first-time homebuyers with mentorship, financial tools, and resources to enter the housing market.
- Impact: This accelerator program is making homeownership more accessible by bridging the gap between buyers and the challenging real estate landscape. Read more
Products of the Week:
Solios Solar-Powered Watch
- Mission: Solios designs elegant, solar-powered watches using recycled stainless steel and vegan leather, blending sustainability with luxury.
- Impact: The use of renewable energy technology and eco-friendly materials in their watches supports a sustainable fashion movement, reducing reliance on traditional manufacturing. Shop item
Upcycled Leather Wallet – Elvis & Kresse Bifold Wallet
- Mission: Elvis & Kresse is dedicated to repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Their products are made from upcycled fire hoses and reclaimed leather, supporting a circular economy.
- Impact: By using waste materials, this wallet helps reduce landfill waste and offers a sustainable alternative to traditional leather goods. Shop item
Unity Cork Yoga Mat – Yoloha Yoga
- Mission: Yoloha Yoga creates sustainable, eco-friendly yoga mats made from natural cork and recycled materials.
- Impact: These yoga mats promote sustainability by using renewable resources and recycled content, helping reduce the environmental impact of traditional yoga gear. Shop item
Zero-Waste Shampoo Bar – Ethique
- Mission: Ethique is on a mission to eliminate plastic waste from personal care products by creating eco-friendly alternatives, like their zero-waste shampoo bars.
- Impact: By opting for plastic-free packaging and natural ingredients, Ethique helps reduce plastic pollution and supports sustainable beauty practices. Shop item
