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From the Emerald Summit™, where founders showcased solutions for people and planet, to our latest Planet Positive Podcast episodes exploring purpose-driven venture investing, November was a month to celebrate ideas that make an impact. 

As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to share upcoming events, opportunities to connect with our community, and ways for startups and students to get support, mentorship, and access to a network of 2,000+ investors, founders, executives, and policy makers. This month’s newsletter highlights bold founders, inspiring investors, and pathways for you to make your mark.

Last September at the Emerald Summit™ in New York City, we witnessed an extraordinary gathering of innovation, collaboration, and impact. Eleven exceptional startups took the stage, presenting bold solutions across clean mobility, flood intelligence, circular fashion, climate fintech, and sustainable food systems. 

Our panel of six world-class judges — Ani Kavookjian Widham (Clarity AI), Jeremy Harper (Remarkable Ventures), Sabriya Stukes, PhD (SOSV), Sherrise Pond (Anthemis), Sherri Lane (NYC Small Business Services), and our CEO and creator of the Emerald Summit, Bhuva Shakti — lent their expertise to guide these founders and help shape the conversation.

🥇  Tiya Gordon, Co-Founder & COO, it’s electric – redefining equitable, scalable EV charging for cities

🥈 Brandi DeCarli, Founder & CEO, Farm from a Box – innovating climate-smart, energy-sufficient solutions for food independence.

🥉 Constanza Gomez, Co-Founder & CEO, Sortile – transforming textile recycling with AI-powered sorting technology.AreaHub – streamlining workspace and resource sharing for communities 

…and of course a big round of applause for the finalists:

This was not just a competition; it was community in action. Investors, founders, and leaders came together to prove that profit, people, planet, and purpose can coexist. The Emerald Summit may have concluded, but the momentum continues through the Wallet Max Global Community, a space where founders, investors, and leaders build together year-round.

We are excited to give a first look at New York Fintech Week 2026, a week designed to bring founders, investors and leaders together for inspiration, connection, and real-world impact. This year, we are building on last year’s momentum adding investor talks to Planet Positive Pitch™ — a combination of insightful discussions and opportunities for startups to present their innovations directly to investors and industry leaders.

Last year’s events set the tone: Planet Positive Talks™ sparked ideas for sustainable finance and climate innovation, while the Sustainably Social Dinner™ created connections that turned into partnerships, collaborations, and lasting community. This year, the focus on Pitch & Talks gives startups an even bigger stage to showcase their solutions while engaging with leaders who can help turn ideas into action.

Startups interested in pitching can submit applications now. While our official event page is still under wraps, you can view details and deadlines here: https://luma.com/FintechPitchWM26 

For inspiration, take a look back at 2025 programs: 

We cannot wait to bring this community together again to share ideas, celebrate innovation, and create opportunities that move the industry forward.

On November 30, the next episode of the Wallet Max Planet Positive Podcast™ goes live. This month, we speak with Emma Leavy, Principal at Gratitude Railroad, who has worked with early-stage startups in renewables, food, and social impact.

Emma shares her experience deciding which startup to back, how she supports them as they grow, and practical advice for founders who want to make both a business and a positive impact.

The podcast is hosted by Wallet Max Founder &  CEO Bhuva Shakti, and is for anyone interested in learning from investors and founders shaping thoughtful, practical solutions.

This month on the Planet Positive Podcast™, Bhuva Shakti sits down with Claire Biernacki, Partner at BBG Ventures, one of the first funds to boldly back diverse and female founders.

Claire and Bhuva explore how investors can drive meaningful financial inclusion and lasting impact without compromising growth. From rethinking what success looks like, to building portfolios that truly reflect our polycultural world, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone shaping the future of business and innovation.

Some of the key takeaways from this month’s podcast:

💡 Tune in for real stories and practical insights on shaping the future of inclusive investing.

Wallet Max is preparing an exciting lineup of programs for 2026, and we invite you to play an active role. Whether as a sponsor, speaker, or volunteer, your expertise and support can help advance innovation, connection, and impact across our community.