Lucia Epstein

The National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) and 21/64 are partnering on a survey to assess the practice of philanthropy by understanding the behavior and attitudes of grantmakers and the consultants and advisors who serve them. If you are a donor, staff at a grantmaking institute, or a consultant or advisor who works in the field of philanthropy, take this survey and share your insights on the role of consultants and advisors in helping Grantmakers advance their philanthropy:

5

1 Comment

The National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) and 21/64 are partnering on a survey to assess the practice of philanthropy by understanding the behavior and attitudes of grantmakers and the consultants and advisors who serve them. If you are a donor, staff at a grantmaking institute, or a consultant or advisor who works in the field of philanthropy, take this survey and share your insights on the role of consultants and advisors in helping Grantmakers advance their philanthropy:

6

1 Comment

JEMHR.CO is a shining example of a company that embodies the principles of passion and purpose, much like the firms highlighted in "Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose" by Rajendra S. Sisodia, David B. Wolfe, and Jagdish N. Sheth. Here’s how JEMHR.CO aligns with these principles https://lnkd.in/dfqP5PkN

19

Last week, I had the pleasure of moderating a discussion on navigating FOAK in climate tech at the Greentown Labs Summit in Boston (which had >600 people!!). Here’s a quick rundown of what was shared by Katherine St. James of Spring Lane Capital, Paris Smalls, PhD of Eden GeoPower, and Hannah Friedman of Planeteer Capital: 🌱 What is the definition of FOAK? We discussed how the term can be controversial - it's almost too general because it doesn't identify what kind of "First" FOAK refers to - first team project? First geography? First of a technology in a sector? First time for the integration of a system? It's also too specific because it has the word "first" in it, which can be anathema to later stage / project finance investors. 💰 Partnerships for Funding FOAK Projects We discussed how important it is to build a blended capital stack & use off-balance sheet capital for a project so you're not using the most expensive equity dollars to fund an infrastructure project with low-ish IRR. We also talked through being creative about using corporate partners to provide in-kind services or ink some agreement (at least an LOI) to attract this funding. 🏛 Role of Government We talked about how government capital is seen by investors & how it can be catalytic for FOAK. Government capital can provide validation that a startup has passed a rigorous diligence process by a third party - and incentives like grants or credits can help improve returns for the first project- but it's important to be doing this in conjunction with getting customer validation and to be able to present line of sight to competitive economics without concessionary capital. 👥 Advice for FOAK startups The panelists offered some very specific pieces of advice for startups going through FOAK: how to get creative with things like revenue sharing agreements or convertible notes, getting smart with project development early on (like with DeveloperU), being careful about using FOAK too liberally with certain investor groups, getting the right commercialization / FOAK talent in and around you early Huge thanks to the panelists and the team at Greentown Labs (Jill Kirkpatrick, Julia Travaglini, Aisling Carlson, etc you rocked it!!) for hosting this discussion on bridging the FOAK gap. Also immensely enjoyed the rest of the agenda. Check out the full recap & videos here: https://lnkd.in/d9ApYe9Y #ClimateTech #FOAK #ClimateFinance #ProjectDevelopment #GreenTech #CleanEnergy

55

5 Comments

Massachusetts is a powerhouse when it comes to innovation ecosystems. With strengths in key sectors like education, healthcare, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and fintech, the state is at the forefront of transformative advancements. Emerging collaboration, creativity, and growth trends continue to define its ecosystem, supported by a rich history, an innovative environment, and abundant investment opportunities. It’s no surprise that Massachusetts remains a global leader in driving innovation. #InnovationEcosystem #Massachusetts #TechInnovation #Collaboration #CleanEnergy #Fintech #Biotechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #EconomicGrowth #FutureOfTech

8

2 Comments

Massachusetts has firmly established itself as a leader in innovation, with three standout sectors fueling its tech-driven economy: biotech, robotics, and cybersecurity. Here’s a look at why the state excels in these fields: 🔬 Biotech: Massachusetts is at the forefront of biotech, thanks to world-class research institutions and a thriving startup ecosystem. With companies like Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.—Massachusetts continues to shape the future of healthcare, from groundbreaking vaccines to genetic therapies. Robotics: Home to pioneers like Boston Dynamics, Massachusetts has become a hub for robotics innovation. From autonomous robots to robotic prosthetics, the state’s ecosystem supports advancements that push the boundaries of human-machine interaction, transforming sectors from healthcare to logistics. Cybersecurity: Massachusetts is also a leader in cybersecurity, providing critical solutions to protect data and infrastructure in an increasingly digital world. With companies like Rapid7 driving research and product development, Massachusetts is at the heart of cutting-edge cybersecurity innovation. Together, these sectors position Massachusetts as a global tech powerhouse. #MassachusettsInnovation #Biotech #Robotics #Cybersecurity #TechEconomy #InnovationEcosystem #FutureTech #BostonTech

1

Catch the latest episode of The UHNW Institute Podcast with Russ Haworth and Betsy Erickson as they talk about the evolving landscape of philanthropy. Hear how collaboration across various domains can support families and advisors in overcoming challenges and achieving their charitable goals. Listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/e368iyCe #UHNW #philanthropy #socialimpact #familyadvisors #wealthmanagement

17

4 Comments

https://lnkd.in/eGnqfMwF Rosy Soil Raises $3.6M in Seed Funding Rosy Soil, a NYC-based sustainable soil company created to offset the negative environmental impact of producing traditional peat-based potting mixes, raised $3.6M in Seed funding. Backers included Draper Associates, Superorganism, Climate Capital, and Boost VC. Rosy Soil is also backed by Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea, Brandin Cohen, founder of LiquidIV and Ben Chesler, co-founder of Imperfect Foods. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its product development efforts, expand its retail presence, and grow its team. Founded by Chad Massura, Rosy Soil is a sustainable soil company dedicated to improving the gardening industry via performing soils. Empowered by biochar, the soils promote plant health, reduce environmental impact and are perfect for a variety of plants including houseplants, cacti, succulents, and seedlings. It is available online, at Target, and at select retailers nationwide.

1

In this episode of "The Future of the Bioeconomy," AV Associate Drew Wandzilak and CEO and co-founder of Hyfe Michelle Ruiz discuss the economy's shift from traditional systems to more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Watch now! https://buff.ly/3JZ5gQI

421

31 Comments

As a proud member of National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG), we recommend participating in this ten-minute survey to inform the 2024 Philanthropy Benchmark Survey: Insights on the Role of Consultants and Advisors in Advancing Giving. Link to survey here: https://lnkd.in/ggYjtX-H The results will help assess the practice of philanthropy by understanding the behavior and attitudes of grantmakers and the consultants and advisors who serve them. #philanthropy #funding #grantmakers

5

2 Comments

✨ Breaking: Artesian Venture Partners Announces New Fund.- Artesian (Alternative Investments) Artesian Venture Partners, a partner of the WAVC initiative, focuses on venture capital investments in early-stage startups across various sectors, including health sciences and renewable energy. https://lnkd.in/dvfKFtkf Please share to let other #Founders know For the ❤️ of Startups #Fusion42 #Startups #Venturecapital

6

As with any healthy product, program, and/or organization, evolution is necessary for us to succeed, grow, and meet future challenges. We didn’t design this program to take on low-risk and easy projects. We didn’t design this program to help maintain the status quo.  We didn’t design this program to play it safe. We designed this program to take moonshots, to spark innovation, and pursue impactful work that no one else is pursuing. If we don’t reach for the stars, then we’re not going to reach our full potential. https://lnkd.in/eWs8YquY

73

7 Comments

Sharing a few quotes and moments that struck deeply over 1.5 days at the “What’s Next Longevity Innovation Summit” in Washington earlier this week, a bit of a twist on a conference debrief. https://lnkd.in/gifeKaAv Overall, almost without exception, every session was powered by the personal experience of the entrepreneur, investor, or stakeholder caring for a loved one. It was magical and heartbreaking at the same time.   “Who is focused on reducing the anxiety and improved sleep of the ‘oldest daughter’ – the one we know is most often in charge of parent caregiving?” [Deepest chord struck for me.]   DYK – “When the family caregiver can live in the home, the parent with dementia lives up to 14 months longer?”   “New codes [re CPT codes] coming out just don’t trickle down to the providers; to learn about new codes you have to be an active learner; and then change how you do your everyday work.”   “Most of the politicians are also now finding themselves as caregivers.” [On the topic of optimism re shifting legislative priorities.]   “Government, do you want to pay for a dementia drug or support for caregivers?”  “It changed my life. I reconnected with my mom for the first time in 4 years.” [On the motivation for building dementia care products. This I understand deeply.]   “Sound Driven Happiness Creation.” [re company’s mission tied to reducing dementia risk with hearing loss with a unique speaker. Also possibly coolest, most elegant, simplest product demo I have ever witnessed. https://soundfun.net/]   “Who is going to build the Match(.com) for older adults and companies facilitating older adults return to work or mentor?” [Sounds like a solid business opportunity to me. 'The Intern’ with Anne Hathaway & Robert De Nero comes to mind.] “Land clients that are true reference clients and demonstrate how senior living is genuinely improved.” [Investor advice on traction.]   “What is amazing about our industry is that everyone wants to help each other! There is an authenticity about our network.”   “Loneliness is very hard to quantify.” [Is it?]   “Goodjevity.” [New word creation that I love!]   “I want to find a way to get people excited about getting older.” [Fingers crossed.]   DYK - “In India they reverse engineered to ensure that mobile phone use would cost less than postage for a postcard which was the existing and established form of communication to facilitate adoption?”    “$18k saved per ‘incident’ of a wandering Alzheimer’s patient solved for where law enforcement agencies otherwise would have to get involved in a search.” [Fascinating metric.]   “80% of caregivers surveyed indicated they thought about suicide in the preceding 30 days.” [Heartbreaking reality check.]   Sharing without attribution (since I missed recording reference for some, and a couple were from personal conversations). Thank you for a great event Mary Furlong!

42

9 Comments

Are you a donor or a grantmaker? Help our colleagues at 21/64 & the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) gain valuable insights on how you engage philanthropy consultants or advisors to advance your giving. Click here to start the survey > https://bit.ly/49FGn76

1

 Showcasing the sustainability and economic efficiency of #renewableenergy projects can persuade #investors of their viability and potential for #highreturns.

2

Check out our recent webinar on applying for SBIR/STTR awards with Fehmida Kapadia, PhD and Kapamed Consulting!

11

Thanks for inviting me TEN Capital Network and Hall T. Martin to talk about some of my favorite topics - climate tech investing and how we are building an energy transition economy in New Mexico.

13

1 Comment

NEWSLETTER ALERT! Ever wondered what's buzzing behind the scenes in #Proptech and #sustainability? 🌍 Join me in exploring cutting-edge #innovations and insights that shape our future. Sign up for our #newsletter and stay ahead of the curve! Don’t miss out on exclusive content that sparks change. Tap the link to subscribe now and let’s drive progress together! 👉 http://eepurl.com/h2kL1L 🚀 

12