Superpowers for Good: SuperCrowd Voices

The Pragmatic Moonshot: Why I Sold My Car for One More Month of Runway

Eric Bennett — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:01:39 GMT

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“The ship is going down. Save yourself.”

That is what I told our intern back in 2019. I was a solo founder bootstrapping a deep tech biotech company, and I was nearly out of cash.

Devin Thorpe often asks changemakers on this platform to name their superpower. If I had to distill mine, it is relentless resilience. When you are building something difficult, you inevitably hit a wall where you have to decide how committed you really are.

For me, that moment arrived when I looked at my car.

Eric Bennett, Founder and CEO of Frontier Bio, tissue engineering pioneer

My Mazda RX-8 was worth about one more month of runway.

After finding a buyer, I took the scenic route toward the drop-off, weighing the risk and mapping out the next 30 days. Before stepping out of the driver’s seat, I remember the internal monologue vividly: Am I really going to sell my car? Well, what is the alternative? I either buy myself thirty more days to figure it out, or I fold today, walk away, and watch the entire vision die right here. Screw that.

I stepped out of the car. “One condition,” I told the buyer. “I’ll need a ride to my lab.”

At the time, Frontier Bio was still very early, but I was already proving that the technology had practical potential.

The bootstrapper’s advantage

Building living human tissue is incredibly capital intensive. Because I was bootstrapping, I did not have the luxury of spending a decade in a lab burning cash before making a dime. I had to find immediate applications for the technology.

I started generating early revenue by working with researchers at the Mayo Clinic. They were exploring alternatives to using live animals for testing medical devices like flow diverters, stents, and aneurysm coils.

I created scaffolds that they combined with human cells to grow into preliminary tissue-engineered blood vessels, which could then be used to test these devices.

It was a crucial stepping stone.

Working with them showed that this technology could play a role in reducing the industry’s reliance on animal testing. But early pilot revenue is rarely enough to keep a deep tech lab running forever, which is exactly why the Mazda had to go.

Selling the car bought Frontier Bio about one month of life. With the clock ticking down, I was officially accepted into Brinc, a deep tech accelerator. They saw the early commercial traction I had generated in a highly complex field. Before my thirty days of car money ran out, being accepted into the program unlocked a $100,000 lifeline.

Unlocking massive leaps forward

That single month of bought time eventually snowballed. Since those early days, we have generated $5.5 million in sales and raised $4.1 million. We secured a National Science Foundation SBIR grant to expand our vascular work. In 2025, the core patent for my method of creating advanced vascular grafts was officially granted in the US.

Given my background in developing technologies like brain-machine interfaces and microfluidic DNA assembly, people sometimes ask me why I chose to go all-in on this specific problem. The truth is, I am driven to build foundational technologies that push the absolute boundaries of what is medically possible.

Tissue engineering does exactly that. First, it unlocks the ability to reduce our reliance on animal studies in medical research. Next, it unlocks the creation of implantable tissue-engineered blood vessels. And looking toward the future, it unlocks the foundational technology to help solve the global human organ shortage.

As our technology and capabilities scale, our funding strategy has evolved as well. We recently decided to open a community round on Wefunder.

Bypassing the venture bottleneck

Committing to the traditional venture route today often means sacrificing over a year to investor roadshows and exhausting diligence. We cannot afford to have our leadership sidelined for 12 months. Regulation Crowdfunding empowers us to control our capital pipeline directly, keeping our executive focus exactly where it belongs: on growing the business and executing our core mission.

We also have a deep network of entrepreneurs and operators who want to invest small checks. Wefunder’s platform allows us to easily bring these individuals on board, letting us tap into their brainpower without the administrative headache.

We are turning our community into a growth engine.

Historically, our private angel investors have been instrumental in making introductions that lead directly to actual revenue. Opening a community round allows us to systematically scale that effect, bringing on hundreds of industry professionals and advocates who can act as champions for our tissue models worldwide.

We are no longer just trying to survive the next thirty days. We are building a reality where medical breakthroughs do not rely on animal testing, and where the waitlist for a lifesaving organ is a thing of the past. The future of medicine is living, engineered, and human. We invite you to help us build it.

About the Author

Eric Bennett is the founder and CEO of Frontier Bio, a tissue engineering company developing lab-grown human tissues for research today and regenerative medicine in the long term. A serial entrepreneur and biomedical engineer, he previously served as CTO at Aether, building advanced, low-cost bioprinters. His technical background spans bioprinting, microfluidics, DNA assembly, optogenetics, and brain-computer interfacing. With a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Eric is driven by a passion to turn science fiction into reality, committed to developing transformative technologies that push the boundaries of regenerative medicine.

Crowdfunding campaign: wefunder.com/frontier.bio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericbennettsprofile/
Website: frontierbio.com

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Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – Private Investor Session: Immediately following the March 17, 2026 live broadcast at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, investors are invited to join an exclusive private Zoom session to engage directly with the presenting founders—BRG Therapeutics (Dale Walker), GigaWatt (Deep Patel), My Diabetes Health (Dr. Prem Sahasranam), and rHEALTH (Eugene Chan). In this dedicated off-air environment, participants can ask deeper questions about strategy, traction, deal terms, and impact while exploring their active Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns in real time. Watch the live pitches on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, LG Smart TVs via e360tv, LinkedIn, YouTube, or Facebook—then continue the conversation in the private investor session where capital and clarity come together. Register free to get access to both events.
SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on March 17th at 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT. Mark your calendar. We’ll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!
SuperCrowdHour March: This month, Devin Thorpe will explore how investors can align profit with purpose in a powerful session titled “Why You Should Make Money with Impact Crowdfunding.” As CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., Devin will share practical insights on generating financial returns while driving measurable social and environmental impact through regulated investment crowdfunding. Register free to get all the details. March 18th at Noon ET/9:00 PT.
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Health Injustice: Why Education Is the Therapy We’ve Been Missing

PREM SAHASRANAM MD — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:01:42 GMT

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.”

Prem Saharasnam, MD: Board-certified endocrinologist and founder of My Diabetes Tutor, advancing rural health equity through diabetes care.

That quote has followed me for years because I’ve lived it alongside my patients.

I’m an endocrinologist. I’ve spent two decades working with people who are doing their best to manage diabetes while juggling everything else life throws at them: jobs, children, financial stress, lack of transportation, unstable access to healthy food, language barriers, and too often, a healthcare system that expects them to figure it all out on their own.

The story of My Diabetes Tutor didn’t start in a boardroom or a pitch deck. It started in California’s Central Valley.

If you know the Central Valley, you know it’s beautiful, hard-working, and underserved. It’s a place where people show up for their families and their communities, even when the resources don’t show up for them.

I built a practice there and ended up consulting more than 35,000 patients over time. And what I learned quickly was this: If I wanted my patients to succeed, the best thing I could give them wasn’t another medication. It was education.

By 2018, I had two full-time diabetes educators on staff. The impact wasn’t subtle. When patients truly understand what’s happening in their bodies, what their numbers mean, and how to respond without fear or confusion, everything changes.

I’ll never forget the look on a patient’s face when she admitted she’d been afraid to use her insulin because no one had shown her how. She wasn’t careless. She was terrified. That moment stayed with me, because it wasn’t about effort. It was about support.

But then something happened that forced me to see the bigger problem. Those educators retired. And when I tried to replace them, I couldn’t.

Not because diabetes educators aren’t out there. But recruiting specialized talent to rural communities is incredibly difficult. And my patients couldn’t just “drive to the nearest program,” because for many of them, the nearest program might as well have been in another universe.

That was the moment I stopped thinking about this as my staffing issue and started seeing it for what it really was: a national access crisis.

We’ve created a system where education is optional, and that’s dangerous.

When people talk about healthcare access, they tend to focus on doctors. But diabetes care is not only about endocrinologists. Diabetes is won or lost in the day-to-day details.

It’s won in the moments where a patient decides what to eat, how to take their meds, what to do when their blood sugar is high or low, how to avoid dangerous patterns, how to use technology, and how to bounce back when they’ve had a hard week.

That kind of support is supposed to come from diabetes education programs. Yet, huge portions of this country simply don’t have them.

62% of non-metropolitan counties in the United States lack a diabetes education program entirely. And even when programs exist, access is often limited by geography, transportation, scheduling, and language barriers.

Here’s another number that still shocks me: Only 5% to 7% of people with diabetes receive education during their first year after diagnosis.

Think about that.

We diagnose someone with a life-altering condition… and then we send them out into the world without teaching them how to live with it. And then we wonder why people struggle.

That’s not a gap in the system. That is the system.

So I built My Diabetes Tutor.

In 2019, I decided to build a solution that didn’t rely on geography. That’s how My Diabetes Tutor was born. I didn’t want to build something flashy. I wanted to build something effective.

In chronic disease management, “social determinants of health” aren’t abstract concepts. They are real barriers that decide outcomes:

Transportation
Language
Limited access to specialty care
Lack of local resources
Competing life responsibilities
Burnout and overwhelm
A history of being dismissed by the system

And when those barriers pile up, it doesn’t matter how advanced the medication is. Patients still get left behind.

True equity means we stop pretending everyone starts at the same line. It means we build care that meets people exactly where they are.

Health equity isn’t a slogan. It’s our operating system.

I’m proud to say that equity isn’t something we added later at My Diabetes Tutor. It’s baked into how we work. We focus on three things that sound simple, but are surprisingly rare in practice:

First, we dismantle barriers.

We provide virtual, scalable education so patients can access support without needing transportation, childcare, or hours off work.

Second, we prioritize cultural competency.

Education doesn’t work if it doesn’t connect. Our tutors reflect the communities we serve and understand the lived experiences of the patients who need support the most. That trust is not “nice to have.” It’s the difference between engagement and dropout.

Third, we insist on clinical results.

This is not just about good intentions. It has to work. The national average A1C reduction for diabetes education is around 0.73 points. We’ve demonstrated an average A1C reduction of 1.6 points.

That isn’t luck. That’s what happens when people get consistent support, coaching, and education designed for real life.

The human part can’t be automated.

A lot of companies right now are trying to replace people with technology. I understand why. It’s tempting. It’s scalable. It looks efficient. But I believe something different.

Technology should not replace the human connection that healthcare requires. Technology should enable it.

My Diabetes Tutor is a tech-enabled platform with a human touch. Most of our sessions are one-on-one video visits led by certified diabetes care and education specialists. It’s personal. It’s practical. It’s not rushed.

It happens because someone finally feels supported enough to try again.

And we don’t stop there, because we’ve also learned something important: even technology can become a barrier.

Not every patient is comfortable with a video platform. Not everyone has reliable internet. Some patients don’t want another app in their lives. Some don’t have the bandwidth—literally or emotionally.

So we adapt.

For patients who aren’t tech-savvy, we mail physical materials to their homes. And for patients who need it, we provide audio-only sessions. Because the worst possible outcome is making someone feel like they can’t receive care simply because they don’t have the right device or the right confidence.

If you care about equity, you don’t build for the ideal patient. You build for the patient who is most likely to be excluded.

This is what “doing good while doing well” looks like.

I’m building My Diabetes Tutor because the need is real, and the system isn’t solving it.

We’re working toward a future where high-quality diabetes education is not a privilege reserved for people with the best insurance, the most flexible schedules, or the easiest access to specialty care.

We’re building a future where diabetes support is a right.

And yes, we’re growing. In 2023, our monthly visits grew 3x, and we passed 12,000 patient encounters.

But what matters to me even more than growth is what those encounters represent: conversations that change someone’s life. Education that turns fear into confidence. Support that prevents complications. Coaching that helps someone finally feel in control again.

At My Diabetes Tutor, we say, “Education is Therapy for Life.” It’s not a slogan to us. It’s the standard we hold ourselves to.

Why does this matter to investors who want impact?

If you’re someone who believes investment can be more than a financial transaction, and you believe capital can help scale solutions that improve lives, then this is the kind of work worth paying attention to.

Prem Sahasranam, MD (Dr. Sahas), is a Board-Certified Endocrinologist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He founded My Diabetes Tutor in 2019 to address the critical shortage of specialists in rural “care deserts”. A graduate of Madras Medical College with post-graduate training at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College, he is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University and a dedicated advocate for health equity.

Website: MyDiabetesTutor.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/prem-sahasranam-ba10077/

Crowdfunding campaign: https://www.startengine.com/offering/my-diabetes-health

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Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on February 17th at 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT. Mark your calendar. We’ll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details.
SuperCrowdHour February: This month, I’ll be digging deep into my core finance expertise to share guidance on projections and financial statements. We’re calling it “Show Me the Numbers: Building Trust with Financial Clarity.” Register free to get all the details. February 18th at Noon ET/9:00 PT.

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Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Join UGLY TALK: Women Tech Founders in San Francisco on January 29, 2026, an energizing in-person gathering of 100 women founders focused on funding strategies and discovering SuperCrowd as a powerful alternative for raising capital.

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Reinventing Infant Nutrition Through Science and Empathy

Devin D. Thorpe — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:00:56 GMT

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When I meet founders who are driven as much by heart as by science, I’m reminded why I love this work. Every once in a while, someone comes along who isn’t just building a company but reshaping an entire system for the better. That’s exactly what I discovered in my conversation with Del Afonso, the founder of Harmony Baby Nutrition. His journey—from witnessing the heartbreak of children facing severe dietary constraints to navigating his own daughter’s feeding challenges—has led him to reimagine infant formula from the ground up. His story is a powerful reminder that innovation fueled by compassion can change lives, starting with our most vulnerable little ones.

Del Afonso, founder and CEO of Harmony Baby Nutrition, is a veteran infant-nutrition innovator with two decades of research, entrepreneurship, and clinical experience.

What follows is an interview I conducted with Del.

What inspired you to start your company?

Harmony is my second venture in infant nutrition, and my motivation has always been deeply personal, rooted in the real struggles babies and families face.

Years ago, during my time as a researcher, I witnessed something that left a lasting impression. A young girl with PKU was overjoyed to learn she could finally eat bananas. For children with this condition, even common protein sources like meat, eggs, milk, cereals, and some fruits can cause severe brain damage. Seeing her celebrate something as simple as a banana, a fruit I eat regularly, was both humbling and heartbreaking. I also remember the taste and smell of the medical formulas these children had to consume. It was shocking how unpleasant they were, especially considering how vital they are to survival. That moment stayed with me.

Years later, when my daughter Ana was diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy, I experienced firsthand how limited and disgusting the existing formula options were. I knew we could do better. I knew science and innovation could help us create something that not only meets nutritional needs but also brings comfort and joy to children like Ana.

That’s why I built Harmony to change the game in infant nutrition and help kids thrive.

What problem are you solving, and who benefits most from your solution?

Nearly 90% of babies in the U.S. rely on formula by six months of age. Yet, today’s formulas are still little more than cow’s milk powder in a can. Cow’s milk is fundamentally different from human milk, and this gap contributes to measurable disparities in early childhood health. Around one in five babies fed with standard formula experiences some form of allergic reaction, largely triggered by cow’s milk proteins that are absent in human milk.

The problem is even more pronounced for allergic infants. Existing “hypoallergenic” formulas rely on harsh processing and added sugars to mask their bitter taste and smell, leaving parents feeling like they’re feeding medicine rather than nourishment.

Harmony was created to change that. Our first product provides gentle, clean nutrition for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy, inspired by the biology of human milk. Looking ahead, our future formulas will move even closer to nature’s blueprint by using biotechnology to replace cow’s milk with recombinant human milk components. This will allow us to eliminate allergens entirely and, for the first time, not just treat but prevent allergies before they begin. Ultimately, Harmony’s mission is to make human milk–inspired nutrition accessible to every family, everywhere.

What makes your company stand out in your space or industry?

The infant formula industry has barely changed in over half a century, dominated by a few giants that continue to rely on cow’s milk as the foundation of their products. Harmony stands apart by reimagining formula from the ground up, using biotechnology and formulation science to bring the composition of infant nutrition closer to that of human milk.

Our formulas are designed through science, not tradition. We’ve developed proprietary formulations that mirror human milk’s form and function, achieving a level of resemblance far beyond conventional formulas. This breakthrough allows us to deliver products that taste better, digest more easily, and better support healthy growth of gut and immune development.

Beyond our technology, what truly sets Harmony apart is our purpose. We’re a team of scientists and parents combining cutting-edge research with lived experience and building a company where innovation and empathy go hand in hand to transform how families feed their babies.

What’s next for your company—what are you most excited to build or accomplish in the future?

We’re gearing up to launch Melodi in the U.S. in early 2026, our first commercial product and a major milestone marking Harmony’s transition from lab to launch. After years of R&D, Melodi will be one of the first science-driven hypoallergenic formulas designed to taste, smell, and perform more like human milk. This launch represents more than a product debut; it’s the first step in redefining how families feed their little ones.

Beyond Melodi, our next chapter focuses on advancing biotechnology to build the world’s first formulas made with recombinant human milk proteins. We’re also expanding our global R&D footprint with a $5.9M grant-backed facility in Brazil dedicated to infant formula innovation. This will accelerate our ability to develop, test, and scale future generations of human milk–inspired nutrition for families around the world.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned on your entrepreneurial journey that might help others?

If you’re working on something that can truly transform the world for the better, perseverance isn’t optional; it’s essential. In science-based businesses, especially biotech, the path to market is long, complex, and highly regulated. Developing bioactive formulas that mimic human milk requires technical excellence, patience to generate robust pre-clinical and clinical data, and the ability to navigate regulatory hurdles. Success also depends on attracting top talent, securing funding, and people skills to keep teams focused through inevitable challenges. In this space, perseverance isn’t just a trait; it’s the engine that drives progress and lasting impact.

Why might someone want to learn more about your offering or follow your progress?

To witness and support how science and innovation are transforming and ultimately will disrupt a massive, $100 billion industry. Infant nutrition has remained stagnant for over 150 years, dominated by a handful of large players with little incentive to innovate.

In today’s world, where biotechnology and nutritional science have advanced dramatically, it makes no sense to rely on modified cow’s milk as the sole source of nutrition for infants. We now have the tools and knowledge to generate the human milk components and create better, more tailored solutions that truly mirror human milk form and functions.

The transformation of this industry isn’t a future possibility. It’s happening today, and Harmony is leading the way on that.

Del Afonso’s Bio

Del Afonso is the founder and CEO of Harmony Baby Nutrition. With over 20 years of experience as a researcher, entrepreneur, and infant nutrition expert, Del has treated thousands of babies with special dietary needs and launched more than 30 innovative nutritional products supported by 30 scientific papers, two book chapters, and seven patents. Harmony was born from his family’s own feeding challenges after his daughter was diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy. Driven by both science and empathy, Del is pioneering biotechnology-based formulas that bring comfort and peace of mind back to feeding.

Links:

Website: www.harmonybabynutrition.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/harmony-baby-nutrition/
Crowdfunding campaign: wefunder.com/harmony.baby.nutrition

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(We’re grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch applications due by November 17. Apply to pitch at the Superpowers for Good live event on December 11, 2025. This is your chance to spark campaign momentum and present to expert investors who frequently invest in our winners. Applicants must have an active Regulation Crowdfunding offering live when applying that will still be live on the event date. Apply by November 17, 2025.
SuperCrowdHour, November 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern — Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “Investing with a Self-Directed IRA.” In this session, Devin will explain how investors can use self-directed IRAs to participate in regulated investment crowdfunding while managing taxes and optimizing returns. He’ll break down when this strategy makes sense, how to choose the right custodian, and what fees, rules, and risks to watch for. With his trademark clarity and real-world experience, Devin will help you understand how to balance simplicity with smart tax planning—so you can invest confidently, align your portfolio with your values, and make your money work harder for both impact and income.
SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don’t miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.

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Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

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Giving Vintage Vision New Life: Maureen Ryza’s AZYR Specs

Devin D. Thorpe — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:01:21 GMT

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The spark came on a film set. Maureen Ryza—then working in costume design—was dressing characters for a story set in 1975 when she saw what the right frames could do. “A single moment in time sparked AZYR Specs, I remember it vividly,” she says. “I was dressing the characters to portray the decade, and I abruptly noticed how they were transformed when they put vintage eyewear on their face. More than an accessory, it was a persona. It IS a persona.” There was just one problem: “Most of these glasses had old prescription lenses in them, deeming them unusable.”

Maureen Ryza

Out of that limitation, Ryza glimpsed a bigger mission. “Coming from the fashion industry, I had always been uneasy about its wastefulness,” she explains. “This felt like my chance to make a change. What came next, is the beginning of AZYR Specs.” The early days were scrappy and tactile—“a plethora of old vintage glasses on eBay, immersion in the decade 1970s [day in, day out], and a trusty optician”—and they led to the company’s guiding line: “A way to give vintage eyewear new life while redefining how we see ourselves.”

That ethos informs both the product and the purpose. “We solve the problem of mass-produced, wasteful eyewear by transforming forgotten frames into wearable collector’s pieces,” Ryza says. “We like to call them heirlooms in the making.” She points to a cultural shift favoring authenticity: “In a world increasingly defined by technology, now more than ever, people are craving objects with human touch, history, and imperfections.” AZYR Specs aims to deliver exactly that “through refined vintage eyewear.”

Crucially, Ryza sees the audience as broad—and personal. “Our audience is wide: glasses wearers who crave identity but don’t know where to find it, and eco-conscious buyers who want their choices to matter,” she says. “Glasses are an everyday essential, prescription or not. The sun shines daily, what do you want your eyewear to say about you?” The question is both style prompt and thesis statement: frames as daily declaration.

In a market full of “heritage” branding and retro vibes, Ryza insists on the real thing. “While other eyewear brands are creating ‘heritage’ or vintage-inspired pieces, I am offering the real thing,” she says. “This makes each piece authentic, rare, and culturally significant.” Sourcing is central: “Through our sourcing trips, AZYR Specs has made global connections, and continues to do so.” Those trips also shaped the business model. “It has also shifted our model from one-off products to scalable,” she notes. “In the eyewear industry as a whole, we stand out by taking iconic pieces of design from the past and bringing them back to the forefront.”

That stance extends beyond product pages and Instagram. “In the world of vintage eyewear sellers, our dedication to innovation sets us far apart,” Ryza says. “Our desire is to blend the past and the present, and turn this passion into an unforgettable online experience. Past the showroom, past the social media. We are building an entire brand world.” Part of the job is educational: “Some people don’t even know this problem exists.” AZYR Specs positions itself as both curator and guide—translating design history for modern wearers.

Customization is a major throughline. “We aim to bring vintage eyewear back to the forefront, highlighting artistry and history but making it possible for customization to the everyday, modern wearer,” she says. The idea is to preserve the soul of a frame while refining its fit and function for daily life—what Ryza calls “refined collector’s pieces” that are meant to be worn, not shelved.

Now the brand is preparing its most tangible expression yet: a permanent showroom in New York City. “What’s immediately next is opening AZYR Specs’ first permanent showroom in New York City,” Ryza says. It’s a milestone made meaningful by the path that led there. “From a basement in Bedstuy, to a fifth-floor walk-up apartment in Chinatown, to pop-ups across NYC, Chicago, Paris and London, we’ve grown step by step to this milestone.” The space will elevate the service model. “The showroom will [allow] us to host private client and stylist appointments, offer fittings and consultations, and refine frames on-site with professional equipment.”

Ryza is careful to frame the showroom as more than a workspace. “Rather than just a working studio, it will be a stage for our collection, a hub of professionalism, and a space that brings the AZYR Specs experience to life,” she says. She sees it as the launchpad for a wider push: “Consider it our first step towards globalization. With a dedicated floor to host events in the space, we’ll also bring the AZYR Specs Club from concept to execution, transforming our community into a living, breathing extension of the brand.” The club concept—events, conversations, and collector culture—echoes her belief that eyewear is identity-laden art.

Of course, building any brand with global ambitions requires discipline as well as taste. Ryza’s biggest founder lesson can be summed up in a single word: “Delegate,” she says. “As a founder, it’s easy to take on everything yourself, but that only leads to overwhelm and missed opportunities. My biggest lesson has been learning that the business grows faster when I focus on what I do best and empower others to take ownership of the rest.” It’s advice she wishes she’d heard—and heeded—earlier. “If I could go back, I’d tell myself to delegate from the very beginning,” she says. “Mentors matter, and while the founder’s journey is full of highs and lows, if you believe in your vision, others will too. It can be a lonely journey but it doesn’t have to.”

Why follow AZYR Specs now? Because the company is trying to fuse two priorities that rarely coexist at scale: unapologetic individuality and serious sustainability. “People might want to follow AZYR Specs because we are redefining what eyewear can be,” Ryza says. “Turning forgotten vintage into refined collector’s pieces, while building a global movement around sustainability and style.” The next phase includes both bricks and clicks. “We’re expanding from pop-ups to a permanent NYC showroom, and at the same time creating a seamless online experience with tools like a face-shape guide, personalized profiles, and curated recommendations,” she explains. “With the right team in place, we can scale this vision much faster while bringing a whole new standard of individuality and sustainability to the eyewear industry.”

The throughline is as philosophical as it is operational: honor the past, refine it for the present, and wear it into the future. AZYR Specs isn’t only swapping lenses; it’s reframing how people see themselves—literally and figuratively. The founder’s original insight on that 1975 movie set endures as a brand mantra and a customer promise: “A way to give vintage eyewear new life while redefining how we see ourselves.”

In an era when “retro” often means mass-produced knockoffs of the real thing, Ryza’s insistence on authenticity is both a design choice and a climate stance. Frames become “heirlooms in the making,” stories you carry on your face. And as Ryza reminds us, the choice is daily and intentional: “Glasses are an everyday essential, prescription or not. The sun shines daily, what do you want your eyewear to say about you?”

Maureen Ryza’s Bio

Maureen Ryza is the Founder of AZYR Specs, a New York-based vintage eyewear brand dedicated to transforming the industry through innovation, curation, and collaboration. With a background in costume design and styling for TV and film, she saw firsthand how eyewear shapes identity and storytelling. Originally from Chicago, Maureen has built a global network of collectors, opticians, and creatives to revive forgotten frames as refined collector’s pieces. Her mission goes beyond fashion—she aims to change the world and the eyewear industry by proving sustainability can be synonymous with luxury, and that glasses can inspire confidence, culture, and change.

Links:

Website: www.azyrspecs.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maureen-ryza-3b548890

Crowdfunding Campaign: Honeycomb Credit

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

SuperCrowdHour, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “The Perfect Pitch: Creating an Irresistible Offering.” As a former investment banker and author, Devin will guide entrepreneurs through the process of crafting a regulated investment crowdfunding offering that aligns with investor expectations and captures attention. In this session, he’ll share what makes a pitch compelling, how to structure terms that attract capital, and practical strategies for presenting your company’s story in a way that resonates with investors. Whether you’re launching your first community raise or refining a current campaign, this SuperCrowdHour will equip you with the tools to stand out and secure investor support. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to transform your vision into a pitch investors can’t resist.
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don’t miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington, DC, October 21-22, 2025.
Impact Accelerator Summit is a live, in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.

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Why So Many Crowdfunded Startups Skip Financial Reporting and Why It Matters

Riley League — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:01:11 GMT

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This article is based on the academic paper “Equity Crowdfunding ‘Rules’: Compliance with Mandated Ongoing Financial Reporting in an Unenforced Environment” by Gregory Burke and Riley League. For the most up-to-date draft, please download it from SSRN here.

Professor Greg Burke

When the United States legalized investment crowdfunding in 2016 under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), it represented a significant change in securities markets. For the first time, everyday investors, not only wealthy or accredited individuals, could purchase shares in small, early-stage companies through online platforms. Since then, thousands of offerings have raised billions of dollars from millions of small-dollar investors.

Alongside this expansion came a reporting requirement. Every company that raises money under Reg CF is obligated to file a simple annual report, known as Form C-AR, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are intended to provide updates on the financial position and performance of the firm.

Our research finds that compliance with this requirement is strikingly low. Only about 28 percent of companies file their report on time, more than half never file at all, and even among those that do file, many do so months after the deadline.

For many of these companies, the annual report is the only formal source of financial information available to investors. Unlike large public firms, crowdfunded startups rarely have media coverage, audited quarterly reports, or institutional investors monitoring them. As a result, noncompliance has consequences for market transparency.

Why, then, do so many startups fail to file?

At first glance, the reporting requirement does not appear to be burdensome. Form C-AR is brief compared to the filings required of public companies, does not require an audit, and can often be completed with outside assistance for under $1,000. Nevertheless, most companies choose not to comply.

One explanation is the lack of enforcement. While failing to file is a clear violation of securities law, to our knowledge, there have been no SEC enforcement actions against startups for noncompliance to date. With little chance of sanction, many founders may rationally conclude that the costs of preparing a report outweigh the perceived risks of not doing so.

A second explanation is that founders may not perceive significant benefits from filing. They may believe investors neither seek out nor rely on annual reports, or they may worry that presenting financial results, often showing losses, could discourage potential future investment. Relatedly, the absence of strong external monitors differentiates this market from public equity markets. Startups raising capital through Reg CF generally face less pressure from auditors, analysts, or institutional investors to provide ongoing information.

Costs, while modest by some standards, can also be meaningful for very small or resource-constrained firms. For entrepreneurs operating on limited budgets, even a $1,000 preparation fee can be a nontrivial expenditure.

Finally, some firms appear to approach compliance strategically. We find that many startups delay or “catch up” on filings only when preparing to raise additional capital, since companies cannot launch new offerings if they are out of compliance. In practice, this means reporting often occurs only when future fundraising depends on it.

So, do investors use these financial reports when they are available? Our evidence suggests that they do. By examining SEC website traffic data, we observe that visits to annual reports increase sharply around reporting deadlines, especially when companies launch new offerings. This pattern indicates that investors actively seek out financial disclosures at decision-relevant moments, such as when considering new investments. The gap between investor demand for information and the low level of company compliance highlights a tension in the investment crowdfunding market.

To better understand what motivates compliance, we collaborated with KingsCrowd, a leading analyst firm in this space, which conducted a field experiment. In 2024, KingsCrowd sent email reminders to thousands of founders approaching reporting deadlines. The messages varied in emphasis: some stressed the legal obligations and risks of failing to file, others highlighted potential economic benefits of compliance, such as improved fundraising outcomes, and each email presented a different discount code for a third-party filing service.

The results provide clear evidence on managerial behavior. Messages emphasizing regulatory risk increased compliance by about 20 percent. By contrast, messages emphasizing the potential economic benefits of compliance had no measurable effect. Discounts on filing services modestly increased compliance only when regulatory risk was not highlighted, suggesting that costs can matter but are secondary to perceptions of legal obligation.

Taken together, these findings suggest that regulatory risk, even in an environment with little actual enforcement, is a primary driver of financial reporting compliance. Economic incentives, reputational considerations, or moral appeals appear to be much weaker motivators.

This has several implications for the broader investment crowdfunding ecosystem. For investors, the absence of consistent reporting reduces transparency and makes it more difficult to evaluate ongoing company performance. Yet when reports are available, investors do access them, particularly at the time of new offerings. For founders, the choice not to file may appear to save money in the short run, but it can limit credibility and delay access to future capital. For platforms and regulators, the evidence suggests that relying solely on voluntary compliance is ineffective. However, oversight need not be costly. Something as simple as an email reminder that emphasizes legal obligations proved effective at increasing reporting rates in our study.

Our work also contributes to a broader understanding of compliance in financial markets. In public markets, high levels of enforcement make it difficult to observe alternative motivations for following financial reporting rules. In the Reg CF market, where enforcement is minimal, we can see more clearly why managers do or do not comply. The results suggest that even absent active enforcement, the perception of regulatory risk remains a powerful influence, while other potential drivers are much less significant.

For the impact investing community, these findings underscore the central role of transparency. Investment crowdfunding expands access to capital and investment opportunities, but its success depends on maintaining trust between investors and entrepreneurs. Annual financial reporting is one of the few structured mechanisms that can sustain this trust. Investors who value accountability may wish to favor firms that comply with their reporting obligations. Platforms can promote compliance by requiring it as a condition for hosting new offerings. Regulators have low-cost tools, such as targeted reminders, that could meaningfully improve compliance rates.

Investment crowdfunding has created new opportunities for small businesses to raise capital and for individuals to participate in early-stage ventures. At the same time, it has introduced new challenges for oversight and transparency. Our research documents that compliance with ongoing financial reporting requirements is currently low, identifies the factors that make reporting more likely, and provides evidence that modest interventions can improve outcomes.

While the long-term implications for the Reg CF market remain uncertain, our findings suggest that strengthening perceptions of regulatory risk, even through simple, low-cost measures, can enhance financial reporting compliance and, in turn, improve transparency for investors. By reinforcing the expectation that rules are to be followed, the investment crowdfunding ecosystem can continue to grow on a foundation of greater accountability and trust.

About the Author: Greg Burke

Greg is an assistant professor at the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University Chicago, located in downtown Chicago. He completed my Ph.D. in accounting at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and completed a two-year visit at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Greg’s research focuses on financial accounting issues, particularly those related to securities regulation/enforcement, financial reporting and disclosure, entrepreneurial finance, and corporate governance. Currently, he is particularly interested in the securities market promulgated by Regulation Crowdfunding. While Greg’s primary research method is empirical-archival, he has some projects that use experimental, survey, and analytical methods to better address research questions where archival methods are less appropriate.

Greg has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and basic mathematics. He has also instructed new hire assurance associates at PwC as well as professionals at a start-up incubator.

Outside of academia, Greg enjoys getting outside, doing a good DIY household project, and finding an unbeatable sale.

Greg is a member of the Crowdfunding Professional Association.

gregory-burke.com

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch on September 29, 2025, hosted by Devin Thorpe on e360tv, will feature Core Tax Deeds, Dopple, ProActive Realty Group, and Victory Hemp Foods pitching their active Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns to a nationwide audience. Viewers can vote for their favorite companies, win prizes, ask live questions, and join a private investor Zoom session to engage directly with founders and even invest during the show. Don’t miss this free chance to discover and support purpose-driven startups—register here: https://thesupercrowd.com/25q3pitch
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
KingsCrowd Investment Crowdfunding Week: September 29 through October 2nd, featuring speakers, panels and live pitches (Devin Thorpe will be judging the Clean Energy pitch session on September 30 at 2ET/11PT). Free registration!
Neighborhood Economics: Chicago takes place September 29–October 1, 2025, at Venue SIX10, bringing together changemakers, innovators, and community leaders reimagining wealth, ownership, and entrepreneurship to drive real community transformation.
Earthstock Festival & Summit (Oct 2–5, 2025, Santa Monica & Venice, CA) unites music, arts, ecology, health, and green innovation for four days of learning, networking, and celebration. Register now at EarthstockFestival.com.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington, DC, October 21-22, 2025.
Impact Accelerator Summit is a live, in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.

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Preventing Cancer Before It Starts: Jonathan Cohen’s Bold Vision for Early Detection and Investor Impact

Devin D. Thorpe — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:50 GMT

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Despite staggering investments in cancer treatments, most patients still face limited benefits—especially when diagnosed late. Jonathan Cohen, founder and CEO of 20/20 Biolabs, believes that the true key to saving lives lies not in better treatments, but in earlier detection.

Jonathan Cohen, CEO of 2020 Biolabs

“I saw massive funding of and spending by biotech companies in developing treatments, but very little going to companies focused on early disease detection and prevention, which can be far more impactful,” Cohen says. “Unlike with infectious disease, the effectiveness of treatments for cancer and most chronic diseases is quite limited. Even the latest approved cancer drugs typically extend the lives of those with metastatic disease by only a few weeks or 2-3 months at best.”

By contrast, prevention—particularly early detection—offers a much better return on investment, not only in dollars but in lives saved. Through 20/20 Biolabs, Cohen has launched a line of AI-powered blood tests designed to do just that.

A More Equitable, Accessible Solution

Under the OneTest brand, Cohen’s team has developed two main products: OneTest for Cancer, a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test, and OneTest for Longevity, which measures inflammatory biomarkers. The second product is expected to launch in October.

“Our multi-cancer early detection blood test helps detect cancers at earlier stages when they can most effectively be treated,” Cohen explains. “Over 20,000 tests have been purchased to date, and many have already benefitted from our test.”

What makes OneTest stand out is its accessibility. “We offer the only multi-cancer early detection blood test in the U.S. market that is available for under $250, can be collected at home, and which has good sensitivity for earlier stage cancers,” he says.

That’s a stark contrast to competitors. “Our main competitor—the Galleri test from Grail—costs just under $1,000, requires a phlebotomy blood draw, and misses most early-stage cancers according to Grail’s own published data.”

The company has found a key audience in a high-risk population: firefighters. “Firefighters—who have proven high incidence and deaths from various cancers—have been a major part of our customer base, with over 250 fire departments using our MCED.”

From Crowdfunding to Nasdaq

While the science is compelling, Cohen is equally focused on scaling the business. “We are taking concrete steps to become a Nasdaq listed company before the end of this year,” he says. “That includes filing a draft Registration Statement, engaging an investment banking firm with significant experience in direct listings, and submitting a listing application with Nasdaq.”

The vision doesn’t stop with an IPO. “This status, coupled with some large investments, will enable us to not only scale our current product line but to ‘roll-up’ several related companies through M&A,” Cohen explains. “These include companies that are vertically integrated with us—suppliers and marketing channels—as well as companies with complementary products we can offer our consumers.”

That strategy offers both vertical and horizontal growth, aimed at building a healthtech powerhouse with wide-ranging capabilities.

A Refreshing Business Discipline

Unlike many biotech startups that focus heavily on research and proprietary science, 20/20 Biolabs has taken a more pragmatic route—one grounded in solving real problems with proven tools.

“Focus on solving a big problem rather than a technical solution,” Cohen advises other founders. “This is a very common mistake with biotech start-ups in particular. Companies with scientific founders too often fall in love with their technology and can be blinded to alternative approaches that might perform equally well with far less developmental costs and timelines.”

To that end, 20/20 Biolabs’ cancer detection tests measure widely accepted biomarkers such as CEA and CA 19.9—well-known in the medical community. What sets the company apart is not inventing new biomarkers, but applying machine learning to interpret results more powerfully, and distributing the test in a convenient, affordable format.

“Development of our multi-cancer test… leveraged real-world data from parts of the world where such testing is commonplace,” Cohen says. “Thus, we invested far less than 1% of the billions of dollars funds spent by Grail, and many of our consumers and industry experts believe we have a superior test.”

An Unusual Investment Opportunity

In the crowded world of regulated investment crowdfunding, few offerings stand out like 20/20 Biolabs’. For investors, the company is offering a rare feature: a convertible debt round with a built-in liquidity path.

“We are offering a convertible debt round that automatically converts to equity upon listing on Nasdaq at a 20% discount,” Cohen explains. “If we fail to go public within 24 months, the investor gets their money back with 15% interest.”

That’s a striking offer, particularly in a crowdfunding environment where investors often wait years—and sometimes forever—for an exit.

“Such an opportunity for near-term profits is likely unprecedented among crowdfunding companies, 98% of which have failed to give their shareholders a path to liquidity despite more than 10 years since equity crowdfunding went online,” he says.

For impact investors seeking both financial return and social benefit, the offering provides an enticing mix: a real shot at liquidity combined with the chance to support life-saving innovation.

The Entrepreneur Behind the Mission

Jonathan Cohen brings a unique mix of legal, scientific, and business experience to the venture. A registered patent attorney with over 25 years in biotech intellectual property, Cohen previously served as general counsel for two publicly traded companies—Ventana Medical Systems (acquired by Roche) and Oncor Inc. He also holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins and a law degree from American University.

As CEO of 20/20 Biolabs, Cohen co-invented both OneTest and another product, BioCheck, and has led deals with companies like Johnson & Johnson, IBM, and Abbott Diagnostics.

He’s not just an innovator—he’s an advocate. Cohen has been active in lobbying for small biotech and diagnostics companies at both the state and federal levels, championing policies to support emerging science-based ventures.

A Test—and an Investment—for the Future

With its upcoming launch of a longevity test, plans for a Nasdaq listing, and a compelling investment structure, 20/20 Biolabs stands at a pivotal moment.

For Cohen, the mission remains simple: save more lives, earlier, and for less money.

That’s the kind of vision that speaks not only to patients and families—but also to a new generation of impact-minded investors ready to change the world, one smart bet at a time.

Jonathan Cohen’s Bio

Mr. Cohen is the founder of 20/20 Biolabs and has served as Chief Executive Officer, President, and a director since its inception. He is a co-inventor of two of our most successful products, OneTest and BioCheck, and has led the commercial launch and sales of both. He has also spearheaded license, research, technology transfer, investment, and sales and marketing agreements with Fortune 500 companies such as Eastman Kodak, Abbott Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, and Ping An, the largest health insurance company in China. Mr. Cohen has also been a leading advocate in Annapolis, MD and on Capitol Hill on behalf of small and emerging biotechnology and diagnostics companies. Before founding our company, Mr. Cohen was patent and general counsel for two publicly traded companies, Ventana Medical Systems Inc. (acquired by Roche diagnostics in 2008), from 1999 to 2000, and Oncor Inc., from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Cohen is a registered patent attorney with more than 25 years of experience in biotechnology patents and licensing matters. Mr. Cohen has a Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from the American University. We believe that Mr. Cohen is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his experience in our industry and knowledge of our company.

Campaign Details:
20/20 Biolabs is raising funds via PicMii. The campaign closes August 8. To learn more, visit: picmiicrowdfunding.com.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, August 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "Your Portal, Your Future: How to Choose the Right Reg CF Platform." With so many investment crowdfunding portals available today, selecting the right one can be overwhelming for both founders and investors. In this session, Devin will break down the critical factors to consider—such as platform fees, audience demographics, compliance support, industry focus, and overall user experience. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or an investor exploring where to put your dollars to work, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate and choose the platform that best aligns with your goals. Don’t miss this practical, insight-packed hour designed to help you take your next step in the Reg CF ecosystem with confidence.
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. VIPs get access to our better-than-in-person networking, including backstage passes, VIP networking and an exclusive VIP webinar! Get your VIP access for just $25. A select group of affordable sponsorship opportunities is still available. Learn more here.

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.
Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com’s monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern.
Future Forward Summit: San Francisco, Wednesday, June 25 · 3:30 - 8:30 pm PDT.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.
Impact Accelerator Summit is a live, in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.

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Driven to Protect: Kimberly Evans Builds a Safer Rideshare for Women

Devin D. Thorpe — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:57 GMT

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Kimberly Evans, Founder and CEO, Just Her Rideshare

Kimberly Evans never imagined she’d end up founding a rideshare company. But the seed of Just Her Rideshare, a women-centered transportation platform, was planted in her long-standing discomfort with getting into a car with a stranger. That discomfort turned into determined action after a tragedy that shook her to the core.

“I had never taken a rideshare due to my fears around safety,” Kimberly says. “I lost a friend to a brutal murder and it left me feeling unsafe in getting into cars with strangers.”

As she began exploring business opportunities, the rideshare industry came up on her radar. What she discovered in her research confirmed her worst fears—and gave her a mission.

“I found there were other women impacted by my fears and seeing the horrific things happening in the industry,” she explains. “It was one story in particular that shook me differently.”

That story was the 2019 murder of Samantha Josephson, a University of South Carolina student who mistakenly entered a car she believed was her Uber. She was abducted and brutally killed. “After that, I decided to move forward building Just Her Rideshare,” Kimberly says.

A Purpose Beyond Profit

Just Her Rideshare isn’t just a niche rideshare platform. It’s a community of women looking out for one another. The service prioritizes women’s safety and peace of mind—a sharp contrast to the leading platforms, where too many women have reported feeling unsafe or violated.

“Safety has become a huge issue for women in the rideshare industry,” Kimberly says. “Over 40% of women have had to report uncomfortable encounters, including serious sexual crimes and murder.”

She faults the industry’s inadequate background checks and a system that allows bad actors to slip through the cracks. “Because they’re so large, thousands of assaults may seem small, but to us, one is too many.”

Just Her Rideshare is built around a different vision: one where women can ride, drive, and work with confidence, knowing that safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a founding principle.

“We are more than a ride to the airport,” Kimberly emphasizes. “We are a community, building a trusted network of women taking care of each other and supporting each other, not just through transportation, but in community.”

A Founder Forged by Experience

Kimberly is no stranger to entrepreneurship. With more than 30 years of experience as a small business owner and two decades with the United States Postal Service, she brings a depth of grit and professionalism that’s rare even among seasoned founders.

Her background spans a diverse set of industries—fashion, fintech, software sales, healthtech, SaaS, quality assurance, and client support. As a four-time, fourth-generation entrepreneur, she has built and scaled businesses before. She even founded a call center that served clients in highly regulated industries.

Still, she knows entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. When asked what lesson she’d share with aspiring founders, she answers with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only experience can teach:

“‘Buckle up.’ You have to be cut from a different cloth to survive this entrepreneur path. But if you stick with what drives you, you will push past the hard stuff and see what the end will be—which is ultimately what you can do for others.”

She warns against shallow motivations. “If it is only for financial gain or to say how great you are, you will sink. There has to be more driving you, and there has to be stickability, especially during the hard times.”

For Kimberly, that “more” is deeply personal and deeply communal. She’s not just building a business—she’s creating a safety net for women who deserve better.

Fueling the Next Chapter

Just Her Rideshare has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder with the goal of raising $500,000 to fund its next phase of growth. With a minimum investment of just $100, anyone who shares the vision can become part of the movement.

“We launched to raise funding to launch the next three cities—D.C., Northern Virginia, and Nashville (Nashville being first),” Kimberly says. “We are excited about growing in the market and our team.”

While the campaign offers perks to investors, Kimberly is more focused on the deeper value of participation. “We want folks to see the real value is the investment in Just Her,” she says.

Community First, Always

The spirit of Just Her Rideshare is grounded in mutual care, safety, and empowerment. Unlike legacy rideshare giants, Kimberly’s company is building more than infrastructure—it’s building trust.

In an industry where speed, scale, and cost-efficiency have often overshadowed safety, Just Her Rideshare is a breath of fresh air.

“We are creating something different,” Kimberly says. “It’s not just about logistics or transportation—it’s about knowing that the person in the front seat sees you, values you, and respects you.”

For Kimberly Evans, Just Her Rideshare is more than a company. It’s a calling. And with the community rallying around her mission—through investments, partnerships, and shared purpose—she’s driving toward a safer future for women everywhere.

Kimberly Evans’s Bio

Kimberly Evans is a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for social impact. With over 30 years of experience as a small business owner and a 21-year career with the United States Postal Service, she has built a diverse portfolio across multiple industries, including fashion, software sales, fintech, healthtech, SaaS, quality assurance, and client support. As a four-time, fourth-generation entrepreneur, Kimberly has a proven track record of building and scaling businesses, including founding a call center that served clients in highly regulated industries.

Learn More:

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "How to Spin $1 of Advertising into $10!" He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!
Join us on June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern for the Superpowers for Good Live Pitch—streaming on e360tv, where purpose-driven founders take the virtual stage to present their active Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns to a national audience of investors and changemakers. Selected startups are chosen for their commitment to community, alignment with NC3’s Community Capital Principles, and their drive to create real-world impact. Thanks to sponsors DNA and DealMaker, this event is free to watch and amplifies the voices of underrepresented and mission-aligned entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this inspiring evening where capital meets purpose—tune in to discover and support the next wave of impact-driven innovation.
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on July 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. VIP’s get access to our better-than-in-person networking! Get your VIP access for just $25. A select group of affordable sponsorship opportunities is still available. Learn more here.

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.
Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com’s monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

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Plunge into Purpose: How Ryan Duey Turned Cold Water into a Hot Business for Wellness and Resilience

Ryan Duey — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:14:25 GMT

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Ryan Duey

When the pandemic shut down brick-and-mortar wellness centers around the world, many health entrepreneurs found themselves scrambling. For Ryan Duey, the co-founder and co-CEO of Plunge, the challenge became an unexpected catalyst. From the solitude of a garage during lockdown, he and his team began building not just a product—but a movement.

“Plunge was born out of a desire to build more than just a product,” Duey explains. “We wanted to create a movement around cold plunging and resilience.”

That movement has since taken root in backyards, commercial gyms, recovery centers, and elite training facilities across the globe. It’s grounded in an age-old practice—cold water immersion—but infused with modern technology, thoughtful design, and a clear mission: helping people feel more alive by doing hard things.

A Pivot with Purpose

Before founding Plunge, Duey was no stranger to wellness entrepreneurship. He previously launched Capitol Floats, a float therapy center in Sacramento, California. But when COVID-19 shuttered wellness facilities in 2020, he saw more than a business challenge—it was a test of resilience.

“When COVID hit, our brick-and-mortar health and wellness businesses were forced to shut down, cutting off our communities from tools that supported their physical and mental well-being,” Duey recalls. “In that void, we sought ways to stay strong at home.”

The team’s first cold plunge was cobbled together in a garage, but its impact was immediate. Cold water therapy, long used by elite athletes and biohackers, proved to be a powerful way to boost mood, reduce inflammation, and sharpen mental focus—all from the confines of one’s own home.

The experience planted a seed that would soon grow into a multimillion-dollar brand.

Making Resilience Routine

Plunge aims to do more than deliver an Instagrammable wellness trend. It tackles what Duey sees as a real market gap: the lack of high-quality, accessible, and reliable cold and contrast therapy tools for everyday use.

“Plunge solves the problem of limited access to effective, well-designed recovery tools,” he says. “We make science-backed cold and heat therapy simple, reliable, and accessible at home or on-site.”

The company’s sleek, tech-enhanced plunge tubs and saunas combine form and function. Their appeal extends from elite athletes and wellness influencers to commercial operators and health-conscious parents.

“Our products are built to be beautiful and durable, making hard things easier to do every day,” Duey says. “We serve high performers, health-conscious individuals, and commercial operators who want to bring contrast therapy into daily life through a seamless, modern wellness experience that delivers real physical and mental benefits.”

Building the Category Leader

In a field crowded with boutique wellness products and fad therapies, Plunge stands out. According to Duey, that’s no accident. The company has invested heavily in product innovation, customer experience, and brand credibility.

“Plunge stands out as the most trusted and recognizable brand in cold and contrast therapy,” he says. “We combine premium design, smart technology, and commercial-grade reliability at an accessible price.”

Their units come with intuitive controls, digital monitoring, and connectivity to the Plunge app, allowing users to track habits and integrate guidance into their recovery routines. But it’s not just the hardware that sets them apart.

“Unlike others, Plunge delivers a seamless backyard wellness ecosystem by integrating cold, heat, and digital monitoring into a unified experience,” Duey adds.

The company also benefits from some powerful endorsements.

“Trusted by elite athletes, health leaders, and major institutions, Plunge owns the full customer journey from product to platform to service,” Duey says.

He’s careful not to overstate their success. But Plunge’s growth speaks volumes: over $200 million in lifetime revenue and a global customer base that continues to expand.

What’s Next for Plunge?

Rather than chasing flashy new trends, Duey’s focus is squarely on refining the product and deepening the value it brings to customers.

“What’s next for Plunge is focused and practical,” he explains. “We’re rolling out key upgrades to our cold units, launching new heat and recovery products, and expanding the Plunge app with features that improve tracking, guidance, and support.”

The goal, as ever, is to make resilience routine—to turn the occasional plunge into a lifestyle practice that improves healthspan and quality of life.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

Asked what advice he’d give to others building mission-driven companies, Duey offers a piece of hard-won wisdom.

“Things are never as good or as bad as you think,” he says.

It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship is often a mental game. The highs can be intoxicating, but the lows can be punishing. For Duey, staying even-keeled and focused on long-term impact has been key.

That balance has paid off. In 2024, he was named a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year. But accolades are not the goal. The real success lies in changing how people think about wellness—not as a luxury, but as a daily act of empowerment.

Why Investors Are Taking the Plunge

Plunge is currently raising capital through a community round on Wefunder, inviting customers and fans to become co-owners in the brand. Duey believes that the people who use and love the product are also the best ambassadors—and partners—for its continued growth.

“We’ve built this movement together,” he says. “And now we’re inviting our community to be part of the next chapter.”

The campaign offers an opportunity not just to invest in a product, but to participate in a fast-growing, impact-oriented brand that’s redefining modern wellness.

Learn more or invest in Plunge: wefunder.com/plunge
Visit the company website: plunge.com
Connect with Ryan Duey on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-duey

Ryan Duey’s Bio

Ryan Duey is the co-founder and co-CEO of Plunge, the leading brand in cold and contrast therapy. A lifelong advocate for physical and mental wellness, Ryan previously founded Capitol Floats, a float therapy center in Sacramento, and has deep experience in building health-focused consumer businesses. Under his leadership, Plunge has grown from a garage-built prototype to a globally recognized brand with over $200M in lifetime revenue. In 2024, Ryan was named a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year. He is driven by a commitment to resilience, helping people build stronger and more intentional lives every day.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "How to Spin $1 of Advertising into $10!" He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!
Join us on June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern for the Superpowers for Good Live Pitch—streaming on e360tv, where purpose-driven founders take the virtual stage to present their active Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns to a national audience of investors and changemakers. Selected startups are chosen for their commitment to community, alignment with NC3’s Community Capital Principles, and their drive to create real-world impact. Thanks to sponsors DNA and DealMaker, this event is free to watch and amplifies the voices of underrepresented and mission-aligned entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this inspiring evening where capital meets purpose—tune in to discover and support the next wave of impact-driven innovation.
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. VIP’s get access to our better-than-in-person networking! Get your VIP access for just $25.

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.
Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com’s monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.

Subscribe now

From Fire Captain to Founder: Scott Holman’s Mission to Revolutionize Firefighter Safety

Scott Holman — Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:30 GMT

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What inspired you to start your company?

What inspired me to start Red Line Safety was the cumulative loss and trauma I experienced over a 33-year career in the fire service. I’ve lost too many friends and co-workers in the line of duty, and even more to cancer, heart attacks, and other long-term health consequences of the job. At some point, those tragedies became more than just statistics—they became a personal call to action. I knew we could do better. I saw an opportunity to leverage technology to save lives, protect property, and give firefighters the tools they need to survive and thrive in the most dangerous environments. Red Line Safety was born from that vision—combining wearable tech, environmental sensors, and deployable communication systems to create a safer, smarter, and more connected fireground. It’s not just a company; it’s my mission.

What problem are you solving, and who benefits most from your solution?

We’re solving a deadly gap in firefighter safety, communication, and health monitoring—especially in environments where traditional tools simply don’t work. Whether it’s a remote wildland fire with no cellular service or a structure fire with toxic exposure risks, firefighters are often operating blind: no real-time vitals, no environmental awareness, no reliable connection to each other or command. Our solution bridges that gap. Red Line Safety’s wearable tech and deployable networks give firefighters and incident commanders critical, real-time data—biometrics, air quality, GPS location, and more—even in the most disconnected environments. The people who benefit most are the ones on the front lines, risking their lives for others. But the impact goes further—to their families, to the communities they protect, and to the agencies responsible for keeping them safe. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about making sure everyone goes home. While the immediate beneficiaries are firefighters and public safety agencies, the broader value touches insurers, municipalities, and emergency response networks. This is a multibillion-dollar market with increasing demand—and we’re positioned to lead it.

What makes your company stand out in your space or industry?

What sets Red Line Safety apart is that we’re not just another wearable tech company—we’re building an integrated ecosystem designed specifically for the harsh, unpredictable, and often disconnected environments firefighters face. Most safety solutions are siloed: a GPS tracker here, a biometric sensor there, radios that don’t talk to each other, and systems that rely on cellular networks that don’t exist where wildfires burn. We’ve engineered a unified platform—wearables, environmental sensors, and mobile LoRaWAN gateways—that all communicate seamlessly, forming a resilient mesh network. This allows for real-time monitoring, even in zero-connectivity zones. We also stand out because we’re firefighter-founded. We understand the pain points from the inside, and we’re solving real-world problems that have been ignored for decades. No one else is bringing this level of mission-specific innovation, operational insight, and technical execution to firefighter safety.

What’s next for your company—what are you most excited to build or accomplish in the future?

What’s next for Red Line Safety is scaling our technology to protect firefighters everywhere—and continuing to prove what we already know: this can save lives. During our proof of concept testing, one of our wearables detected abnormal vital signs in a firefighter. That early warning allowed for immediate intervention—and it likely saved his life. That moment changed everything for me. It wasn’t theory anymore. It was real. And it made me realize how many lives we could protect with wider adoption. I’m excited about deploying more pilots, integrating AI-driven analytics, and partnering with leading agencies and research institutions. But more than anything, I’m driven by what comes next: the countless lives we can safeguard, the property we can help preserve, and the families who won’t have to get that knock on the door. That’s the future I’m building toward—one where every firefighter comes home.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned on your entrepreneurial journey that might help others?

I’ve learned that the mission has to matter more than the obstacles—because there will be obstacles. Building Red Line Safety has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve been a U.S. Marine and a fire captain. You face doubt, rejection, setbacks, and long nights that test your resolve. But if you're driven by a purpose greater than yourself, you’ll keep going. I’ve also learned the importance of listening: to your users, your team, your gut. Feedback—especially from the field—has shaped every decision we've made. Finally, find your people. Mentors, champions, believers. You can't do this alone, and you shouldn’t try to. Entrepreneurship isn't just about grit—it's about alignment, community, and refusing to quit on something that truly matters.

Why might someone want to learn more about your offering or follow your progress?

People should want to follow Red Line Safety’s progress because we’re not just building another piece of technology—we’re building a movement that will transform firefighter safety and the way we think about health and risk management on the fireground. Our work is already making a measurable impact in saving lives, improving incident management, and setting new standards for the fire service. The potential to make a difference extends far beyond the fire department, reaching communities, insurers, and even healthcare providers. As we grow, our technology will evolve, and the stories of lives saved and property protected will continue to unfold. By following our progress, you’re not just staying informed about a company—you’re joining a community that’s actively shaping a safer, smarter future for firefighters and first responders everywhere.

Scott Holman’s Bio

Scott Holman is the Founder and CEO of Red Line Safety, a pioneering technology company dedicated to enhancing firefighter safety and operational efficiency through advanced wearable technology and deployable communication networks. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recently retired Fire Captain from Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, Scott brings over 33 years of frontline experience in Fire & EMS.

His passion for firefighter safety stems from witnessing the cumulative toll of the profession—losing friends and colleagues to line-of-duty deaths, occupational illnesses, and career-ending injuries. This personal call to action led him to develop cutting-edge solutions that provide real-time location tracking, biometric monitoring, and environmental hazard detection, ensuring first responders have the data they need to operate safely in the most extreme conditions.

Under Scott’s leadership, Red Line Safety has forged key partnerships with industry leaders like Garmin and Polar and has received recognition from federal agencies and fire service organizations. His innovative work has been showcased at major fire service conferences and has drawn attention from investors and public safety officials nationwide.

Guided by servant leadership principles, Scott believes in leading through service. As he quotes Theodore Roosevelt, “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

Links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-holman-2013a93a/
Website: redlinesafety.com
Crowdfunding Campaign: wefunder.com/redlinesafetyinc

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He’ll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won’t want to miss! Don’t miss it!
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. VIP’s get access to our better-than-in-person networking! Get your VIP access for just $25. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.

Energy Freedom for All: How We’re Turning the Power Grid Inside Out

Devin D. Thorpe — Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:55 GMT

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Lester Crafton, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Ovanova

In a world where energy is life, the fragility of the U.S. power grid puts millions at risk. From Texas freezes to California wildfires, we’ve all seen how natural disasters and grid failures can leave families in the dark, sometimes with devastating consequences. In these moments, people don’t want to wait to be rescued—they want to respond. That’s why we started Ovanova.

Our mission is simple but sweeping: to add as much value as possible to as many lives as possible. We believe energy independence is the new frontier of freedom—and through our flagship innovation, the Ovanova PET (Portable Energy Trailer), we’re empowering individuals and communities to reclaim control over their power.

A Personal Mission

At Ovanova, everything starts with people. My co-founders and I didn’t come together just to start another clean tech company. We united around the shared belief that we could build something bold enough to shift the energy landscape—and nimble enough to serve the real-world needs of families, schools, churches, and small businesses.

We’ve spent years working on rooftop microgrids, delivering clean, resilient power across 27 states and partnering with over 60 utilities. We helped hundreds of organizations apply for over $150 million in federal energy grants. And along the way, we donated tens of thousands of dollars to community institutions just for participating in our education programs. But even with all that impact, we knew we weren’t doing enough. Because when disaster strikes, solar panels on a roof don’t move.

So we asked ourselves: What if they could?

Mission-ready. The Ovanova PET.

What Is the PET?

The Ovanova PET is a mobile, self-contained power station that fits in a trailer. Imagine a quiet, clean, solar-powered generator on wheels—with a high-capacity battery, backup multi-fuel generator, EV-charging integration, satellite communications, and the ability to plug into a building or sell power back to the grid.

We designed the PET to serve in the most critical moments: when the grid is down, when disaster strikes, when people need power to charge a phone, run a ventilator, or keep the lights on in a shelter.

Each PET owner becomes a node in a decentralized, mobile microgrid network. Whether it’s powering a rural farm during a blackout or being deployed to a hurricane zone, the PET delivers more than just electricity—it delivers resilience, security, and peace of mind.

And when the sun is shining and there’s no crisis? The PET still works. It stores solar energy, cuts electric bills, and earns income by selling excess power. It's a workhorse, not a showpiece.

Solving a National Emergency

The stakes couldn’t be higher. The Department of Energy has declared a National Energy Emergency. Our aging, overloaded grid can’t keep up with rising demand, and climate-driven disasters are testing its limits more often and more severely.

Rural communities, communities of color, and low-income neighborhoods suffer the most. These are the places where grid failure isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a matter of life and death.

We’re not waiting on Washington. We’re giving people tools to solve the problem themselves—tools like the PET.

When disaster hits, our customers say, “I’ve got power—who needs it?” That’s the heart of our mission. Not just to keep the lights on, but to light the way for others.

What Makes Us Different

Ovanova isn’t just another startup trying to "disrupt" an industry. We’re in the business of creating new ones.

Most companies chase product-market fit and stop there. That’s the plateau. But we believe real innovation happens after you find product-market fit—when you explore the white space that others overlook.

That’s where the PET lives. No one else is building mobile microgrids that double as community income generators, virtual power plant contributors, and disaster response assets. We aren’t just checking ESG boxes—we’re building the infrastructure for a new kind of clean energy economy: distributed, decentralized, and democratized.

We also don’t believe in innovation that’s divorced from feeling. A mentor of mine once told me entrepreneurship is like music: “If it sounds good, you can hear it. If it’s marketed well, you can sell it. But when it’s real, you can feel it.” That stuck with me.

I don’t build what I can’t feel. And I feel this in my bones.

The Road Ahead: Scaling the PET

On May 2nd, we filed a provisional patent for the Ovanova PET. It’s now production-ready. We’re raising $5 million to scale manufacturing, finalize our app and software systems, and expand our distribution network across the country.

Our PET Locator App will let anyone find, request, and deploy a nearby PET—whether for a neighborhood block party, an emergency shelter, or an off-grid cabin. We’re building a platform, not just a product.

And here’s the part that makes it truly scalable: each PET pays for itself. Owners can rent them out when they’re not in use.

From the People, For the People

As we scale, we’re building PETs right here in the U.S., creating clean energy jobs for welders, electricians, and technicians—especially in underserved and rural areas. We don’t outsource. We re-source. This is power by the people, for the people.

And it’s working. One of our microgrid installations was featured in The Wall Street Journal. We’ve presented at the Skoll World Forum and led solar education sessions at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon.

But none of that matters as much as this: with every PET on the road, another family, church, or community stays powered—no matter what hits.

Why This Matters—And Why You Should Join Us

If you’re reading Superpowers for Good, you already know that change doesn’t come from waiting for permission. It comes from people who care enough to act, who see a broken system and build something better.

That’s what we’re doing at Ovanova.

And if you care about energy justice, disaster resilience, community empowerment, or just want to be part of building a better infrastructure for the future—we invite you to join us.

This isn’t just a crowdfunding campaign. It’s a call to action.

We don’t need to wait for the next blackout to realize the system isn’t working. We can build something better now—portable power that protects people, guards the grid, and creates new opportunity wherever it goes.

This is energy freedom. This is resilience. This is hope—on wheels.

Let’s build it together.

Lester Crafton’s Bio

Lester Crafton is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Ovanova, a mission-driven clean energy company tackling America’s national energy emergency with the Portable Energy Trailer (PET), a mobile microgrid platform that delivers power, resilience, and hope where it’s needed most. With nearly two decades of experience leading purpose-centered teams, Lester blends visionary entrepreneurship with grassroots grit. Before founding Ovanova, he built a career coaching and mentoring thousands of young leaders through direct sales, solar education, and values-driven leadership programs. His work with Ovanova has helped deliver clean energy solutions across 27 states, generate millions in grant applications for underserved communities, and innovate new infrastructure for energy freedom. Lester studied business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and believes that real solutions feel as good as they work. He lives in Somerville, Tennessee, and remains focused on turning sunlight into sovereignty—one trailer at a time.

Links:

wefunder.com/ovanovapet

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He’ll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won’t want to miss! Don’t miss it!
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Crowdfunding Addict: Lessons Learned from a Year of Daily Investments, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.

Subscribe now

Combating Drug Resistance: A New Class of Anticancer Drugs Takes Aim at Cancer’s Evasive Tactics

Dale — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:01:02 GMT

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Dale M. Walker, DVM, specializes in pathology and drug development. She co-discovered the BRG drug family and has spent the last decade advancing these therapies for human and animal health.

Most Fatal Cancers Are Drug-Resistant

Across our lifespans, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women will die of cancer. In 2022, this resulted in over 600,000 deaths. Most of these deaths occur because tumors become resistant to treatment. Resistance is the reason why even the most promising treatments stop working; it’s why cancers come back. It is seen across essentially all aggressive cancer types. Drug resistance is one of the greatest obstacles to improving cancer treatment outcomes.

A novel drug family, called ‘BRG drugs’, currently in development, works to overcome both intrinsic (innate to the tumor) and acquired (developed over time) resistance in tumors. This new drug family represents a major step forward in achieving a more durable treatment or cure—and a significant commercial opportunity.

A New Kind of Drug: Multi-Targeted Action

Most recently developed anticancer drugs, known as ‘targeted’ anticancer agents, are designed to hit one target; that is, a specific mutated protein or a key element or node in a single pathway. That approach can work—for a while. But cancer doesn’t rely on just one scheme. It rewires entire systems to survive.

BRG drugs deliver two active ingredients, both of which are FDA-approved when used as components of other drugs. These ingredients address the underlying biology that allows cancer cells to evade treatment. Early data suggest effectiveness against multiple tumor types, including those with limited therapeutic options such as lung cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, triple negative breast cancer, mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, and myeloblastic leukemia. With resistance being a central failure point across nearly all standard-of-care regimens, the addressable market is both broad and underserved.

Join the SuperCrowd!

How Members of One Drug Family Tackle Drug Resistance

How can a single drug address something as complex as cancer drug resistance? The answer lies in how BRG drugs fundamentally redefine the way we intervene in cancer biology. BRG drugs use a multi-targeted strategy to reprogram multiple internal “cellular machines” and pathways, including cancer-related systems like ones called the MAPK/ERK cascade and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This approach allows BRG drug ingredients to block cancer processes called ‘hallmarks of cancer’, restore normal cell function and suppress altered system function that allows cancer-driven tumor aggression, invasion, and/or metastasis.

BRG drugs interfere with the signaling molecules that tumors rely on to adapt and survive under therapeutic pressure. These molecules help cancer cells shift their phenotype (identity), bypass targeted therapies, and resist chemotherapy. BRG drugs cut off cancer’s escape routes.

The p53 protein, often called the “guardian of the genome,” is a powerful tumor suppressor protein that is frequently neutralized in cancers. BRG drugs increase p53 levels in the nucleus, where it’s most active, and prevent it from being co-opted to promote tumor growth. They reactivate a substantial subset of mutant p53 proteins, thereby promoting normal protein function. By restoring this master regulator, BRG drugs tip the cellular balance back toward normalcy and induce regulated tumor cell death.

In short, BRG drugs hit multiple targets in a coordinated fashion to remove the ability of cancer cells to fight back—thereby beating resistance at its roots.

Precision That Protects; Why It Matters

What truly sets BRG drugs apart is not only how effectively they attack cancer, but how safely they spare healthy tissue. One BRG drug active ingredient is a cell-protective ingredient—an active component that’s been shown to kill cancer cells while protecting normal cells in experimental animals and people. This selectivity can be translated to result in lower toxicity, better tolerability, and the potential for broader, more sustained use.

By overcoming the biology of resistance itself, BRG drugs have the potential to extend the impact of existing therapies, improve patient outcomes, and even make the concept of durable remission—or cure—a real possibility.

BRG drugs represent a platform-level innovation. A single BRG compound can support treatment across multiple tumor types. The full BRG drug family can redefine how we approach cancer altogether.

Cancer doesn’t just take a physical toll – it takes an emotional one as well; the cycles of treatment, hope, regression, and uncertainty can be devastating. Thus, BRG drugs offer new hope for all us vulnerable to cancer – they can change the trajectory of cancer care.

Moving Forward

BRG drug Intellectual Property rights are owned by The Burlington HC Research Group, Inc. (BHCRG), and this business is being built for the sole purpose of bringing these drugs to market. Testing to obtain Investigational New Drug status is well advanced, and remaining tasks will be completed as funding becomes available. Partnering with pharmaceutical companies is also being pursued, with the potential to license the BRG drug family if the right opportunity arises. Several well-known companies have expressed early interest in learning more about this drug family. As part of these efforts, BHCRG soon will be launching a crowdfunding campaign.

Dale M. Walker’s Bio

Dale M. Walker is a veterinarian with advanced training in veterinary and human pathology. In partnership with her husband, her early work focused on drug safety testing using cell culture and rodent models. Unusual challenges encountered in the course of this work required development of innovative solutions that were based upon integrating information from the fields of toxicology, DNA biology, and cellular stress response biochemistry. This work brought to her attention the therapeutic potential of one of the active ingredients delivered by BRG drugs, and further work led to the discovery of the BRG drug family. For the last decade, she and her husband have focused exclusively on advancing this family of drugs so that their benefits to people and animals can be realized.

Links:

Website: www.bhcrg.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dale-walker-267a0443
Substack: combatcancerdrugresistance.substack.com

Join the SuperCrowd with Impact!

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

SuperCrowdLA: We’re going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can’t-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He’ll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won’t want to miss! Don’t miss it!
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Crowdfunding Addict: Lessons Learned from a Year of Daily Investments, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.

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From Setback to Supermom Solution: Suphy Kung’s GillyGro Journey

Suphy Kung — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:48 GMT

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SuperCrowd Voice: Suphy Lai Kung is the founder and CEO of GillyGro, a multilingual entrepreneur and former Tesla executive now leading a global movement to empower Mandarin-speaking women through innovative products, mentorship, and faith-driven leadership.

When Suphy Kung was laid off from her role at Tesla in 2019, she didn’t see it as the end. She saw it as the beginning.

“My entrepreneurial journey began after a corporate layoff,” Kung says. “It opened the door to e-commerce.” She started experimenting with Amazon selling, sourcing products wholesale from Alibaba. But success didn’t come overnight. “I struggled to find the right product,” she recalls. Still, Kung had a powerful asset most new entrepreneurs lack: a deep background in solving business problems as an organizational effectiveness consultant.

“I had spent years helping companies solve problems, so I knew how to spot a real need,” she explains. That skill would soon help her identify a gap in the market—one that was hiding in plain sight.

After reading thousands of Amazon reviews, Kung saw a common frustration voiced by parents: no diaper bag did it all. “It reminded me of my own struggles as a new mom many years ago,” she says. She also noticed something else: disorganized outings often created unnecessary stress for parents, sometimes even straining relationships. Post-pandemic hygiene concerns had only made things worse.

Motivated to solve these everyday challenges, Kung teamed up with two fellow moms to design something radically better. “We created the ultimate Swiss Army-style parent backpack,” she says. “It features a built-in booster seat, an extra-large mat, and a sleek, unisex design that even dads love to carry.”

The idea struck a chord. In 2022, their Kickstarter campaign soared past its funding goal by 115% within the first 24 hours. Over 8,000 parents and grandparents signed up in the pre-launch phase alone, eager to support the project. Demand quickly extended beyond the U.S.—with ten Japanese importers competing for exclusive rights after the campaign ended. GillyGro also caught the attention of trade show judges, earning top honors at the 2022 Tokyo Gift Show and winning two prestigious product awards in 2025.

For Kung, however, the product’s success is only part of the story. The way it was built matters just as much.

“At GillyGro, every product begins with real customer insight,” she explains. “Our signature 5-in-1 backpack was co-created with input from more than 2,000 parents in a private Facebook group.” That community helped shape the design over nine development iterations. The team also used tools like PickFu to test and validate features, pricing, and even color choices. “We incorporate direct feedback every step of the way,” Kung says.

Her experience in operations and performance effectiveness at companies like Bayer, Disney, and Tesla deeply informs GillyGro’s process. But it’s her heart-centered leadership—fueled by faith, purpose, and service—that drives the mission.

“After losing the career I had loved and dedicated 20 years to, I was given a second chance,” she reflects. “This e-commerce journey has brought new light into my life. It allows me to pour my heart into something that brings peace, joy, and meaningful moments to others—especially in this unpredictable and chaotic world.”

Kung is quick to point out that GillyGro isn’t just about bags. It’s about building a brand that nurtures connection and eases stress in everyday life. That’s why the company is expanding into new verticals. “We’re developing a Pet Owner Backpack and a Senior Travelers Organizer Bundle Set,” she says. “They’re designed with the same thoughtful, user-centric approach.”

The company’s 1-to-3-year vision includes launching on TikTok Marketplace, partnering with influencers and affiliate marketers, and expanding into the UK and Philippines. Kung is also preparing for a push into B2B channels—partnering with retailers, hospitality brands, and corporate gifting programs.

Behind these ambitious goals lies a deep personal mission: to help others find hope after setbacks.

“I know what it’s like to go through tough times,” Kung shares. “I hope my story can spark a little hope in someone else’s heart—because there is hope, all around them.”

It’s a message rooted in personal experience. Kung’s first two startups in her 30s didn’t succeed. “After two failed startup experiences, I walked away with two hard-earned lessons,” she says. “First, don’t scale too fast—high fixed costs can sink a small business. And second, never fund your business entirely from your own pocket. It’s important to separate personal finances from business risk.”

Today, Kung brings those lessons to every strategic decision. And she’s committed to sharing them with others. She mentors fellow women entrepreneurs through organizations like Mothers Together, Bible Study Fellowship, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

As GillyGro grows into a globally recognized brand, Kung remains grounded in her original vision: to simplify life for families and improve relationships through smart, functional design. “We’re not just building products,” she says. “We’re building impact—one journey, one family, one relationship at a time.”

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Suphy Kung’s Bio

Suphy Lai Kung is the founder and CEO of GillyGro, a company known for designing innovative, parent-friendly backpacks that enhance organization, flexibility, and safety. Following a successful corporate career—including leadership roles at Tesla, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals—Ms. Kung transitioned to entrepreneurship after a layoff in 2019. She began by selling products on Amazon and eventually launched her own brand. With advanced degrees in human resources development and hotel management and certifications in Scrum and behavioral interviewing, she brings a unique blend of strategic and operational expertise. Deeply committed to empowering women, she is affiliated with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and the Worldwide Women’s Association. A dedicated mentor and faith-driven leader, Ms. Kung also volunteers with Mothers Together, Bible Study Fellowship, and Stephen Ministries. Fluent in five languages, she is developing a global platform to uplift Mandarin-speaking women through workshops, podcasts, and peer groups focused on healthy, balanced living.

Links:

Website: gillygro.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/suphykung0901/

Crowdfunding campaign: invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/GillyGro

Instagram: instagram.com/gillygrobackpack/

TikTok: tiktok.com/@official.gillygro

YouTube: youtube.com/@gillygrobackpack

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Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

SuperCrowdLA: We’re going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can’t-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He’ll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won’t want to miss! Don’t miss it!
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Igniting Community Capital to Build Outdoor Recreation Communities, Crowdfund Better, Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.

Why Investment Crowdfunding Deserves a Seat at the Table

Dorian Dickinson — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:51 GMT

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SuperCrowd Voice: Dorian Dickinson is a globally experienced entrepreneur and the founder of FundingHope, a mission-driven crowdfunding platform advancing sustainable, inclusive economies by connecting impact investors with underserved and rural communities.

In the evolving landscape of U.S. economic development, traditional funding mechanisms often fall short in addressing the needs of small businesses, especially those in underserved communities. Investment crowdfunding, particularly under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), has emerged as a transformative tool, democratizing access to capital and fostering inclusive economic growth.

The Rise of Investment Crowdfunding

Enacted as part of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act in 2012, Reg CF allows companies to raise up to $5 million annually from both accredited and non-accredited investors through SEC-registered platforms. This regulatory framework has opened new avenues for startups and small businesses to secure funding without the traditional barriers associated with venture capital or bank loans.

Since its implementation, investment crowdfunding has facilitated over $2.5 billion in capital raised from more than 2 million investors, supporting a diverse array of businesses across the nation.

Bridging the Capital Gap

Traditional financing avenues often overlook early-stage companies, particularly those led by women, minorities, or located in rural areas. Investment crowdfunding addresses this disparity by enabling entrepreneurs to tap into a broader investor base. For instance, in 2022, the median amount raised through Reg CF was approximately $115,250, providing critical seed funding for businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure capital.

Moreover, this model fosters a sense of community ownership, as local investors can directly support businesses in their neighborhoods, leading to increased customer loyalty and community engagement.

Catalyzing Economic Development

Investment crowdfunding aligns seamlessly with the objectives of economic development agencies aiming to stimulate job creation and innovation. By lowering the barriers to capital access, it empowers a new generation of entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses, thereby contributing to local economies.

Furthermore, the inclusive nature of crowdfunding promotes equitable economic participation, ensuring that diverse voices and ideas have the opportunity to flourish.

Policy Recommendations

To fully harness the potential of investment crowdfunding in economic development, the following policy considerations are recommended:

1. Integration into Economic Development Strategies: Economic development agencies should incorporate investment crowdfunding into their funding toolkits, recognizing its role in supporting small businesses and fostering innovation.
2. Educational Initiatives: Implement programs to educate entrepreneurs and investors about the opportunities and risks associated with crowdfunding, enhancing financial literacy and informed participation.
3. Supportive Regulatory Environment: Advocate for policies that streamline the crowdfunding process, reduce administrative burdens, and protect investors, thereby encouraging broader adoption.

Conclusion

Investment crowdfunding represents a paradigm shift in how businesses access capital and how communities engage in economic development. By embracing this model, policymakers and economic development professionals can unlock new pathways for inclusive growth, innovation, and community empowerment.

It's time to recognize investment crowdfunding not just as an alternative financing method but as a central component in the economic development landscape.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Investing in early-stage businesses involves risk, including the potential loss of your investment. Prospective investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated entity or regulatory agency.

Dorian Dickinson’s Bio

Dorian Dickinson is a globally experienced entrepreneur and visionary leader in sustainable economic development. As the Founder and CEO of FundingHope, an SEC-registered, FINRA-member crowdfunding platform, he empowers underserved and rural communities by connecting impact-driven investors with mission-aligned entrepreneurs. With over two decades of leadership across fintech, renewable energy, agriculture, and environmental sectors, Dorian has guided transformative projects on four continents, including in conflict zones and developing nations. His work is rooted in aligning capital with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Dorian also leads a strategic consulting firm and has held senior roles in both the public and private sectors. He is a frequent media contributor, having been featured on FOX, CBS, and over 2,000 radio stations. A dual U.S.–Canadian citizen, he brings a uniquely global perspective to his mission of building sustainable, inclusive economies that create opportunity and lasting impact.

Links:

Website: fundinghope.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/fundinghope-llc

Join the SuperCrowd with Impact!

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

SuperCrowdLA: We’re going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can’t-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He’ll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won’t want to miss! Don’t miss it!
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Igniting Community Capital to Build Outdoor Recreation Communities, Crowdfund Better, Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.

Subscribe now