Causeartist Weekly #275
Hey friends,
I hope your week is off to a meaningful and productive start.
As I continue connecting with founders, creatives, and investors from all over the world, I’m reminded how powerful storytelling and innovation can be when they come together with purpose.
This week’s lineup is packed with people and companies doing just that—blending sustainability, technology, and community impact in fresh and ambitious ways.
In the latest podcast, we revisit the origin story of Cleobella, a sustainable fashion brand built on empowering artisans and elevating conscious consumerism.
Plus, don’t miss our Spotlight Q&A with Jesse Joeckel, founder of Whalebone, who shares how Montauk, surfing, and art led to building a creative lifestyle brand with coastal roots.
On the funding front, climate tech, fintech, and AI-powered energy solutions dominate this week’s news—highlighting a continued investor appetite for bold, scalable ideas.
Thanks for being part of this community.
— Grant
The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. It recognizes the ocean as a source of value beyond extraction—including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, tourism, transportation, and renewable energy.
Podcast Interview
The Cleobella Story: Creating Jobs, Style, and Sustainability
In episode 230 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Angela O’Brien, founder and creative director of Cleobella, an ethical fashion brand rooted in global inspiration, artisan partnership, and sustainability.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
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Founder Spotlight Q&A
Anchored in Montauk: An Interview with Whalebone Founder Jesse Joeckel
From surfing to screen-printing, Jesse Joeckel shares the story of Whalebone—how a love for Montauk, design, and coastal culture evolved into a lifestyle brand with national presence.
Read the full interview →
📰 News & Opportunities
Zeno Power Raises $50M to Fuel the Future of Sustainable Energy
Funding: $50 million Series B
Goal: Scale commercial deployment of radioisotope power systems
Impact: Powering space, defense, and remote infrastructure with sustainable energy
Read more →
Travara Raises $1.54M Pre-Seed Round to Power Purposeful Travel
Funding: $1.54
Goal: Empower conscious travelers through curated experiences and vetted impact partners
Impact: Boosting sustainable and socially responsible tourism for the next generation
Learn more →
Monarch Money Hits $10B in Tracked Assets, Raises $75M Series B
Funding: $75M Series B
Goal: Help users manage personal finances with clarity, collaboration, and intention
Impact: Building a new standard for digital financial wellness
Airwallex Raises $300M to Build the Future of Global Banking
Funding: $300 million Series E
Goal: Expand global financial infrastructure for modern businesses
Impact: Enabling seamless cross-border payments and digital banking at scale
Replace Raises $2.1M to Transform Clean Energy Data
Funding: $2.1 million pre-seed
Goal: Use AI to identify optimal locations for energy and data infrastructure projects
Impact: Accelerating the clean energy transition through smarter planning
Read more →
Eco-Products Named Zero Waste Partner of the San Francisco Giants
Goal: Advance zero waste operations at Oracle Park
Impact: Driving sustainability in professional sports through compostable solutions
Energize Capital Announces $425M Fund III for Climate Software
Funding: $425 million Fund III
Goal: Back entrepreneurs building software to accelerate decarbonization
Impact: Enabling climate tech scale-ups to reshape the global energy economy
Read more →
Grant Trahant
Founder | Causeartist
Host | Disruptors for Good + Investing in Impact
Venture Partner | Pay it Forward Ventures
Connect: LinkedIn | X
