Ventures

Antara Health is transforming healthcare in Kenya by providing virtual-first primary care that's accessible, personalized, and data-driven. Through their app, patients can connect with healthcare professionals for virtual consultations, schedule appointments, and manage their health with tailored care plans. It's healthcare at your fingertips, making it easier and more convenient for everyone.

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Behind Antara Health is a team led by doctor-turned-CEO, Dr. Kebba Jobarteh, who believes in inclusive and equitable healthcare systems. He and his team are on a mission to change the healthcare experience by focusing on prevention and personalized care, addressing the root causes of health issues to keep people healthy and productive.

Apollo Agriculture is on a mission to revolutionize smallholder farming in Africa by providing farmers with the tools, technology, training, and financing they need to thrive. Founded by Eli Pollak, Apollo combines cutting-edge agronomy, data science, and mobile technology to offer farmers a comprehensive platform that helps them increase their yields, improve their incomes, and build more resilient livelihoods. Through Apollo’s mobile app, farmers can access high-quality inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, tailored credit, and insurance products, all designed to meet their specific needs.

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Apollo’s innovative approach to farming is driven by a commitment to making agriculture more productive, profitable, and sustainable for smallholder farmers across Kenya. Through the power of data and a user-friendly design, Apollo ensures even the most remote and underserved farmers can benefit from personalized recommendations and support to optimize their practices, reduce risk, and achieve better outcomes.

Atlantic Sea Farms is leading the charge in sustainable aquaculture, demonstrating the vast potential of seaweed to bolster coastal economies and tackle environmental challenges. Located in Maine, a hub for America's seaweed production, the company collaborates with local fishermen to harvest kelp during the lobster off-season. This not only provides an alternative income source but also fits seamlessly into their traditional fishing routines.

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Seaweed farming, particularly kelp, plays a critical role in environmental sustainability. It absorbs carbon dioxide and combats ocean acidification, a serious consequence of climate change. With over 23 partner farmers, Atlantic Sea Farms now produces 80% of the United States' cultivated seaweed.

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The company's collaborations with culinary innovators like Chef David Chang and Sweetgreen have propelled seaweed into the mainstream, highlighting its versatility and health benefits in American cuisine. Atlantic Sea Farms has diversified its offerings with a dozen kelp-based products, including sea-veggie burgers and spicy gochujang seaweed salad, available in major retailers like Whole Foods and on Amazon.

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Bobbie is setting new benchmarks in infant formula with a commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability. Founded by Laura Modi, who experienced firsthand the shortcomings of U.S. formulas, Bobbie was created to offer a product parents can trust. Together with Sarah Hardy, they've crafted a company known for innovative product development and supporting parental workplace needs.

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From its humble beginnings in Laura's basement to its rise as the fastest-growing brand in the U.S., Bobbie continues to redefine industry expectations. Their pioneering formula, the first in the U.S. to be Clean Label and Pesticide-Free Certified, boasts the highest DHA levels essential for infant brain development. The acquisition of Nature’s One in 2023 marked a milestone, establishing the first new U.S.-based infant formula facility in over 40 years.

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Today, Bobbie serves over 5% of the non-WIC market and has nourished over 300,000 babies in its first two years. Through initiatives like 'Bobbie for Change,' the company collaborates with organizations such as The Breasties, supporting women affected by cancer, and 4Kira4Moms, which addresses maternal mortality among Black women.

Brooklyn Debate League's mission is to expand access to the life-changing activity of speech and debate to as many students in NYC's low-income public schools as possible. Founded by K.M. (“DiCo”) and their former student Jonathan Conyers, BDL aims to transform lives through speech and debate. 

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BDL's mission is to equip students with essential skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and advocacy. Through a range of opportunities including debate tournaments and summer camps, BDL is leveling the playing field for speech and debate in NYC. 

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Through intensive partnerships with NYC public schools, BDL is building the capacity of both student leaders and faculty coaches to develop sustainable debate programs. Through training both coaches and teaching students, BDL is developing the infrastructure for the next generation of students in low-income communities to find and use their voice.

Chicago CRED is a nonprofit organization committed to tackling gun violence in Chicago. Founded by Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education, CRED works directly with those most affected by gun violence, offering comprehensive support through street outreach, therapy, life coaching, education, and job training. The organization's unique approach focuses on the power of relationships, building trust with participants through mentorship and creating a strong network of support.

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CRED is helping to reduce gun violence in some of Chicago's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Leveraging its personalized programming and integrated approach, CRED offers those at risk of being a victim or perpetrator of gun violence a way to break the cycle.

The Dikan Center is pioneering visual arts education and developing the next generation of creative leaders across Africa. Located in Accra, Ghana, the center serves as a hub for education, artistic expression, and community engagement, offering a space where the past and present of African diasporic culture come alive. Founded by acclaimed photographer Paul Ninson, the Dikan Center’s innovative approach to visual education encompasses various facets, including an immersive gallery, a studio space for workshops, and the largest photography library on the continent. 

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Through its exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programs, the Dikan Center provides a platform for artists and scholars to explore and share the stories of the African diaspora. The center's programming is designed to foster dialogue, inspire creativity, and promote a deeper understanding of the cultural contributions of African diasporic communities. By bringing together voices from across the globe, the Dikan Center is building bridges between continents and generations, celebrating the resilience, creativity, and diversity of the African diaspora.

Ginjan Bros is popularizing African-inspired cuisine through their two NYC cafes as well as through their retail products. Their flagship product, Ginjan, is a cold-pressed ginger drink. Founded by brothers Mohammed and Rahim Diallo, the company is committed to using sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients to create a range of cold-pressed juices, coffee, and food products. 

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The Diallo brothers' journey from reminiscing about a beloved drink from their youth to establishing a successful business in New York City is a story of determination and cultural pride. Ginjan Bros' products, now stocked by Whole Foods and other nationwide grocers, reflect the brothers' commitment to quality and innovation. Their presence in the media, from Bon Appetit to The New York Times, speaks to their growing influence in the food and beverage industry.

Greenlight Biosciences is at the forefront of a biotech revolution, using RNA-based solutions to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges in agriculture and the environment. Founded by Dr. Andrey Zarur, Greenlight is pioneering the development of RNA technology that offers precise, effective, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional methods. From protecting crops from pests and diseases to safeguarding the honeyee, Greenlight’s innovations are transforming how we approach food production and biodiversity. 

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What sets Greenlight Biosciences apart is its commitment to leveraging the natural properties of RNA to create solutions that are not only effective but also safe for the environment. The company’s agricultural products provide targeted pest control without the harmful side effects of chemical pesticides, helping farmers increase yields while protecting biodiversity. Greenlight’s work is proving that nature and technology can come together to create a brighter future for all.

Founded by world-renowned rock climber Alex Honnold, the Honnold Foundation focuses on supporting solar projects that provide sustainable energy access to underserved communities worldwide. Whether it is launching solar-powered boats in the Peruvian Amazon, installing solar internet hubs in South Africa, or promoting Indigenous energy sovereignty for Native American communities in the United States, the Honnold Foundation partners with grassroots organizations to bring clean, reliable energy to those who need it most.

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Through its commitment to trust-based philanthropy, the Honnold Foundation empowers communities with the tools to harness renewable energy for themselves. Since 2012, the Honnold Foundation has granted over $10 million dollars.

Specializing in clothing made from high-quality Egyptian cotton, Kotn is dedicated to ensuring every piece is as good for the planet as it is for your wardrobe. But Kotn's real strength lies in its authenticity and commitment to the people behind the product.

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What sets Kotn apart is its deep commitment to authenticity and community. The founders have forged strong relationships with cotton farmers in the Nile Delta and Faiyum regions of Egypt, gaining insights into their lives and needs. This connection inspired Kotn's ABCs Project, which dedicates a portion of each sale to funding and building primary schools in these areas. It's a testament to Kotn's belief in giving back and creating lasting impact.

LivFul is reshaping the life sciences landscape with its commitment to health access and impact. Founded by Hogan Bassey, who experienced the harsh realities of malaria in Nigeria, LivFul is dedicated to combating vector-borne diseases with innovative solutions.

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The cornerstone of LivFul's latest innovation is their long-lasting bug repellent featuring STAYTEC™ technology. This technology enables the repellent to remain effective on the skin for 14 hours, reducing the need for reapplication and the risk of disease transmission. In regions plagued by diseases like malaria, Dengue, and yellow fever, this advancement is a lifesaver.

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LivFul's mission extends beyond product innovation; it aims to bridge the gap between the private sector and public health institutions to address global health challenges collaboratively. Their technology is tailored to seamlessly integrate into daily life, especially in emerging markets where conventional prevention methods fall short.

"Imagine cities that feed their own inhabitants. Imagine communities connected by farms. Imagine knowing your farmer and knowing your food." These words from Mohamed Hage, founder and CEO of Lufa Farms, during his 2012 TEDx Talk, encapsulate the vision behind the Montreal-based rooftop farming company. Lufa Farms is a trailblazer in rooftop farming, leveraging skyline hydroponics to maximize food production directly in urban centers.

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Lufa Farms operates two rooftop greenhouses: a 32,000 square foot facility in Montreal's Ahuntsic neighborhood and a 43,000 square foot greenhouse in Laval, Quebec. Since opening in 2011 and 2013, respectively, these farms have been feeding approximately 6,500 Québécois year-round through a subscription model that combines community-supported agriculture (CSA) with e-commerce.

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Lufa Farms' success lies in its innovative use of technology, from climate-controlled greenhouses to a user-friendly online marketplace. This tech-savvy approach, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, exemplifies the modern fusion of agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Mesh++ is transforming internet access with its solar-powered routers, designed to bring high-speed WiFi to outdoor and public spaces. Led by Danny Gardner, who was recognized with the ECE Young Alumni Achievement Award, Mesh++ has pioneered a technology that creates expansive mesh networks without the need for extensive infrastructure. A single node can cover 10 acres, supporting up to 100 users, making it an ideal solution for underserved regions.

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The strength of Mesh++ lies in the resilience of its networks. During Hurricane Ida, when many areas experienced outages, Mesh++'s network in New Orleans remained operational, demonstrating its reliability in the face of adversity.

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Mesh++ is redefining the landscape of internet provision, offering a solution that is more inclusive and accessible than traditional providers. This technology is especially effective when combined with satellite internet services like Starlink, addressing the challenge of last-mile connectivity and bringing us closer to a world where everyone is connected.

Paladin is at the forefront of expanding access to justice by simplifying how lawyers engage in pro bono work. In the United States, an overwhelming 92% of civil legal needs among low-income populations are unmet due to systemic capacity constraints. Paladin's platform tackles this challenge by streamlining the organization and management of pro bono efforts within law firms and corporate legal departments, facilitating better matches between lawyers and the cases that need their expertise.

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By 2023, over 2,500 lawyers and business professionals have engaged with Paladin, contributing to more than 620 projects through the platform. Paladin’s partnerships further extend its impact. As the exclusive pro bono partner for the Association of Corporate Counsel, Paladin offers pro bono trainings, educational sessions, and organized clinics to help members enhance their community contributions.

SAGE Development Authority is at the forefront of the movement for energy sovereignty in the Standing Rock Nation. As a Native-led organization, SAGE is committed to harnessing the power of renewable energy to create economic opportunities and strengthen the community’s resilience. Their flagship project, the Anpetu Wi Wind Farm, represents a monumental step toward self-sufficiency, aiming to generate enough clean energy to power thousands of homes while honoring the cultural and spiritual significance of the land. Through the wind farm and other projects like it, SAGE Development Authority is transforming the energy landscape and paving the way for a new era of Native-led economic development. 

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Under the guidance of experienced Native leaders, SAGE is more than just an energy provider—it’s a beacon of hope for the future of Standing Rock. The organization’s work is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. By prioritizing collaboration with local stakeholders and investing in educational initiatives, SAGE ensures that the benefits of their projects extend far beyond the financial.

Through visionary sanitation planning, Sanivation develops climate-resilient sanitation plans for cities. They seek to eliminate contamination risks, design and operate treatment plants, and advise on solid waste management, including collection, sorting, and reuse. 

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Sanivation’s plants transform sludge into biomass fuels, creating sustainable fuels to power local communities. When Covid-19 first emerged, Sanivation helped local African communities combat the spread of Covid with by delivering innovative sanitation stations through their WASH Intervention.

In the heart of Tanzania, where cashews are a way of life, YYTZ Agro’s commitment to social impact is reshaping the narrative of African agriculture. By forging partnerships directly with local farmers, YYTZ Agro ensures that these hardworking individuals, including the women who provide 90% of labor in small-scale cashew processing, receive fair compensation for their cashews. This empowers them to prosper and improve their quality of life, contributing to the overall development of their communities.

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By investing in state-of-the-art machinery to process high-quality cashews right in Tanzania, YYTZ is reducing reliance on foreign processing and keeping more value within the local economy. Their factory in Zanzibar is a hub of innovation, aiming to create a more inclusive cashew nut processing chain that benefits everyone involved.