Crypto Altruists Episode 191 - Purpose For Profit - Tokenized Lending, Real-World Assets, and Onchain Impact Investing for Affordable Housing
In episode 191, we’re excited to welcome Elizabeth Kukka, CEO of Purpose for Profit, the world’s first tokenized lending fund and on-chain endowment for ESG initiatives. With a bold vision for reimagining impact investing, powered by crypto, Purpose for Profit is tackling one of society’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. By leveraging blockchain, they’re unlocking new ways to fund real-world assets while ensuring transparency, accessibility, and sustainability.
In this episode, we explore:
How blockchain can fuel impact investing and drive capital allocation to affordable housing projects.
The power of tokenized lending to drive real-world ESG initiatives.
Key lessons from Elizabeth’s transition from traditional tech and VC to crypto, and her advice for mission-driven web3 founders.
Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruists podcast! 🙏
PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.
Check out their Linktree for links to all of their socials so you can get involved and join this growing community!
Key Takeaways
Tokenized Impact Investing Opens New Doors: Web3 is breaking down barriers in impact investing, allowing individuals to earn while driving positive change. By fractionalizing assets, tokenized lending makes it possible for retail investors to participate in ESG markets that were previously only accessible to institutions.
Rebuilding Trust and Breaking Down Greenwashing with On-Chain Transparency: Bringing transactions on-chain enables real-time tracking of funds, ensuring every dollar is accounted for. This transparency not only builds trust but also allows investors to see the tangible impact of their contributions, addressing one of the biggest challenges in ESG investing - greenwashing.
Active Participation in Impact Investing: Unlike traditional investing, where shareholders often have limited insight into operations, decentralized, tokenized impact investing can offer a direct connection to impact projects. Investors can engage more meaningfully, gaining visibility into decision-making and progress, fostering a deeper sense of ownership and accountability.
Follow Elizabeth and Purpose for Profit
Episode Time Stamps
02:10 - Tell me more about your background and how you got into the world of blockchain – was there an “Ah hah” moment that really got you excited about web3?
03:50 - Before we dive in, can you share the story behind Purpose for Profit? What was the inspiration, and why did you decide that blockchain was the right technology to drive this initiative forward?
08:45 - Affordable housing is a massive challenge, with funding access being a major hurdle. How does Purpose for Profit address these barriers through tokenized lending and Web3?
11:05 - Many traditional investors remain hesitant to engage with Web3. What will it take to bring more traditional investors into the world of tokenized ESG finance?
15:10 - Transparency is a major issue in ESG investing. Many investors are skeptical due to greenwashing and unclear impact metrics. How does on-chain financing increase transparency and accountability in sustainable investments?
20:10 - Beyond affordable housing, what are some other high-impact ESG use cases that you think could benefit from tokenized finance and blockchain-based funding models?
24:15 - Walk me through the process of investing through the platform.
28:40 - What do you see as the biggest opportunities for tokenized lending and real-world assets in the long term?
33:00 - You have a lot on your plate – managing relationships with diverse stakeholders while running a fast-moving crypto startup. How do you stay well and balanced as a Founder?
34:25 - You’ve had an impressive career spanning tech, venture capital, and Web3. What were some of the biggest differences transitioning into blockchain, and what lessons from your past experiences have helped you in this space?
38:00 - For entrepreneurs looking to build impact-driven Web3 projects, what’s one key piece of advice you’d give them based on your journey with Purpose for Profit?
41:55 - What next for Purpose for Profit? How can listeners learn more and get involved in supporting or participating in your work?
43:35 - To wrap things up, if you could name one thing that excites you most about the social impact potential of web3, what would it be and why?
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DISCLAIMER
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.
