Episode E108 - Liz Kukka - Purpose Impact Lending Fund

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Hi Impactful Listener!

Welcome to Episode 108 of the Female VC Lab Podcast! Today we have an inspiring conversation with Elizabeth Kukka, CEO of Purpose For Profit. Join us as Liz shares her journey into venture capital and the innovative approach her tokenized lending fund takes to support affordable mixed-income housing. We'll dive deep into Purpose For Profit's unique funding structure, leveraging blockchain technology for transparency, and rethinking philanthropic investment. Plus, Liz sheds light on the broader impact of affordable housing on communities and offers insights into the future of venture capital. Don't miss this insightful episode as we explore how combining technology with social good can drive meaningful change. Stay tuned!

🎧 Listen to the Episode

Key Points Discussed

• Introduction to Purpose For Profit: A tokenized lending fund focused on affordable mixed-income housing.

• Blockchain and Tokenized Funding: Utilizing blockchain for transparency and efficiency in fund management.

• Affordable Housing Initiatives: The importance of affordable housing in improving economic, educational, and health outcomes.

• Future of Venture Capital: The rise of digital assets and their impact on liquidity and investment strategies.

• Nonprofit Structure: How nonprofits can generate returns while maintaining their mission.

🎧 Watch the Episode

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Liz Kukka's brief introduction

• 0:12 Liz explains her inspiration for becoming a venture capitalist

• 0:36 Overview of Purpose For Profit's thesis and funding mechanism

• 1:55 New funding structure and affordable housing sector

• 3:06 Importance of transparency and the nonprofit model

• 4:37 Liz's current readings and interests, including AI and housing initiatives

• 6:00 The link between affordable housing and socio-economic outcomes

• 6:22 Liz's view on the future of venture capital and digital assets

• 8:01 How to contact Liz and closing remarks

Full Topic Guide

Innovative Lending for Impact

Expanding Funding for Affordable Housing

In this episode of the Female VC Lab Podcast, Barbara Bickham sits down with Liz Kukka to discuss her innovative approach to venture capital aimed at solving societal issues, specifically affordable housing. Liz, the CEO of Purpose For Profit, shares how her tokenized lending fund uses blockchain technology to revolutionize the funding of mixed-income housing projects.

Liz’s Journey into Venture Capital

Liz's drive to influence positive change led her to venture capital. She articulates how the ability to deploy capital to projects she believes in allows for meaningful impact, embodying the principle that "money makes the world go round."

The Purpose For Profit Model

Purpose For Profit operates as a tokenized lending fund that facilitates below-market-rate loans for businesses constructing affordable mixed-income housing. By purchasing tokens, investors indirectly lend to housing projects. Liz emphasizes the transparency blockchain technology offers, allowing real-time reporting and reducing the administrative burden typically associated with funding processes.

Navigating the Nonprofit Landscape

Purpose For Profit distinguishes itself by operating as a nonprofit. Liz elaborates on the benefits and misconceptions about nonprofits, explaining that while the core team earns minimal revenue to sustain operations, lenders can still achieve financial returns. This organizational structure allows for transparency and accountability, aligning with the nonprofit’s objective of serving community needs effectively.

Current Trends in Affordable Housing

Liz's expertise points to the pressing importance of affordable housing. Citing various initiatives, including those at Cal Berkeley and the University of Utah, she highlights the ongoing efforts to create sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions. Liz notes that stable housing correlates significantly with positive educational and health outcomes, framing the issue as not just economic but holistic societal welfare.

The Future of Venture Capital

Looking ahead, Liz predicts an increase in the integration of digital assets within venture capital. The liquidity provided by these assets presents opportunities and challenges, particularly in educating new wealthy investors on diligence and risk management. Liz believes the landscape will continue to evolve rapidly, necessitating smart capital deployment and informed decision-making in a fast-paced market.

Notable Quotes from the Guest

Fun Facts or Interesting Tidbits

1. Crypto and Housing:

   Liz explains how the $3 trillion in crypto assets can be redirected to real-world projects like affordable housing.

2. Real-Time Reporting:

   For ultimate transparency, Purpose For Profit allows stakeholders to pull real-time reports on fund management and investment outcomes.

3. Innovative Funding Model:

   Instead of traditional legal documents and subscription agreements, investors can simply buy a token that operates under a smart contract.

Episode Resource: Learning, Reading, and Listening

In Episode 108 of the Female VC Lab podcast, Liz Kukka shared some valuable resources that she has been learning from, reading, or listening to. Below are the specific names and links for those interested:

1. Barbara Bickham's AI Write-Ups

   • While specific links weren't given, you can stay updated on Barbara Bickham's AI insights by following her works and publications.

2. Trailyn.com

   • Trailyn Website

3. Trailyn’s GTP (GPT AI Resources)

   • TrailynGPT

4. Turner Labs at Cal Berkeley

   • Turner Labs Housing Initiative

By exploring these resources, listeners can delve deeper into AI advancements and innovative housing initiatives that are impacting the venture capital space.

Featured Guest Bio

Liz Kukka has spent the last ten years working across startups, Fortune 500s and venture capital. With a commitment to social impact and systems change, she turned her fulltime attention to blockchain and digital assets starting in 2018 and has since launched highly regulated products and services globally.

Guest Contact

• Purpose for Profit

• Elizabeth Kukka's LinkedIn

• Email: [email protected]

• Investor Interest Form

Fund Information

The Purpose Impact Lending Fund provides below market rate loans to businesses building affordable housing. The fund focuses on providing Construction Bridge Loans and Short-Term Multi-Family, terms are twelve months or less. There are two ways to participate in the fund: Token holders have the ability to stake their tokens and earn rewards between 10 - 20%, while subscribers can elect a 6 month - 12 month term with a return of 5 - 8% APY.

Fund Contact

• Investor Interest Form

• Purpose for Profit on X (formerly Twitter)

• Purpose for Profit Telegram Chat

• Purpose for Profit on LinkedIn

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Best,
Barbara