To catalyze industrial decarbonization, we must move away from energy-intensive manufacturing to more energy-efficient, low carbon footprint alternatives, such as bio-fermentation. Quebec-based BioIntelligence Technologies (BIT) provides solutions for reducing the carbon footprint in large-scale bio-manufacturing industries like chemical production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and certain food applications. BIT's analytics can alleviate challenges in biomanufacturing by reducing production losses and increasing yields by 5-10% per batch. This improvement fosters the adoption of more sustainable manufacturing processes.
Venture capitalists have traditionally focused on high returns and calculated risks. However, in today’s evolving market landscape, there’s a significant shift towards a more purpose-driven approach. Relying solely on financial gains is no longer sufficient. The demand from consumers, governments, and communities for investments that also yield environmental and social returns is growing. This is particularly crucial given the current state of our planet and the challenges faced by health and education systems. Impact investing emerges as a paradigm shift, redefining the fundamental principles of investment for double bottom-line returns.
Kathryn Wortsman, managing partner at Amplify Capital, told BetaKit that she and Ella Seitz, a partner at Esplanade Ventures, also saw a gap in awareness of healthcare technology focused on women’s health when collaborating on deals in early 2023.
“As women ourselves, and in our respective positions as investment decision makers at our funds, we wanted to help amplify the startups in the space and lead the conversation on the financial and health impact opportunity that can come from investing in this segment,” Wortsman said.
Joining Amplify Capital was a life-changing decision for me, and I'm often asked why I made the move. The answer is simple: purpose and passion.
Amplify's mission to make a positive impact on climate, education, and healthcare struck a deep chord within me. I believe that business can be a powerful force for good, and I am thrilled to collaborate with mission-driven founders to create meaningful change in the world.
Future Fields optimizes the biomanufacturing process, enabling more opportunities for cost-effective alternative proteins. As a result, Future Fields will support the decarbonization industries while offering a scalable solution to meet food, pharmaceutical, and other urgent and necessary needs globally.
MooZoom is an interactive and straightforward video-based SEL teaching platform for K-12 students. MooZoom created these videos in collaboration with researchers, psychologists, and teachers. The content adheres to school district curriculum and practice, making it useful for teachers. Rather than considering it as a routine learning exercise, the value of MooZoom is centered on its content, which engages users to build social and emotional abilities while having fun.
LUCID addresses the urgent need for mental health care and support. It is highly scalable and cost-effective for any patient who wants to access support anytime and anywhere. LUCID is affordable, democratizing access to therapy for currently underserved populations. It can be accessed anywhere, anytime, and used as needed by individuals seeking support.
Carbon Upcycling Technologies (CUT) use the pollution of today to build the materials of tomorrow. CUT is converting carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to develop an additive in concrete, one of the most widely used building materials. Their solution supports a stronger, efficient, and more durable concrete additive to utilize carbon as a resource.
Uvaro is changing lives for the better at scale. With their career accelerator platform focused in tech sales, Uvaro has developed a first of its kind program that blends training, technology and work to develop well-trained, work-ready talent after just 12 weeks. Uvaro graduates are hired 5x faster, ramp up 3x faster, and are 2x likely to exceed quota in their roles, empowering more of the workforce the opportunity to find fulfilling careers.
