What We’ve Learned
The next healthcare horizon: Improving maternal health through innovation and technology
The US now ranks last overall among industrialized countries in terms of maternal health outcomes. While the topic of maternal mortality has often been overlooked in the US, the Supreme Court’s recent overturning of Roe v. Wade has brought more widespread attention to the issue. Continue reading for analysis by Impact Engine's Sophia Friedman and Gabrielle Bunney, MD.
The vital role growth equity impact investors play – and the case to back them
At times it feels like the market forgets about growth stage companies and instead focuses all of its attention on when companies are ideas with the potential to change the world or when they are proven leaders. But there's a lot of space between early venture and exits, write Impact Engine's Ander Iruretagoyena and Priya Parrish. Continue reading...
Why We Invested
Circuit – Short-range electric rides
US drivers make an estimated 186 billion trips per year, and 33% of all vehicle trips in the US are 2 miles or less.
We believe Circuit's tech-enabled, on-demand shared mobility microtransit services can act as a connector to address transit deserts while reducing traffic congestion, reducing vehicle miles traveled, preventing emissions, and lowering household transportation costs.
We are also pleased to share a new environmental sustainability fund investment:
Blume Equity invests thematically in tech-enabled businesses across sustainable food, healthy living and responsible consumption at the growth equity stage in Europe.
This month's expansion of our Environmental Sustainability portfolio brings us to 15 different environmental companies and funds, reflecting our continued belief in the importance of this impact sector looking forward.
Portfolio News
Amazon has awarded SameSky Health with a cloud computing grant as part of its AWS Health Equity Initiative. The program, which operates from a $40 million fund, supports innovative startups working in underserved communities. SameSky plans to connect Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries to a variety of resources using tools like Amazon Alexa devices.
Measurabl CEO Matt Ellis was featured on the Reit.com REIT Report Podcast to talk about how the company builds tools for measuring, managing, and reporting and acting on sustainability for the real estate sector. "We need to use not just regulation – we need to use the free market," Ellis says, "to direct capital better toward the buildings they want to decarbonize."
Moving Analytics, one of our early stage venture investments, announced raising a $20 million Series A round. The company is focused on providing digital cardiac rehabilitation programs that increase access and compliance, improving patient health. “Ninety percent of patients after a heart attack or surgery don’t [have] access to the life-saving benefits of follow-up heart care due to stupid issues like having to drive long distances and taking time off from work,” says Harsh Vathsangam, Moving Analytics’ co-founder and CEO. Together with health insurance partners like Kaiser Permanente, his team is working to change that through telehealth programs.
Traxen, the cloud-connected intelligent cruise control system for heavy trucks, has been chosen by the Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC) as a recipient of its 2022 climate change investment initiative. One of nine startups selected this year for the 10-year, $20 million program, Traxen's iQ-Pilot™ solution can increase fuel efficiency by 10% – a key benefit during a time of high fuel costs. The tool also equips drivers with enhanced safety features and optimizes vehicle speed for road curves and topography.
Sign up for the Impact Engine newsletter.
Disclaimer: These materials are intended for informational purposes only and may not be relied upon for making any investment decision. Information provided in these materials is believed to be accurate; however, Impact Engine makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information provided. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any fund, market sector, strategy or any other product managed by Impact Engine and may not be relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities. Impact Engine has not compensated any party for and is not aware of any material conflicts of interest arising from any ranking, endorsement, or testimonial referenced in these materials. Read full terms.