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Ulupono Initiative

Impact investor

Honolulu · Seed–Series A · 17 people tracked

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Investment thesis

Ulupono Initiative is dedicated to building a more sustainable and resilient Hawai‘i, recognizing the state's vulnerability as one of the most geographically isolated places in the world. It concentrates on four interconnected areas: increasing locally produced food to reduce reliance on imports (Hawai‘i imports nearly 90% of its food), expanding renewable energy to lower costs and emissions, advancing clean transportation to cut fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting the state's finite freshwater resources. Through funding and support of local efforts, initiatives, and projects since 2009, it aims to help steward long-term change for Hawai‘i's communities by following the community's lead.

Source: firm website, verified Oct 26, 2026.

Stage
Seed–Series A
Check
$1M – $3M
HQ
Honolulu, Hawaii, US
Instruments
Equity · Grants
Founded
2009
Tracked investments
7

Team · 17 people

from the firm's website & public directories
Pam Omidyar· Founder & Board Member
Pierre Omidyar· Founder & Former Board Member
Caroline Julian-Freitas· Director, Communications & Community
James Koshiba· Board Member
Jeremy Kimura· Director, Fresh Water
Kathleen Chapman· Office Manager
Kathleen Rooney· Vice President of Transportation Policy and Programs

Kathleen Rooney leads transportation policy and programs at Ulupono Initiative and commented on the organization's parking policy toolkit.

Keith DeMello· Senior Vice President, Communications & External Affairs
Mariah Yoshizu· Associate, Government Affairs
Marisa Castuera Hayase· Board Member
Micah Munekata· Vice President, Government Affairs

Promoted from director to vice president of government affairs at Ulupono Initiative.

Michael Colón· Director, Energy
Summer Begnaud· Specialist, Communications & Community
Sunshine Topping· Board Chair

Serves as chair of Ulupono Initiative's board of directors and voiced support for the leadership transition to Greg Gaug.

Greg Gaug· Interim President

Greg Gaug joined Ulupono Initiative in 2012 and most recently served as vice president of investments and analytics before being named interim president effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Murray Clay. As part of the management team, he contributed to the organization's overall strategy and planning and worked on projects related to community solar and clean transportation in Hawai‘i. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from INSEAD in Singapore.

Matthew Kaulikepono Derouin· Analyst, Investments & Analytics
Trisha Yamato· Senior Associate, Investments & Analytics

What they invest in

from 2 of 7 portfolio companies

AgTech ×1Cleantech ×1Energy ×1Impact & Social Good ×1

HQs:United States×2

Investments · 7 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path
DA BUX Double Up Food Bucksin

Ulupono Initiative is a Hawaiʻi-based impact investment organization that funds and supports local efforts in renewable energy, clean transportation, local food production, and freshwater management.

AgTechCleantechImpact & Social Good

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

Farm Link HawaiiHonolulu Seawater Air ConditioningLocal Food CoalitionMAO Organic FarmsWai Maoli: Fresh Water InitiativeWAI: Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has Ulupono Initiative made?
Ulupono Initiative has 7 tracked investments.
What stage does Ulupono Initiative invest at?
Ulupono Initiative invests at the Seed, Series A stages.
What is Ulupono Initiative's typical check size?
Ulupono Initiative typically writes checks of $1M – $3M.
What sectors does Ulupono Initiative focus on?
Ulupono Initiative focuses on AgTech, Cleantech, Climate Tech, Energy, FoodTech, Impact & Social Good, Mobility & Transportation.
Where is Ulupono Initiative located?
Ulupono Initiative is headquartered in Honolulu, US.

Media · Podcasts & interviews

from their channel

How Can We Make Routes Safer for Kids Walking, Biking & Rolling to School? 🚸🚲🌈

Ulupono Initiative

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