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
S2 E24 - Polio Eradication: A Historic Opportunity for Global Health - Carol Pandak of Rotary Intern
Rotary's Commitment to End Polio, Led by Carol Pandak, Marks a Milestone in Global Public Health
http://s4g.biz/24oct24
tl;dr:
In today’s episode, Carol Pandak emphasized the critical role of persistence and hard work in driving the progress of polio eradication, which Rotary International has been committed to since 1979.
Carol shared that the eradication of polio is achievable, much like smallpox, through vaccination efforts that stop the transmission of the virus among children, particularly under the age of five.
Despite significant progress, with only 36 cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2024, Carol stressed that continued effort is necessary to eliminate the wild poliovirus.
A new oral polio vaccine introduced in 2021 has significantly reduced vaccine-derived polio cases, demonstrating the power of innovation and global partnerships, including the Gates Foundation’s contributions.
Carol highlighted a remarkable success in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza to immunize 560,000 children, showcasing the extraordinary global collaboration required to continue these efforts, even in conflict zones.
http://superpowers4good.com
#worldpolioday #endpolionow #serviceaboveself #rotary #rotary #peopleofaction
Founder Ana Aguilar Raises $84,000 Through Honeycomb Credit to Bring Authentic Mexican Cuisine to Nashville
http://s4g.biz/22oct24
tl;dr:
In today’s episode, Ana Aguilar, Founder and CEO of Tantisimo, discussed her successful crowdfunding campaign, which raised $84,000 on Honeycomb Credit to support her restaurant expansion.
Ana highlighted the importance of community support and the extensive preparation required before launching a crowdfunding campaign, including leveraging personal and professional networks.
She shared details of Tantisimo’s journey from a pop-up serving Latin American pastries to its forthcoming full-scale restaurant in Nashville, projecting significant revenue growth.
Ana emphasized resilience and optimism as her superpower, which helped her navigate unexpected challenges, such as a costly HVAC setback during the restaurant build-out.
She advised setting boundaries to maintain a positive mindset and focusing on problem-solving rather than dwelling on doubts to cultivate resilience in entrepreneurship.
http://superpowers4good.com
#ImpactCrowdfunding #DiverseFounders #SocialEntrepreneurs #CommunityCapital #ImpactInvestors #RIC #InvestmentCrowdfunding #SuperCrowd
S2 E22 - The Power of Storytelling in Crowdfunding Videos
How Alex Portera Helps Founders Craft Videos That Connect With Investors on an Emotional Level
http://s4g.biz/17oct24
tl;dr:
In today's episode, Alex Portera emphasized the importance of using video as a powerful storytelling tool in crowdfunding campaigns, highlighting that video engages multiple senses, allowing for a more emotional and impactful pitch.
Alex explained how his company, Rally On Media, helps businesses craft concise, emotionally resonant videos by focusing on the essential elements of the story, avoiding the common mistake of overloading viewers with information.
A key process Alex uses to develop compelling stories is "story finding," a method where he and his team dive deep into a company to identify the moments that evoke strong emotional reactions, which they then incorporate into the video narrative.
Alex shared an anecdote about working with EpiOne, a company raising funds to detect cancer early. His storytelling blended the founder's personal loss with the company's mission, creating a narrative that resonated deeply with investors, leading Alex to invest in the campaign himself.
For those with limited budgets, Alex provided practical tips for creating professional-looking videos using smartphones and affordable equipment, stressing the importance of focusing on storytelling and following key compliance guidelines for crowdfunding campaigns.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E21 - The Power of Education: A Pathway to Redemption - Kevin Shird
Kevin Shird's Journey Highlights How Education Transforms Lives Even in the Darkest Moments
http://s4g.biz/15oct24
tl;dr:
Kevin Shird shared the transformative power of education during his time in prison, which he credits for changing his life and helping him become a contributor to society.
In this episode, Kevin contrasts his journey with that of his former cellmate, Damien, whose struggles with trauma, addiction, and lack of support led him back to prison.
Kevin emphasizes that doing the work and making sacrifices have been central to his success, highlighting his relentless dedication to writing, education, and helping others.
He recounted a pivotal moment when he was invited to speak at the United States Conference of Mayors about the opioid crisis, marking a turning point in his journey from drug trafficking to being a voice for change.
Kevin’s advice for success is simple: focus, sacrifice, and ignore distractions, as consistent effort will ultimately lead to meaningful results and personal growth.
http://superpowers4good.com
Co-Founder of All Better Co. Shares Her Vision for Eco-Friendly First Aid Products and Building a $400 Million Business
http://s4g.biz/10oct24
tl;dr:
Stacy Bernstein co-founded All Better Co. out of a personal need for safer, more effective first aid products, starting with her Don't Scratch That mosquito patch and pen.
All Better Co. is addressing a stagnant first aid market by offering innovative, eco-friendly products, such as their biodegradable bandages, free from harmful "forever chemicals."
Stacy and her co-founder bootstrapped the company and are now raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign, inviting people to invest in their vision.
The company is expanding into retail, with a focus on natural grocers, and has already gained a foothold in over 50 retail locations.
Stacy emphasizes the importance of community and connection in both business and life, viewing these as integral to All Better Co.’s growth and crowdfunding success.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E19 - The Secret to Successful Crowdfunding Campaigns, According to Marketing Expert Jason Fishma
In This Episode, I Uncover Jason Fishman’s Insight on How to Drive Traffic to Your Reg CF Campaign and Why Social Proof Is Key to Success
http://s4g.biz/08oct24
tl;dr:
Drive Traffic to Campaigns: Jason emphasized that driving significant traffic to crowdfunding pages is essential for success. He noted that most campaigns fail due to insufficient visitors.
Importance of Social Proof: Successful campaigns often showcase early traction, which builds credibility. Raising over $100K early on can help attract cold investors who have no prior connection to the campaign.
Targeted Marketing: Jason shared how targeted digital marketing, such as advertising to specific audiences like equity crowdfunding investors, is a powerful tool to reach the right prospects.
Proactive Founders: Jason highlighted that the most successful crowdfunding campaigns are led by founders who are highly proactive and engage deeply with their networks, rather than relying solely on third-party agencies.
Test and Optimize: Jason’s marketing philosophy revolves around constantly testing different approaches, learning from the results, and optimizing campaigns to achieve better performance.
http://superpowers4good.com
S2 E18 - Courage and Community: Kerry David’s Fight Against Injustice
Award-Winning Filmmaker Kerry David Shares the Power of Courageous Action in Her Latest Documentary, Now Open for Investment on WeFunder
http://s4g.biz/03oct24
In today's episode, Kerry David shared her experience transitioning from working at Paramount Pictures and with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman to starting her own production company and directing impactful documentaries.
Kerry discussed her latest project, "Open Secret," which explores systemic abuse in North Carolina schools and the courage of community members who fought against the corruption that enabled it.
Kerry emphasized her superpower of leaning into fear, recounting a challenging decision to change filming locations for safety during her previous project, demonstrating her ability to balance courage with prudence.
The episode highlighted Kerry's initiative in founding the nonprofit Over and Above Africa, which supports anti-poaching efforts and raises awareness through film.
Kerry explained her decision to use crowdfunding on WeFunder for her latest film to involve and empower communities nationwide to tackle systemic issues beyond North Carolina.
http://superpowers4good.com
