Charge to Serve - Debit Card Processing Fees Redirected to Causes People Care About

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Investment Opportunity - Purchase With Purpose

Found on: https://www.fundable.com/groundswell-spc
https://groundswellworld.com/

WHAT DOES GROUNDSWELL DO?

GroundSwell redirects these fees to sustainably fund organizations making the world a better place. Through our Card programs we channel the money that would normally go to the banks to organizations like yours.

HOW DOES GROUNDSWELL DO IT?

We didn’t invent some complicated technology. We simply took the pieces of our existing economic system – a VISA license, card manufacturer, payment processor, web & mobile app, security systems – and redesigned it to care for kids, conserve the environment, cultivate the arts and so on.

GroundSwell SPC:

A Visa debit card that funds nonprofits making the world a better...

N  PROFILE(   BUSINESS PLANf  UPDATES

Every day, we spend billions of dollars online using debit cards. With each purchase, a small transaction fee is charged to the businesses that accept these card payments.

At the same time nonprofit organizations have assembled millions of supporters passionate about their causes - but are chronically underfunded. GroundSwell has created a way for these millions of supporters to use their debit card purchases to redirect payment processing fees to causes they are care about.

We've built a company that partners with nonprofits to create new sources of funding without cost to the organization and their supporters.

Our model is built to give people a choice, a choice to decide what and who they support with their purchases. Think about it, would you rather support a cause you care about - or big banks? 

We make that choice possible. 

• No fees charged to nonprofits
• No fees charged to cardholders
• Custom cards and marketing specific to each nonprofit
• iOS and Android apps for mobile purchasing
• Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay enabled
• GroundSwell manages the entire rollout and program

• GroundSwell was originally formed as a LLC in May 2015.
• GroundSwell reorganized in March of 2017 as a social purpose corporation in Washington State.  
• GroundSwell is a Certified B Corp (Pending) company.

GroundSwell is preparing to test our first card programs, these organizations combined have over 200,000 supporters.  This gives us a solid base to test our strategy and prepare for scaling to the public.

We'll be testing our iOS and Android apps in parallel with their rollout

Want to learn more about GroundSwell and what we have planned for the future? Request access to the Business Plan tab of the profile to find out how you can get involved!

Dan Rubano, Founder & CEO
Dan is the Former VP of EndlessOne Global Board of Directors and held a key leadership position on the global marketing team. He is the founder and former CEO of Aqua Wellness Resort, one of the world’s leading treetop wellness resorts. Dan is a Board Qualified Physician and Surgeon in Podiatric Medicine and was a Board Member with Let There Be Hope, a nonprofit medical research foundation for over a decade.

Joseph Graves, Operations
Joe was the Co-Founder of Snaplaces, a Made in the USA direct to consumer no-tie shoelace system. He is a reformed investment advisor with over a decade of building financial plans and managing assets. Because of a curious mind, he's developed expertise in the areas of economics, community, architecture, and agriculture. Six days a week you can find him training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while most people sleep.

Ian Durias, Nonprofit Partnerships
With his 20+ years of experience applying creative direction to non-profits & higher education institutions, Ian spent his career working with social-minded organizations to empower and inspire their employees, volunteers, and supporters. He developed methodology for connecting, inspiring, and amplifying all the people who make up these cause-driven efforts, leading to deeper engagement and increased productivity. Ian consulted in the realms of Volunteer Mobilization, Supporter Engagement, Creative Direction, and Equality & Inclusion.

Jake Posey, Program Management
A Prepaid and Payments Program Manager with 13 years experience in the Financial Services industry specializing in Prepaid Cards and Payments.  Jake has managed programs in North America, the Middle East, and the South Pacific.  Jake has facilitated payments using private APIs, the credit/debit card rails and ACH and is starting to dip his toe into cryptocurrencies. Jake received his undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and his MBA in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida. Jake calls Jacksonville, Florida home with his wife, daughter, and beagle.  If you play golf with him, you will feel better about your own game.

SpeakSee - No More Lost In Translation Miscommunication for Deaf, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Population

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Investment Opportunity - Accurately Transcribe Speech to Text for People Who are Hearing, Hearing Impaired, or Deaf

Found on: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/speaksee-be-part-of-the-conversation-apps-bluetooth?utm_content=campaigns_one_column5_title&utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bck-06202018emerging&utm_term=#/

SpeakSee - Be Part of the Conversation

SpeakSee is a portable system of microphones that transcribe speech to text with great accuracy

SpeakSee is developed with the aim to make conversations accessible for all. Speak See is a set of microphones that accurately transcribe speech-to-text in multiple languages, and although developed for people with hearing loss in mind, it is a game changer for everyone who benefits from accurate descriptions.

SpeakSee is a portable system of smart microphones that transcribe speech-to-text in real time into an app.

SpeakSee's state of the art microphone technology ensures that the system can accurately capture conversations, identify different speakers and transcribe it into text, in real time, also when there's background noise. SpeakSee can also be plugged in to smartphones, conference call-systems and televisions - always subtitles! 

How accurate is it?

  Microphone System
  App design

  *(patent pending) 

 

SpeakSee works with third parties to ensure support for over 120 languages and variants.  

English:
English (United Kingdom), English (United States), English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ghana), English (India), English (Ireland), English (Kenya), English (New Zealand), English (Nigeria), English (Philippines), English (South Africa), English (Tanzania)

Spanish:
Spanish (Argentina), Spanish (Bolivia), Spanish (Chile), Spanish (Colombia), Spanish (Costa Rica), Spanish (Ecuador), Spanish (El Salvador), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (United States), Spanish (Guatemala), Spanish (Honduras), Spanish (Mexico), Spanish (Nicaragua), Spanish (Panama), Spanish (Paraguay), Spanish (Peru), Spanish (Puerto Rico), Spanish (Dominican Republic), Spanish (Uruguay), Spanish (Venezuela)

Other:
Afrikaans, Amharic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Indonesian, Malay, Bengali, Catalan, Czech, Danish, German, Basque, Filipino, French (Canada), French, Galician, Georgian, Gujarati, Croatian, Zulu, Icelandic, Italian, Javanese, Kannada, Khmer, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Malayalam, Marathi, Dutch, Nepali, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese, Romanian, Sinhala, Slovak, Slovenian, Sundanese, Swahili, Finnish, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Vietnamese, Turkish, Urdu, Greek, Bulgarian, Russian, Ukrainian, Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Thai, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin, traditional and simplified), Chinese (Cantonese, traditional and simplified), Japanese

Q: How can I contact you directly?

Don't hesitate to reach out to us via e-mail: hello@speak-see.com

Q: What happens if you don't reach your goal?

We will make sure that you receive a full refund. 

Q: I'm hearing, can I also use SpeakSee?

SpeakSee is created with people who are Deaf and hard of hearing in mind, but SpeakSee can be used by anyone who would like to have their conversations transcribed, i.e. meetings and interviews.

Q: How much does SpeakSee cost and how do we get one?

SpeakSee is available as a pre-order through Indiegogo only. Check out the offering to your right!

Q: When will SpeakSee be available?

We expect to fulfill the pre-orders and start regular sales in February 2019. If you are one of the first to order a SpeakSee and opted to participate in the trial run you will already receive a Beta SpeakSee in November/December.

Q: Can I get an invoice?

No problem, once you have claimed the offer, just send a message to hello@speak-see.comand we will help you.

Q. How much is shipping?

Shipping costs are $15 to $25 depending on where the shipping address is located and what you order.

Q. Is the app free?

The app will be free to download and use for up to 5 hours per month. If you'd like to have access to unlimited usage (fair use policy) and extra features, you can get a subscription for $9,99 per month. If you purchase one of the perks that include the SpeakSee app, 3 months of free premium usage is included.

Q. Does the app work for Android and iOS?

Yes, the SpeakSee will work for both Android and iOS operating systems.

Q. How does SpeakSee connect to my phone?

SpeakSee connects to your phone via WiFI.

Q. How to charge the SpeakSee?

All microphone kits are delivered with a charging dock. This charging dock itself can be charged with micro-USB. 

Q. What are your plans for the future?

We are planning to continuously update SpeakSee and roll out more products aimed at making the world more accessible for everyone. This is just the beginning!

Q: I don’t want to buy a perk but I still like your cause and want to help. What can I do?

That’s awesome! We also accept smaller donations, and we still need help sharing this project with the world. You would be helping out a lot just by sharing our campaign through social media like Facebook or Twitter and if you or someone you know writes for a blog, tech site, or any media that could help us promote our cause, that would be great! Also, spread the word to your friends and family!

Q: Can I invest and are you looking for agents and distributors?

We are always excited to speak with anyone interested in joining our movement. If you are interested in getting involved as an investor, agent, or distributor, send us an email at hello@speak-see.com and let’s start talking!

Potential Life Changing Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Potential to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

Found on: https://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/news/arthritis-today/2018/march/new-nhs-funding-for-alternative-treatment-could-prevent-knee-osteoarthritis.aspx

New NHS funding for alternative treatment could prevent knee osteoarthritis

An innovative treatment for repairing damaged knee cartilage using cell transplantation will now be funded by the NHS, following approval from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation treatment, more commonly known as ACI, has been developed and trialled during two decades of groundbreaking research supported by Arthritis Research UK.

ACI treatment could be life-changing for the estimated 500 people each year who develop a specific type of cartilage damage, usually following a sports injury in their 20s or 30s, which leads to painful knee osteoarthritis.

Until now the only treatment for this type of knee defect would be total joint replacement, a surgery not recommended for people under the age of 50. By treating the problem at an earlier stage, with less invasive surgery, it's hoped the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in later life will be prevented or delayed.

What does ACI involve?

ACI involves the collection of healthy cartilage cells from inside the patient’s knee, which are then grown in lab conditions for several weeks, multiplying at least 20 times. A second operation is then carried out to remove the damaged part of the cartilage and the healthy cells are implanted in its place. The cells anchor themselves to the bone within 24 hours, "growing" new cartilage at the damaged site. A patient can expect to return to normal everyday use of their knee in three months and full activities, including sports, within a year.

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Shropshire ran trials for ACI over a 20-year period, working in partnership with Keele University and the Oswestry-based Orthopaedic Institute. Patients from all over the UK who meet the eligibility criteria and have the support of their orthopaedic surgeon will be accepted at RJAH for treatment.

"Positive news"

Arthritis Research UK’s Director of Research Stephen Simpson says: "It's certainly positive news that thanks to the valuable research in this area, ACI is being made available on the NHS. This means more people with this type of cartilage damage or early osteoarthritis will be able to access and potentially benefit from this treatment.

"Through the research we fund we’re determined to prevent the devastating impact arthritis can have on daily life. This development is a fantastic example of how our funded research can deliver clinical advances and help more people to live the pain free life they deserve."

Prepdeck - Meal Prep System For People Who Live in a Tiny Home with A Tiny Kitchen

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Investment Opportunity - Great for small kitchens and Tiny Homes

Found on: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/prepdeck-your-complete-meal-preparation-system-food-design#/

Prepdeck : Your Complete Meal Preparation System

Loaded with over 45 features and accessories to help you prepare, measure, and store ingredients.

OVERVIEW

Prepdeck contains over 45 high quality accessories and features into one sleek and organized system. This allows you to stay tidy and organized as you prepare your meals, and leaves you with less clean up.

We created Prepdeck because we were tired of feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen. We knew there had to be a better way than messy drawers, dirty counters, and never ending prep time. We believe that there is so much joy to be had when cooking meals for yourself, with family, and with friends.

Cooking should not have to feel like a chore, and with Prepdeck, it doesn’t.

Regardless of your kitchen size, cooking expertise, or the time you have to cook, Prepdeck is for you, helping you stay organized, efficient, and happy in your kitchen.

Q: Do you ship internationally? What are the fees?

A: Yes, Prepdeck is available to ship anywhere in the world. When you back our campaign, simply select your country and the corresponding shipping price will be listed. We've done our very best to keep shipping prices down, but Prepdeck is not a small item, so this is a big factor. Note purchasing any multipack option does lower the per unit shipping price.

Q: Is Prepdeck dishwasher safe?

A:  Yes! We don't recommend putting the Prepdeck body in the dishwasher (although it can), rather we recommend rinsing with warm water and mild soap in the sink or wiped down in place on the counter.

Q: Can I use the containers in the freezer or the Microwave?

A: Yes. Our containers are made from premium Tritan plastic and are rated for use in both the freezer and microwave.

Q: Does Prepdeck fit in the fridge?

A: Well, it depends on the size of your fridge! It certainly could! We designed Prepdeck to be flexible, so all the container are removable and since they include lids, and stack nicely, it's easy to store prepped ingredients or leftovers in the fridge with or without the entire system.

Q: Can I choose which accessories are included in Prepdeck?

A: Each Prepdeck systems comes fully loaded with over 35 features and accessories, standard. If you wish to add accessories or containers, you can do so via the add on menu.

Q: Are the containers spill proof?

A: Yes, when the lid is securely in place.

Q: Where do I select my colors?

A: Prepdeck ships standard in Glacier White which includes the white Prepdeck, cool grey accessories and a White Marble cutting board/enclosure. There is also a range of board options available which can be ordered via the add-on menu. All color options can be selected after the campaign ends.

Q: How does the add-on menu work?

A: Each item listed in the add-on menu is available to you, and there is no limit to the number of times you select an item. Indiegogo considers each perk a separate transaction, so depending on how you plan to purchase, you may need to process multiple transactions. 

Q: What is the warranty?

A: For your peace of mind, Prepdeck purchases made during our campaign are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase. If a manufacturing defect is found, we will be happy to repair or replace the defective part

Damages caused as a result of the following conditions are not classed as manufacturing defects, and will not be covered by our guarantee:

• Accidental damage
• Acceptable (normal) wear and tear
• Damage caused by abuse or negligence
• Staining caused by strongly colored foods/spices
• Melting caused by overheating
• Scoring of boards

We do not guarantee products which:

• Have not been used or maintained in accordance with the Care Instructions
• Any product which has been modified or repaired by anyone other than Prepdeck
• Were purchased as pre-owned, refurbished or sold as seen
• Were purchased via an unauthorized reseller

A manufacturing defect is defined as any fault in the product’s materials or workmanship, which is present at the time of receipt.

Q: What is your return policy?

A: Our mission is to Bring back the joy of cooking, so it’s our hope that you are entirely satisfied with Prepdeck and its accessories. If for any reason you are not satisfied we accept returns for a full refund (less shipping both ways) within 30 days of receipt, for unused products in their original packaging.