Causeartist Weekly #290 - Nature-Based Carbon, GovTech AI, Inside JFF Ventures, and Sustainable Wallcoverings
Inside: A Q&A with JFF Ventures on aligning mission with venture capital, a spotlight on sustainable design from Anduba, and $500M+ in impact funding across climate, fintech, AI, and health from Chestnut Carbon, VoLo Earth, and more.
Hey friends,
We’re back with another packed edition of the Causeartist Weekly, and this one truly spans the spectrum of impact. From reshaping government services and nutrition access to scaling nature-based carbon removal and funding deep decarbonization, the momentum across climate, health, and civic innovation is undeniable.
This week, we also feature a powerful conversation with JFFVentures on aligning nonprofit missions with venture capital, and a design-forward Q&A with Anduba, a sustainable wallcoverings company inspired by rainforest textures and Indigenous craftsmanship.
Thanks as always for being part of this community. Let’s dive in.
— Grant
Podcast Interview - JFFVentures – Aligning Nonprofit Mission with Venture Capital
In this episode of the Investing in Impact podcast, I sit down with Yigal Kerszenbaum, Managing Partner at JFFVentures, to explore how a mission driven investment fund partners with a national nonprofit to expand access, skills, and quality jobs for working adults.
- Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
- Subscribe on Spotify
Spotlight Q&A - Anduba – Sustainable Wallcoverings That Honor Rainforest Textures
Anduba is redefining the role of design by merging sustainability, cultural preservation, and contemporary aesthetics.
Founded by Flavia Pereira, the company partners with Indigenous artists and transforms recycled materials into sustainable wallcoverings that are PVC-free and Red List Free.
The goal is to show that design can move beyond decoration to become a vehicle for cultural storytelling, environmental responsibility, and human connection.
Born in the Brazilian Amazon and armed with more than 20 years of business experience, Flavia was inspired to launch Anduba after reconnecting with the values of Indigenous communities, simplicity, sustainability, and community.
From the Amazon to Modern Spaces: The Story Behind Anduba’s Sustainable Wallcoverings
📰 News & Funding
Turnout Raises $21M to Simplify Government Services
Funding: $21 million
Goal: Streamline citizen access to government services
Impact: Making digital government faster, more inclusive, and human-centered
Nutrium Secures $12M Series A for Personalized Nutrition Software
Funding: $12 million
Goal: Scale AI-driven nutrition platforms for dietitians and health orgs
Impact: Making professional nutrition care more accessible and data-informed
Chestnut Carbon Raises $90M to Scale Nature-Based Removal
Funding: $90 million
Goal: Expand afforestation and reforestation carbon projects in the U.S.
Impact: Accelerating natural carbon removal at meaningful scale
Chestnut Carbon Raises $90 Million to Scale Nature-Based Carbon Removal Projects Across the U.S.
Xampla secures $14 million new investment to replace 10 billion units of single-use plastic
Funding: $14M
Goal: Scale sustainable materials to replace microplastics in packaging
Impact: Tackling plastic pollution at the molecular level
OpenAI Launches Grove — New AI Infrastructure Program
Funding: Internal investment
Goal: Provide compute infrastructure for AI startups in critical sectors
Impact: Empowering developers building AI for education, energy, and beyond
Greenlite Raises $49.5M to Fix Permitting with AI
Funding: $49.5 million
Goal: Automate permitting and inspection workflows with AI tools
Impact: Speeding up infrastructure and real estate development
VoLo Earth Ventures Closes $135M Fund II for Deep Climate Innovation
Funding: $135 million
Goal: Back energy, mobility, and industrial climate solutions
Impact: Building a repeatable strategy for early-stage climate venture success
Grant Trahant
Founder | Causeartist + Causeartist BackOffice
Host | Disruptors for Good + Investing in Impact
Venture Partner | Pay it Forward Ventures
Connect: LinkedIn | X
