Koodoo connects sustainable businesses with the increasing number of entrepreneurs who want to invest in the future of the planet. From sustainable fashion brand a-y-t, founded by Georgie Macintyre, former Artistic Director at Matthew Williamson, to recyclable sneaker brand Other Year, the new equity crowdfunding platform is now live with four businesses seeking finance.

Koodoo was founded in response to growing cross-generational groups of ‘woke’ consumers who want to live responsibly and who care about issues that affect the planet. These consumers are buying brands, as well as investing in businesses, that are changemakers and leaders and share their beliefs of a better world for future generations.

In addition, more investors want to align their investments with their ethical and sustainable values. As a result, the sustainable investment market in Europe is worth more than $13 trillion, with the US investing $6 trillion in such assets. Investors around the world can invest in any of the small businesses live on Koodoo that are committed to social or environmental change, from as little as £20.

Research released by Kantar this week shows that three-quarters of respondents agree that due to inaction from many of the world’s governments, consumers are looking to brands to act as forces for positive change in society. Worryingly for many businesses, however, 77 percent of consumers admit that in the last 12 months, they have switched, avoided, or boycotted buying products, or might consider doing so in the future, based on their view of said brand’s sustainability and environmental policies. Their major concerns include include harsh working conditions, environmental pollution, and overuse of packaging.

A-y-t offers an entirely sustainable and welfare-conscious womenswear line, backed with a supply chain to match – one that is both considerate to the planet and a blueprint for the industry as a whole. Its debut collection will be fronted by model and environmental activist Arizona Muse. The brand is looking to raise £500,000 to further develop its reactive supply chain and e-commerce customer experience.

Other Year is a recyclable sneaker brand that operates a circular economy footwear supply chain. Anti-landfill and pro-planet, Other Year aims to change the way people think about and consume footwear. The only sneakers brand with the end of life designed at the beginning of life, Other Year footwear is made from the highest quality, lowest impact materials. The shoe is designed to be recyclable so when consumers have worn their pair for a chosen amount of time, they can be returned to the brand, disassembled and the separate parts recycled into new materials for new sneakers. They hope to raise £550,000 to purchase initial inventory, launch the brand, and execute the company’s first year of trading.

SO JUST SHOP, an award-winning accessory, homeware, and gifting marketplace that works directly with women-led artisans from some of the most vulnerable communities in the world, is also seeking investment on Koodoo. Founded in 2015, the company works directly with artisans on design and product development, supply chain transparency, and mobile payments, ensuring all of the products are ethically and sustainably made. The brand’s mission is to raise 250,000 women and their families out of poverty by developing design and technological solutions that help them to overcome barriers to international trade. Founder Jennifer Georgeson wants to raise £130,000 to open its first multipurpose space in London and aid the growth of the business, which has 50 sellers across 20 countries and three continents, counting TATE, Bloomingdales, and Anthropologie as retail partners.

Jennifer Georgeson, Founder and CEO of SO JUST SHOP, said of the target investment: ‘We’ve had four fantastic years of organic growth, with little to no marketing budget. We’ve now reached a really positive stage of the business where we’re looking to harness our supporters – and reach out to new people – who share our ethos. We are offering a unique investment opportunity for the future of communities and craftsmanship. We are excited to be part of Koodoo and the benefits it will bring to ideas and individuals around the world.’

Michael Wilkinson, CEO of Koodoo, said: ‘The rise in conscious consumerism is going to be a game changer in the world of investment.  Consumers, particularly younger generations, expect businesses to be driven in some other direction than simply making a profit. They increasingly back their beliefs with their shopping habits as well as investments. Yet investing in businesses that help the world does not mean you have to sacrifice returns. We will channel that investment, using the most progressive technology available, to those entrepreneurs and changemakers who have the talent and vision to change our world for the better.’

The Koodoo app is available to download free via the App Store and Play Store.

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 Top image by SO JUST SHOP.