Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd‪.‬ Devin Thorpe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
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Devin: What is your superpower?
Bill: I think an understanding of the ocean through the experiences that I've had in it.

In today’s episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with William R. Lyman, better known as Bill, the founder and CEO of Breakwave Energy. Bill's company is tackling one of the most persistent challenges in renewable energy: harnessing the power of ocean waves.
Wave energy presents a unique opportunity in the renewable energy landscape. Unlike solar and wind, which are limited by weather conditions and time of day, waves are a constant force driven by distant storms and the natural movement of the ocean. Bill explained this key advantage, saying, "Waves are driven by 1000-mile-away storms, and they break all day long, all night. Water is 800 times more dense than air. So, you always grab more energy from waves, but you have to do it in a way that's cost-effective."
However, harnessing wave energy is no easy feat. The ocean's harsh environment can destroy equipment, making it challenging to maintain and cost-ineffective. Bill likens their approach to the Heisman pose, “You’ve got to hold on to the ball and get into the end zone while making sure nothing touches you.” This means placing minimal infrastructure in the water and ensuring it can withstand the ocean's destructive forces.
One of the most exciting aspects of Breakwave Energy's technology is its potential for scalability and versatility. Bill shared, "We have the ability to not only produce electricity but also to scale our technology to meet the needs of small villages or larger areas, and even to desalinate water directly using wave energy."
Bill's innovative approach and commitment to rigorous testing before deployment highlight his dedication to creating a sustainable and effective solution for renewable energy. His team's ongoing collaboration with Cal State University San Marcos to test electrical components exemplifies their meticulous and thorough process.
Today’s episode was a deep dive into the future of renewable energy and the incredible potential of wave energy. I’m thrilled to share Bill's insights and innovations with you. His work at Breakwave Energy is not just about harnessing waves but also about offering scalable solutions that can significantly impact both developed and developing regions around the globe.
tl;dr:
1. Introduction to Breakwave Energy: William Lyman, founder and CEO of Breakwave Energy, discusses the company's focus on harnessing wave energy as a renewable resource to address climate change. Unlike solar and wind, wave energy is constant and more efficient due to water's density.
2. Challenges of Wave Energy: William highlights the difficulties of building wave energy infrastructure in the harsh ocean environment, detailing the ocean's destructive nature and the need for cost-effective and durable solutions to harness wave power.
3. Prototyping and Testing: Breakwave Energy has been developing and testing prototypes with promising results. They plan to install and test a larger prototype with the assistance of Cal State University San Marcos. William emphasizes the importance of thorough testing before deployment to avoid wasting investor funds.
4. Crowdfunding and Investment: The company has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Raise Green, a platform focused on renewable energy projects. William explains the global potential of wave energy, particularly in developing nations with extensive coastlines, which can benefit significantly from this technology.
5. Potenti

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What do you see as your superpower? 
Kt: I would say curiosity.

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Kt McBratney, General Partner and Head of Community at Renew Venture Capital. Kt's journey is nothing short of inspiring, having transitioned from journalism to non-profits, brand marketing, and early-stage startups. Their path led them to co-found Own Trail and ultimately join Renew VC, where they focus on backing diverse founders and purpose-driven businesses.
One of the key ideas we delved into during the interview is the importance of supporting diverse founders as a crucial aspect of social impact investing. Kt eloquently explained, “From a business perspective, there's data. It's data-backed that diverse-led startups, women-founded, and companies led by people of color perform well and often overperform compared to their white male counterparts.” This insight highlights the dual benefit of driving social change while also achieving strong financial returns.
Kt shared their perspective on the limitations of traditional venture capital and the innovative concept of “Purpose Rounds” that Renew VC champions. Purpose Rounds democratize investment opportunities by allowing both accredited and non-accredited investors to participate, thereby expanding access to capital for historically excluded founders. As Kt noted, “It’s not just Wall Street or accredited investors who already have the financial wealth and privilege to invest and participate in the financial upside of a company. But how can you open up that to Main Street investors?”
Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Kt’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is deeply personal and integral to their work at Renew VC. Their dedication to challenging systemic inequities and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem is truly inspiring. 
Renew VC’s no-warm-intro policy, which allows any entrepreneur to pitch without needing an insider connection, is a testament to its commitment to equity. This approach ensures that talented founders from all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to succeed.
In summary, today’s episode with Kt McBratney sheds light on the vital role of diversity in driving both social impact and business success. Their work at Renew Venture Capital exemplifies how purpose-driven investment can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
AI Episode Summary
1. Kt McBratney shared her unconventional career path leading to her role at Renew Venture Capital, highlighting her background in journalism, nonprofits, and early-stage startups.
2. At Renew VC, the focus is on social impact investments and supporting diverse founders, including women and minorities, which aligns with Kt's personal values and experiences.
3. Kt emphasized the importance of integrating profit with purpose, challenging traditional models by aiming to create scalable, sustainable businesses led by historically excluded founders.
4. Kt and her team believe in backing diverse founders, presenting data that shows such startups often outperform those led by their white male counterparts.
5. Kt noted the democratization of VC access by eliminating the need for warm introductions, allowing anyone to pitch through a straightforward online form.
6. The conversation highlighted "Purpose Rounds," which democratize investment opportunities by allowing non-accredited investors to participate alongside accredited ones.
7. Kt pointed out the benefits of having a capital mix for businesses, emphasizing that venture

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: Enid, what is your superpower?
Enid: I hope this doesn't sound sappy, but in a word, love.
Devin: John, what's your superpower?
John: Look at your circumstances; just observe them, don't judge them. Just have a self-awareness.

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Enid Futterman and John Isaacs, the co-founders of IMBY, a revolutionary platform for hyperlocal journalism. IMBY, which stands for "In My Back Yard," empowers communities to create their own digital newspapers, promoting citizen journalism and community engagement.
Enid explained, “IMBY is a hyperlocal network of websites for citizen journalism. It allows any community to create its own digital newspaper.” This model not only fills the gap left by the decline of traditional local newspapers but also provides a space for community members to share news, opinions, and events directly relevant to their locality.
John elaborated on the origins of IMBY, sharing how their initial success with a local community magazine in Hudson, New York, inspired them to create a scalable platform. “The demise of local journalism is not just an absence of information but also a threat to democracy. Local news plays an enormously important role and its diminishment is a serious issue for the preservation of democracy,” John emphasized. This sentiment underscores the critical role IMBY aims to play in sustaining informed and connected communities.
One of the most compelling aspects of IMBY is its support for citizen activists. Enid highlighted, “One of the biggest uses is among citizen activists who are trying to advocate for a cause, often aligned with our mission to build community with the values of localism, sustainability, and justice.”
Currently, IMBY is running a crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit to expand its reach. Enid noted, “Honeycomb's focus on crowdsourcing local capital aligns perfectly with our mission to crowdsource local news.”
IMBY’s innovative approach not only addresses the loss of local newspapers but also reinvigorates the essence of community journalism. Their platform represents a beacon of hope for communities striving to stay informed and engaged in an era of media consolidation and declining local news sources.
Through platforms like IMBY, the power of the press is truly placed back in the hands of the people, fostering a more democratic and connected society.
AI Episode Summary
1. Devin introduces IMBY, a platform for hyperlocal journalism developed by Enid Futterman and John Isaacs.
2. Enid describes IMBY as a network of websites for citizen journalism, allowing communities to create their own digital newspapers.
3. John shares the history and motivation behind IMBY, stemming from their experience with a local quarterly magazine in Columbia County, New York.
4. IMBY aims to address the decline of local newspapers by empowering citizens to become content creators, thereby preserving local journalism.
5. Enid emphasizes that anyone can post various types of content on IMBY, including news stories, opinion pieces, and event announcements, fortifying community advocacy.
6. John highlights that the decline in local journalism affects democracy, making platforms like IMBY crucial for maintaining local dialogues and informed communities.
7. Devin speaks about the cultural shift towards conglomerates owning local papers and how IMBY counters this by providing a decentralized model for local journalism.
8. Enid explains that IMBY is currently funded through local advertising and is exploring addition

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Steve: My superpower is to connect people with people.

In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Ramona, host of "Doing Business with a Servant's Heart." Steve's passion for integrating a servant's heart into business practices is not only inspiring but also a transformative approach to entrepreneurship. His philosophy centers on the idea that by serving others, you can grow your business in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Steve shared his journey of adopting a service mindset, highlighting the profound impact it has had on his career. He explained, "When you have a servant's heart in your business, you will grow. It’s hard to retain in your mindset because you don't see it tangibly, but I've proven that it can, and it's such a fun way to do business."
One of the most compelling moments in our conversation was when Steve recounted a touching story about helping a businesswoman who was struggling with medical bills for her disabled children. By referring clients to her, Steve provided opportunities that she never anticipated. "You never know when you're serving somebody what the end result will be," Steve said. "Take action with a servant's heart because you might literally change somebody's life for the good."
For entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and beyond, Steve offers valuable advice: "Serve your employees from your janitor to your CFO. Serve your customers and even your competitors. Build currency in the universe by bringing value to every conversation."
Steve’s experiences and insights are a testament to the power of service in business. His approach not only enhances relationships but also fosters a culture of genuine care and collaboration. As he eloquently put it, "Be transformational, not transactional."
Incorporating a servant's heart into your business isn't just about achieving success; it's about making a lasting impact. Steve Ramona’s journey is a powerful reminder that true growth and fulfillment come from serving others.
AI Episode Summary
1. Devin Introduces Steve Ramona: Devin introduces Steve Ramona, a fellow show host on e360tv, emphasizing their mutual engagement with social entrepreneurs and changemakers.
2. Steve's Show - Together We Serve: Steve details his show "Together We Serve," an extension of his podcast "Doing Business with a Servant's Heart," which features thought leaders demonstrating servant leadership in business.
3. Concept of Servant Leadership: Steve explains that a servant's heart in business involves prioritizing service and support to others, which, although intangible, can significantly benefit one's business.
4. Steve's Journey: Steve shares his 15-year journey of adopting a service mentality, building relationships, and integrating his extensive network into new projects, beginning with his experience in his family's health club.
5. Practical Example - A Personal Story: Through personal relationships at his family's health club, Steve learned the value of offering kindness and support, seeing long-term professional benefits.
6. Adopting Servant Leadership in Silicon Valley: Steve advises Silicon Valley CEOs to focus on serving employees, customers, and competitors, fostering a culture of support that can yield unexpected benefits.
7. Mentorship and Service Mindset: Steve emphasizes mentoring and providing value in conversations as key to developing business and personal growth, sharing an example of supporting a woman dealing with medical bills for her disabled children.
8. Challenges

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
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Devin: Bill, what is your superpower?
Bill: Well, if I have one, it has something to do with optimism about scientific innovation and being able to gather teams of people.
Devin: Barry, what's your superpower?
Barry: Our theme in Rotary this year is inspiration. I'm very fortunate that when I speak with Rotarians, I can deliver a message that really touches their hearts.

For today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the privilege of speaking with two remarkable leaders: Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, and Barry Rassin, former President of Rotary International. We spoke in May 2019. The episode is significant enough to justify sharing anew.
Our conversation delved into the collaborative efforts that are bringing us closer to eradicating polio, showcasing a model of partnership that has far-reaching implications for global health. Five years on, the work to eradicate polio continues.
Bill shared the profound impact of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a partnership between the Gates Foundation, Rotary International, UNICEF, WHO, and CDC, initiated in 1988. He emphasized, "Getting rid of a disease is kind of the ultimate goal for all these infectious diseases. It's only happened once before with smallpox... the possibility that no kids will ever be paralyzed again even without having to spend lots and lots of money... appears within sight." His passion for ensuring that no child suffers from polio, especially in developing countries, highlighted the critical role of coordinated global efforts.
Barry echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the strength of the partnership with the Gates Foundation. "The beauty of it is that we recognize that when we do things together, we can do so much more. The GPEI partnership... works so well because we were working together," he noted. Barry also emphasized the importance of continuing this collaboration to tackle other global health challenges once polio is eradicated.
This episode not only underscored the progress made in the fight against polio but also illustrated the broader potential of such partnerships. As Bill mentioned, "Polio has had to pioneer a lot of things... mapping out where the kids are turned out to be a key tactic." This legacy of innovation and collaboration sets a precedent for addressing other infectious diseases and health crises.
Reflecting on the discussion, it is clear that the eradication of polio is within our grasp, thanks to the unwavering dedication of leaders like Bill and Barry. Their vision and collaboration offer hope and a roadmap for tackling other global health challenges, making our world a safer and healthier place for future generations.
AI Episode Summary
1. Initiation and Motivation: Bill Gates explained why his foundation became involved in the polio eradication efforts, emphasizing the tragic nature of the disease and the significant progress made since the partnership began in 1988.
2. Global Health Partnership: Rotary International President Barry Rawson highlighted the power of collaboration, with the Gates Foundation bringing not only funding but also technical expertise to the global fight against polio.
3. Future Partnerships: Rotary is open to future collaborations with the Gates Foundation on various issues, such as malaria and water, and is looking to expand their joint impact on global health and development.
4. Foundation Priorities: Bill discussed the Gates Foundation's shifting focus once polio is eradicated, placing HIV and malaria as subsequent focal points and emphasizing the importance o

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Will: I can teach myself anything.

In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Will Wiseman, CEO and Co-Founder of Climatize. Will's journey from witnessing the 2019 climate strikes in Barcelona to founding a groundbreaking crowdfunding platform for renewable energy is nothing short of inspiring.
During our conversation, Will shared a pivotal moment from the climate strikes that sparked his realization. "Seeing over 100,000 people protesting for climate action, I was struck by the sad realization that traditional activism lacked the tangible change necessary to solve this macro problem," he said. This insight led him to create Climatize, a platform enabling anyone to invest in renewable energy projects with as little as $5.
Climatize’s mission is clear: to make impact investing accessible to everyone. “Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck problem,” Will emphasized. “We need everybody at any capacity to become a participant.” By allowing investments to start at just $5, Climatize ensures that virtually anyone can contribute to combating climate change and be part of the energy transition.
The success of Climatize speaks volumes. Since its launch in May 2023, the platform has catalyzed nearly $3.5 million of investments into 11 solar and storage projects across seven states. These projects are projected to avoid emissions equivalent to 65 million vehicle miles. Investors are not only contributing to environmental solutions but also seeing tangible impacts of their investments. 
One of the standout features of Climatize is the transparency it offers. Investors can see the direct impact of their contributions, from project development to installation. This level of engagement fosters trust and encourages more people to participate. “Knowing that your money went and helped this family as well as created environmental impact is what we've found to be very catalytic,” Will explained.
Will’s dedication and innovative approach have turned Climatize into a beacon for those wanting to make a real difference. As he said, “This is one of the largest wealth creation opportunities of our lifetime, and it’s incredibly important that everybody has the potential to participate as an active stakeholder in the energy transition.”
In this episode, we delved into how Climatize is reshaping the landscape of renewable energy investments, proving that with the right platform, small contributions can lead to significant change.
AI Episode Summary
1. Will Wiseman is the CEO of Climatize, involved in Crowdfunding for climate solutions.
2. Will was inspired to start Climatize after witnessing the 2019 climate strikes in Barcelona and realizing traditional activism was insufficient.
3. Climatize is an SEC-registered funding portal enabling anyone to invest in renewable energy projects with as little as $5.
4. Since launching in May 2023, Climatize has catalyzed nearly $3.5 million in investments into 11 projects across seven states.
5. These projects are projected to avoid emissions equivalent to 65 million vehicle miles.
6. Crowdfunding allows investors to see the tangible impact of their money, different from traditional ESG investments.
7. Climatize has a strong trust factor with investors, resulting in an average check size of $6,000, compared to the industry average of $2,000.
8. Projects on Climatize are often funded quickly, some in as little as two hours.
9. Will attributes his success to aligning his skills with his passions and his abili