S2 E10 - Rachel Renee's Mission to Empower Small Businesses with Goat Moves
Founder of Goat Moves, Rachel Renee, Discusses Creating an Accessible E-Commerce Platform for Entrepreneurs
http://s4g.biz/05sep24
tl;dr:
Introduction of Guest and Business: Rachel Renee, CEO of Goat Moves, discusses her company's marketplace platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to sell products, services, and digital downloads on one centralized platform.
Business Model and User Experience: Rachel highlights that Goat Moves offers a streamlined experience for both sellers and buyers, eliminating the need to manage multiple platforms. The marketplace is still in beta, with over 900 sellers waitlisted, including estheticians selling products and services.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Campaign: Rachel explains Goat Moves' current crowdfunding campaign on NetCapital. She emphasizes her commitment to making wealth accessible to the general public, regardless of their financial standing.
Rachel’s Entrepreneurial Journey: She shares her diverse career background, including government contracting and various other jobs, and how this experience shaped her vision to create a business that benefits and supports small businesses.
Superpower and Personal Growth: Rachel describes her superpower as maintaining inner peace amidst chaos, which fuels her creativity and passion. She encourages others to reconnect with their inner child to rediscover joy and creativity.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E9 - Revolutionizing Wind Power - How Flower Turbines is Changing the Game
Daniel Farb Explains the Innovative Design and Market Impact of Flower Turbines' Small-Scale Wind Solutions
http://s4g.biz/03sep24
tl;dr:
Guest Introduction: Dr. Daniel Farb, CEO and founder of Flower Turbines, returns to the show after several years to discuss the progress and innovations in small wind turbines designed for urban environments.
Innovation and Progress: Dr. Farb shares how Flower Turbines has evolved from early-stage prototypes to manufacturing and selling turbines. They’ve made significant strides in aerodynamics and electronics, leading to unique products that perform better when placed close together.
Crowdfunding Success: Flower Turbines has completed five successful crowdfunding rounds on StartEngine, raising substantial funds from over 8,000 investors. They are now preparing for their sixth round.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Dr. Farb attributes his success to his ability to combine different fields of knowledge, from science and art to business, which has been crucial in developing innovative products and solutions.
Advice on Becoming Multidisciplinary: Dr. Farb encourages others to explore diverse interests, as these experiences often connect in unexpected ways, enhancing both personal and professional growth.
https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/...
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E7 - Unveiling the Realities of Debt Investing in Crowdfunding: Insights from KingsCrowd’s Bri
Analyzing the Risk-Return Balance in Debt and Revenue Share Deals Through Data-Driven Insights for Regulated Investment Crowdfunding
http://s4g.biz/27aug24
tl;dr:
Guest Introduction: The episode features Brian Belley, VP of Product at KingsCrowd, discussing his analysis on rates of return on various debt structures and how investors should evaluate compensation for risk.
Key Analysis: Brian explains that many investors misunderstand the risks involved in debt and revenue share deals in small businesses and crowdfunding. He highlights the necessary interest rates or payback multiples needed to compensate for these risks.
Revenue-Based Financing Explained: Brian delves into the mechanics of revenue-based financing, where investor returns are tied to company revenues, offering flexibility for companies with fluctuating earnings.
Failure Rates and Required Returns: Data shows that pre-revenue companies have a higher failure rate (around 5.5%), requiring higher interest rates to compensate investors. As companies grow in revenue, failure rates decrease, and required interest rates also lower.
Market Trends: The transcript discusses how rising federal interest rates have influenced the interest rates offered by crowdfunding platforms, showing a trend of increasing returns to align with market conditions.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E6 - How Liza Rodewald is Revolutionizing Remote Work for Military Spouses - Instant Teams
In Today’s Episode of Superpowers for Good, I Interview Liza Rodewald, CEO of Instant Teams, on Creating a Solution for Military Spouses in the Workforce
http://s4g.biz/22aug24
tl;dr:
Guest Introduction: Liza Rodewald, founder of Instant Teams, was featured. The company connects military spouses with customer experience jobs, helping them maintain their careers despite frequent relocations due to military life.
Challenges and Achievements: Liza discussed the challenge of raising venture capital as a woman, noting that less than 2% goes to women-led companies. Despite this, she successfully raised funds and grew her company while being a military spouse.
Instant Teams' Mission: Instant Teams is dedicated to building remote customer experience teams for companies, using the skills of military spouses who can work remotely and maintain continuity despite relocations.
Business Model: Instant Teams works with middle-market and enterprise companies like Aflac and Expensify, offering both a marketplace and fully outsourced services. They have grown to over 500 employees and serve 68,000 military spouses.
Superpower and Advice: Liza emphasized her superpower of solving problems by seeing the bigger picture. She advises women entrepreneurs to focus on building relationships, providing transparency to investors, and leveraging networks for long-term success.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E5 - How Lindsey Williams Is Making Wine More Approachable for Everyone
Urban Wine Co. Uses Innovative Winemaking and Focus on Diversity to Grow Its Presence in the Southeast and Beyond
http://s4g.biz/20aug24
tl;dr:
Introduction to the Guest and Business: Lindsey Williams, founder and CEO of Urban Wine Company, discusses her unique winery concept in the South, where they import grapes and use modern fermentation techniques. Her mission is to diversify the wine world and make it more accessible.
Innovative Wine Production: Urban Wine Company imports grapes from various regions, including California, Oregon, and overseas. They’re working on producing North Carolina-grown wines, with their process taking place locally in the Lake Norman area.
Lindsey’s Background and Transition: Lindsey, a former J.P. Morgan investment banker and lawyer, became passionate about wine during her travels. She studied winemaking and transitioned into the industry, eventually founding Urban Wine Company.
Business Growth and Scaling: The company started small but gained popularity, now partnering with Target for a 44-store deal. They’re raising funds to expand production and distribution.
Entrepreneurship and Problem-Solving: Lindsey shares advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of learning, problem-solving, and adapting, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E4 - Investing in Social Entrepreneurs: A Pathway to Impact
Nicole Etchart of NESsT Discusses the Importance of Patience, Risk Tolerance, and Local Commitment in Impact Investing
http://s4g.biz/13aug24
tl;dr:
Introduction of Nicole Etchart: Nicole Etchart is introduced as a leading figure in social entrepreneurship, having invested decades in supporting underserved communities through her organization, NESsT.
About NESsT: NESsT helps social enterprises grow and become self-sustainable, focusing on dignified employment for underserved communities. The organization has invested in around 250 companies, creating over 112,000 jobs and impacting 1.7 million people, primarily in emerging markets.
Investment in Impactful Enterprises: Nicole discusses NESsT's work with companies like Aswabe in the Brazilian Amazon, which produces Brazilian nuts sustainably. NESsT supports these enterprises through capacity building, business services, and providing capital, ensuring they can grow and have a greater impact.
Impact Investing Approach: Nicole emphasizes that NESsT is an impact-first investor, prioritizing social impact over quick financial returns. She highlights the importance of patience, tolerance for risk, and deep understanding of local realities in successful impact investing.
Personal Insights and Resilience: Nicole shares her personal background and attributes her success to resilience, hard work, and the support of mentors. She also discusses the challenges NESsT faced in starting its own impact fund and the importance of perseverance in achieving long-term goals.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E3 - Africa Eats: Ending Hunger and Poverty in Africa Through Profitable Ventures
How Luni Libes's Innovative Approach is Transforming Agriculture and Empowering Farmers Across Africa
http://s4g.biz/08aug24
Tl;dr:
Introduction of Luni Libes and Africa Eats:
Luni Libes is an investor and recurring guest on the show, currently involved in a crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder for Africa Eats, a company he founded to combat hunger and poverty in Africa.
Mission and Approach of Africa Eats:
Africa Eats operates as a for-profit investment company, supporting over 20 companies in Africa's food and agriculture supply chain. By purchasing from small farmers and reducing food loss, they increase farmer incomes and save costs on food imports.
Success and Impact:
Since its inception, Africa Eats has significantly grown its portfolio companies, demonstrating substantial increases in revenue and farmer support. For example, Peniel Meat Processing in Rwanda grew from $30,000 to over a million dollars in revenue, becoming a major chicken processor.
Funding Strategy:
Africa Eats combines traditional funding from accredited investors with crowdfunding campaigns to democratize investment opportunities. The goal is to eventually make Africa Eats a public company, allowing widespread participation in its growth and impact.
Luni Libes’ Superpower and Vision:
Luni's "if only" superpower involves identifying unmet needs and making them a reality. He emphasizes the importance of networking, having built a network of over 21,000 contacts to support his ventures. His next goal is to establish market makers in Africa to enhance liquidity and capital market functionality.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E2 - Spreading Kindness with A Heart 2 Help: An Interview with Brian Coleman
Learn How a New App Aims to Foster Community and Assist Those in Need
http://s4g.biz/08aug24
tl;dr:
Introduction of Guest: Brian Coleman, founder and CEO of "Heart 2 Help," is introduced. He discusses the purpose and impact of his care-sharing app, which connects people in need with those willing to help, leveraging geolocation technology for real-time assistance.
App Functionality: The "Heart 2 Help" app enables users to request and offer various types of help, from physical assistance like shoveling snow or fixing a flat tire to virtual support such as career advice or emotional support. The app aims to create a community focused on kindness and assistance.
Empathy and Community Building: Brian emphasizes the importance of empathy, kindness, and community support, sharing personal experiences that highlight the need for judgment-free help. The app seeks to change the stigma associated with asking for help, encouraging people to offer and receive assistance without judgment.
Crowdfunding Campaign: The app is currently raising capital on NetCapital to expand its reach and functionality. Brian discusses the fundraising efforts and the goal of aligning with nonprofits to support their causes and needs through the app.
Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to download the "Heart 2 Help" app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, post offers for assistance, and support the fundraising campaign on NetCapital. The app has already gained 5,000 downloads and aims to grow its user base and impact further.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E1 - Empowering Women Through Ridesharing: Kimberly Evans' Vision for Safety and Community
Just Her Rideshare Prioritizes Women’s Safety, Comfort, and Empowerment in the Ride-sharing Industry
http://s4g.biz/01aug24
tl;dr:
Introduction and Business Overview: Kimberly Evans is the CEO of Just Her Ride Share, a women-centric ride-sharing and community mobility company prioritizing women's safety, comfort, and empowerment. The company aims to create a safe space for women by employing female drivers and serving female passengers.
Business Development and Growth: Just Her Ride Share started during COVID, allowing time for market research and development. The company launched in 2022 with a soft launch and a hard launch in 2023. It has seen significant traction with thousands of sign-ups, high customer retention, and repeatability rates despite minimal marketing expenditure.
Community and Customer Focus: The company emphasizes community and treats both drivers and customers as part of a supportive network. This approach has resulted in customers willing to pay a premium for the service and drivers receiving 75% of every fare, higher than industry standards, fostering loyalty and reducing churn.
Market Potential and Expansion Plans: The ride-sharing industry has significant market potential, especially among women who often avoid ride-sharing at night due to safety concerns. Just Her Ride Share plans to expand beyond Charlotte, North Carolina, into cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C., driven by word-of-mouth demand.
Capital Raising and Future Vision: Kimberly Evans highlights the importance of raising capital to scale the business, improve market visibility, and expand into new cities. The company is using Wefunder for crowdfunding and aims to increase brand awareness and customer acquisition through strategic investments in marketing.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E34 - Affordable Cancer Detection for All: The Mission of 20/20 GeneSystems
Jonathan Cohen Leads a Groundbreaking Effort to Democratize Life-Saving Cancer Testing and Investment Opportunities Through Innovation and Equity Crowdfunding
http://s4g.biz/28nov24
tl;dr:
Jonathan Cohen’s company offers one of only two multi-cancer early detection tests available today.
20/20 GeneSystems’ OneTest uses protein biomarkers, providing an affordable alternative to DNA-based diagnostics.
The company’s equity crowdfunding campaigns align with its mission of democratizing access to biotech investments.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 20/20 GeneSystems pivoted quickly to become an early leader in testing.
Jonathan’s innovative approach integrates AI and machine learning, modernizing cancer detection and expanding accessibility.
http://superpowers4good.com
#ImpactCrowdfunding #DiverseFounders #SocialEntrepreneurs #CommunityCapital #ImpactInvestors #RIC #InvestmentCrowdfunding #businessgrowth #endcancer
S2 E33 - Building Community and Healing in Kansas City - Alexis Penney
Inner Space KC Blends Yoga, Coworking, and Local Engagement to Create a Hub for Growth, Connection, and Change
http://s4g.biz/26nov24
tl;dr:
Inner Space KC combines yoga, movement, and coworking spaces to foster community and connection.
Alexis created a unique work-trade system, offering yoga classes in exchange for services.
Troost Avenue’s history inspires Inner Space KC’s mission to support healing and urban revitalization.
The Honeycomb Credit crowdfunding campaign empowers grassroots investment in Inner Space KC’s growth.
Alexis’s balance of detail and big-picture thinking drives sustainable systems and community impact.
http://superpowers4good.com
#ImpactCrowdfunding #DiverseFounders #SocialEntrepreneurs #CommunityCapital #ImpactInvestors #RIC #InvestmentCrowdfunding #SuperCrowd
Abby by GoGoTech Aims to Disrupt the Scarcity Model in the Wheelchair Industry with Affordable, High-Tech Innovations
http://s4g.biz/21nov24
tl;dr:
John DeBenedette created Abby, a smart wheelchair, to address global mobility challenges innovatively.
Today’s episode highlights Abby’s hybrid design, combining manual functionality with smart, cloud-based features.
John emphasizes affordability, aiming to disrupt the wheelchair industry’s scarcity model and high pricing.
Leveraging his software expertise, John built Abby’s first new wheelchair controller since the 1980s.
Abby’s crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine invites impact investors to support its transformative mission.
http://superpowers4good.com
#ImpactCrowdfunding #DiverseFounders #SocialEntrepreneurs #CommunityCapital #ImpactInvestors #RIC #InvestmentCrowdfunding #SuperCrowd #mobility #mobilityaids
S2 E31 - Crowd Investing: A Path to Empowering Communities and Building Wealth - Paul Lovejoy
Paul Lovejoy Shares Insights on Leveraging Impact Crowdfunding to Make a Difference and Achieve Financial Security
http://s4g.biz/19nov24
tl;dr:
Paul Lovejoy shared his passion for investing, sparked by childhood curiosity and personal experiences.
Today’s episode revealed Paul’s transformative journey from financial trauma to embracing impact investing.
Paul highlighted peer-to-peer lending and Regulation Crowdfunding as tools for creating social and financial change.
Paul’s approach emphasizes investing in income-producing assets to build wealth and sustain communities.
He advocates guiding and inspiring others with love, respect, and thoughtful questions to empower success.
http://superpowers4good.com
#ImpactCrowdfunding #DiverseFounders #SocialEntrepreneurs #CommunityCapital #ImpactInvestors #RIC #InvestmentCrowdfunding #SuperCrowd
S2 E30 - Revolutionizing Tech with Gallium Nitride - How Mivium Aims to Make 'Do More with Less' a Re
Mivium's Game-Changing Gallium Nitride Tech Seeks to Outperform Silicon, Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficiency for Data Centers and AI Applications
http://s4g.biz/14nov24
tl;dr:
Eric Tsai’s Mivium focuses on gallium nitride (GaN) to replace silicon, improving efficiency and sustainability.
GaN's fast-switching properties make devices smaller, more powerful, and less energy-intensive.
Mivium’s unique, clean GaN production process avoids the toxic materials typical in semiconductors.
Nevada’s tech-friendly policies support Mivium’s plans to establish a new “gallium valley” in Reno.
By crowdfunding, Eric brings everyday investors into Mivium’s journey, making early-stage investing accessible.
http://superpowers4good.com
#ImpactCrowdfunding #DiverseFounders #SocialEntrepreneurs #CommunityCapital #ImpactInvestors #RIC #InvestmentCrowdfunding #SuperCrowd #gallium
S2 E29 - Tackling the Food Waste Crisis with Robotics: How ZeroDay’s Tech Revolutionizes Urban Susta
CEO Maneesa Wijesinghe-Nelken Leads ZeroDay in Transforming Food Waste Management with Cutting-Edge Automation
tl;dr:
Today’s episode highlights ZeroDay’s robotic solution that compresses food waste into sustainable, compact blocks.
Maneesa explains how ZeroDay’s technology reduces landfill waste and methane emissions significantly.
ZeroDay’s automation helps urban buildings manage food waste more efficiently, saving labor and operational costs.
Maneesa’s unshakeable optimism drives her to overcome challenges and create impactful technology solutions.
ZeroDay is currently piloting its waste management technology with business customers across New York City.
http://superpowers4good.com
#socialentrepreneurs
S2 E28 - Graze Robotics CEO Logan Fahey Franz: Transforming Lawn Care with Robotics for Environmenta
How Autonomous Robots by Graze Robotics Are Revolutionizing Solar Fields and Golf Courses While Tackling Labor Shortages
http://s4g.biz/07nov24
tl;dr:
In today’s episode, Logan Fahey Franz shares insights into Graze Robotics' eco-friendly, autonomous robotic mowers, which are transforming large-scale landscaping for golf courses, solar fields, and municipalities.
Logan highlights Graze Robotics' unique night-mowing capability, which increases efficiency for solar fields, where mowing during the day would interfere with panel orientation toward the sun.
Addressing labor shortages and rising environmental standards, Logan emphasizes how Graze’s robots reduce costs, enable workforce reallocation to higher-value tasks and comply with local noise and emissions regulations.
Logan’s journey from nonprofit social enterprises to leading a high-tech robotics company demonstrates his passion for integrating sustainability and social good with business, especially through innovative, scalable solutions.
For those interested in impact investing, Logan invites potential investors to explore Graze Robotics’ offerings, which remain accessible to both traditional and crowd investors through ongoing investment opportunities.
http://superpowers4good.com
#ImpactCrowdfunding #DiverseFounders #SocialEntrepreneurs #CommunityCapital #ImpactInvestors #RIC #InvestmentCrowdfunding #SucperCrowd
S2 E27 - Empowering Gen Z to Amplify Voices from Post-Conflict Communities
How BizGees Engages Young People to Create Awareness and Change Through Arts for Refugees
http://s4g.biz/05nov24
tl;dr:
Empowering Gen Z for Social Impact: In this episode, Zufi Deo discusses how BizGees engages Gen Z to create user-generated content that raises awareness about post-conflict communities, fostering a unique "by Gen Z, for Gen Z" model of social involvement.
Building Passionate Communities: Zufi’s superpower lies in his ability to unite people and inspire them to act on causes they believe in. He recounted organizing business mentorships in London to support thousands of entrepreneurs, highlighting the power of collective passion.
Human-Centric Engagement: A central theme in today’s conversation was the emphasis on treating people as human beings, not numbers. Zufi shared that this approach, though more time-consuming and costly, leads to deeper connections and more impactful results.
Personal Stories to Drive Connection: The episode featured moving examples of individuals who, through Arts for Refugees, not only gained support but contributed their experiences to educate and inform others, illustrating the profound peer-to-peer learning model in action.
Social Enterprise for Sustainable Change: BizGees, described as a hybrid social enterprise, showcases how for-profit structures can be leveraged to support meaningful social outcomes, combining the resources of capitalism with a mission to foster global awareness and empathy.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E26 - Amplifying Impact: How Effective Giving Can Save Lives and Transform Communities - Frank Fr
Philanthropy Today Can Be 100 Times More Effective—Frank Fredericks Explains How
http://s4g.biz/31oct24
tl;dr:
In today’s episode, Frank Fredericks highlighted the transformative impact of effective giving, explaining how directing funds to the most effective charities can multiply the impact of each dollar by up to a hundred times.
Frank described how One for the World leverages research by organizations like GiveWell to identify charities with proven life-saving outcomes, particularly those focused on issues like malaria prevention and childhood nutrition.
The conversation underscored the power of targeted philanthropic strategies, with Frank emphasizing cost-effectiveness metrics, such as dollars per life saved, as a critical measure for meaningful impact.
Reflecting on the global decline in poverty and preventable diseases, Frank conveyed optimism that, with continued support, these challenges could be largely eradicated within a generation.
Frank encouraged donors to keep an open, evolving approach to philanthropy, continually assessing new evidence to maximize impact and achieve sustainable change on a global scale.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E25 - ‘Stop Spit Polishing a Landmine’ - Jess Pettitt on Meaningful Workplace Inclusion
Insights on Bridging the Gap Between Effort and Impact in Fostering Belonging
http://s4g.biz/29oct24
tl;dr:
In today’s episode, Jess Pettitt shares insights from her new book, Almost Doing Good, exploring how well-intentioned efforts in workplaces often falter due to unpreparedness or knee-jerk reactions.
Jess emphasizes the importance of recognizing “problems you don’t experience,” encouraging leaders to approach challenges they may not personally face with empathy and understanding.
To make lasting impact, Jess advocates for thoughtful, prepared responses rather than relying on superficial, one-size-fits-all solutions that can cause more harm than good.
Humor, Jess’s superpower, becomes a powerful tool to bridge understanding and ease tension, especially around sensitive topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Jess uses relatable humor to invite people into uncomfortable conversations, transforming resistance and defensiveness into openness and genuine curiosity.
https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/...
http://superpowers4good.com
