Causeartist Weekly #270
Hey friends –
This week’s edition is packed with stories that reflect the boldness and creativity, shaping the impact economy right now.
From climate tech investments and AI-powered greenhouses to startups innovating in the Blue Economy, we’re seeing how purpose and innovation continue to merge in fascinating ways.
Plus, we spotlight a powerful conversation with LeapFrog Investments on the future of impact capital and an inspiring founder interview with the creator of Bee Wild Outside—a brand blending skincare, sustainability, and personal resilience.
Thanks for being here. Let’s get into it.
✨ Featured Interview
🌿 Bee Wild Outside: The Startup Making Sunscreen Safer for You and the Planet
What happens when a love for the outdoors collides with a broken system—and a life-altering diagnosis? For Alexandra Merlino, the founder of Bee Wild Outside, it sparked a bold reimagining of sun care.
Frustrated by the superficial promises of the “reef-safe” movement and disillusioned by the industry’s reliance on single-use plastics, the idea for Bee Wild Outside began to take shape.
But it wasn’t until a skin cancer diagnosis in 2020 that the vision became urgent—and deeply personal.
As a former competitive tennis player turned trail runner, cross-country skier, and scuba diver, Alexandra was no stranger to the sun, but always struggled to find a sunscreen that was both effective and truly sustainable.
Driven by necessity and fueled by passion, Bee Wild Outside was born—a brand focused on clean ingredients, refillable packaging, and environmental advocacy.
From a game-changing on-the-go dispenser to strategic partnerships supporting public land stewardship, this company is on a mission to do more than sell sunscreen.
It's here to inspire action, reduce waste, and help people play outside longer, safely and sustainably.
In this interview, we explore the brand’s origin story, its mission to protect both people and planet, and how it’s building a values-led business at the intersection of health, sustainability, and innovation.
Bee Wild Outside: The Startup Making Sunscreen Safer for You and the Planet
🎙 Podcast: Investing in Impact
$3B Raised, 500M Lives Impacted: Inside LeapFrog Investment's Bold Vision
Welcome to Episode 87 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.
$3B Raised, 500M Lives Impacted: Inside LeapFrog Investment’s Bold Vision
📰 News & Innovation
Base Power Raises $85M Series B to Reinvent Local Energy
Funding: $85 million Series B
Goal: Decentralize energy by building clean, resilient neighborhood-scale power systems.
Impact: Empowering communities to become energy-independent and climate-resilient. Read more
16 Blue Economy Startups Powering Ocean Innovation
Overview: Explore the top startups driving change in the sustainable ocean economy, from marine biotech to clean shipping.
Impact: Addressing overfishing, pollution, and ocean-based climate solutions. Read more
16 Blue Economy Startups Powering Ocean Innovation
Carbon Equity Raises €105M for Climate Tech Fund
Funding: €105 million
Goal: Back early and growth-stage climate tech startups across Europe and beyond.
Impact: Supporting the next generation of companies working on carbon removal, energy transition, and circularity. Read more
Brevel Secures $5M to Scale Microalgae-Based Ingredients
Funding: $5 million
Goal: Bring high-protein, allergen-free, microalgae-based ingredients to the food industry.
Impact: Helping reduce the environmental impact of food production while increasing nutrition accessibility. Read more
IUNU Raises $20M for AI-Powered Greenhouse Technology
Funding: $20 million
Goal: Expand computer vision and AI tools to monitor and optimize greenhouse agriculture.
Impact: Increasing food security and reducing water and fertilizer usage through smarter farming. Learn more
A Cabin Company Secures Pre-Seed Investment for Nature Retreats
Funding: Backed by a $70M wellness fund
Goal: Build a modern “gym membership” for outdoor stays, connecting people to nature year-round.
Impact: Supporting mental health, environmental education, and responsible land use. Learn more
🛠 Tools of the Week
📹 Screen Studio – Create beautiful screen recordings and product demos in minutes. Explore Screen Studio
🎤 HeyGen – Use AI avatars and voice cloning to produce stunning, human-like videos at scale. Explore HeyGen
📊 Graphy – An all-in-one platform for online courses, communities, and memberships. Explore Graphy
