Strength in numbers

• Unlock Aid, a new organization comprised of 20 CEOs and representatives from innovative development organizations, has been launched. 500-backed big data startup Zenysis is one of them.
• The goal of the alliance is to push international development agencies to become more results-driven and innovator-friendly. It will call for the American government to drive forward a set of reforms essential to meeting 21st-century challenges, such as climate change and pandemic response.
• In a joint letter, the organizations said, “…creating the conditions for this to happen will require hard work, policy changes, and leadership. Consider Unlock Aid a partner in these efforts.”
• “Zenysis is proud to join other sector innovators to co-found Unlock Aid to help bring far more innovation and results to international development,” said Sara Pacqué-Margolis, Vice President for Growth at Zenysis.
• Read the full statement here.

For a better world

• 500-backed e-scooter startup Neuron Mobility has taken a bold step forward in its commitment to sustainability. The startup has joined The Climate Pledge, which requires signatories to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
• The initiative, co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, aims to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement 10 years early.
• As part of the pledge, Neuron will also measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis, as well as implement a range of decarbonization strategies. Signatories also commit to neutralizing any remaining emissions with offsets.
• Since the startup’s founding in 2016, an estimated 1,500 tonnes of CO2 have been saved from entering the atmosphere. In addition, Neuron uses only renewable energy to charge its e-scooters.
• Read the full story here.

Making dreams come true

• The Los Angeles Dodgers have a tradition – after every Sunday afternoon game, they invite children in the ballpark down to the field to run the bases. It is a coveted opportunity for many parents and children, but not every child can take part.
• So, 500-backed OhmniLabs, the Dodgers, and UCLA Health took the matter into their own hands. Together, they made this special occasion available for children that are not ambulatory, hospitalized, or recovering from illness.
• 10 pediatric patients were given the chance to “visit” the Dodger Stadium by controlling OhmniLabs’ robot, an artificially intelligent machine, from their hospital beds.
• They met and greeted several Dodgers’ players, then received a tour of the field before getting the first-person perspective on what it’s like to run the bases at the stadium.
• Read the full story here.