Transforming Climate Action with Kora: A Conversation with Gilad, Founder of Kora App
In a recent episode of the Blue Earth Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Gilad, the founder of Kora, a revolutionary app that is empowering individuals to take control of their carbon footprints. Gilad's journey from investment banking to founding Kora has been nothing short of transformative, and his passion for creating impactful climate solutions is palpable. During our discussion, we delved into his motivations, the innovative features of the Kora app, and how it aligns with the mission of Blue Earth to drive meaningful change.
A Journey Driven by Purpose
Gilad's transition from the world of investment banking to the climate sector was not just a career change, it was a deep personal decision rooted in his concern for the planet and future generations.
"I started to become aware and worried about climate 21 years ago," he shared.
This early awareness sparked a desire to do something more meaningful with his life. As a father of four, Gilad's concerns for his children's future were a driving force in his shift towards climate action.
For Gilad, the climate crisis is more than an environmental issue, it's an economic one. Early on, he recognised the inadequacies of existing climate policies, including systems like carbon credits and Kyoto Protocol. He believed that true climate action could only occur if individuals had access to clear, actionable data about their environmental impact.
The Birth of Kora: Empowering Individuals to Act
Kora's mission is rooted in the belief that understanding one's carbon footprint is the first step towards meaningful action.
"The major reason why we don't act on climate is because we don't understand the data," Gilad explained.
The app uses data from everyday activities, like movement, and soon will include energy and food consumption, to calculate an individual's carbon footprint. Users are then rewarded for reducing their impact, earning Kora tokens, which can be redeemed in a marketplace.
The unique model of Kora goes beyond just tracking emissions. It incentivises good behavior by comparing a user's carbon footprint to their country's average, providing tangible rewards for those who reduce their impact. This approach not only motivates individuals but helps sustain eco-friendly behaviors by making the results measurable and rewarding.
Scaling Up for Global Impact
When discussing Kora's future, Gilad's vision is ambitious. He aims to build a platform that engages 1 billion people in taking climate action. This mass adoption would fundamentally change the way society approaches sustainability, making climate-conscious decisions a natural part of everyday life.
"Each one of us can see how much our actions are contributing to our carbon footprint," he said, highlighting the importance of making individual choices part of the solution.
Kora is also exploring partnerships with large organisations, including football teams and corporates, to scale its impact. These partnerships are crucial for reaching millions of users, allowing the app to expand its reach beyond the individual and tap into the power of community-driven action.
Kora's Business Model and the Road Ahead
Kora operates under a B2B SaaS model, working with companies to help their employees engage in climate action. The app also generates revenue through its marketplace, where users can purchase products with a reduced carbon footprint. One of the most exciting aspects of the business model is the introduction of Kora credits, a new form of carbon credit that is tied to individual actions. By using Kora, users can offset their carbon emissions through the purchases they make in the app's marketplace, creating a closed-loop system for sustainable consumption.
As Kora continues to evolve, Gilad is focused on enhancing the app's user experience and expanding its technological capabilities. With a current 94% data accuracy and plans to incorporate AI and energy solutions, Kora is poised to become a leading tool in the fight against climate change.
Blue Earth's Support for Kora's Fundraising Journey
At Blue Earth, we are thrilled to have Kora as a Ventures Member, supporting their journey as they continue to innovate and scale. Gilad's vision aligns perfectly with Blue Earth's mission to drive impact-driven businesses that address the climate crisis. Through our platform, Kora will be showcased to our community of investors and partners, gaining access to opportunities to fundraise and grow.
Kora will also be attending:
- The Blue Earth Forum during London Climate Action Week (LCAW)
- The Blue Earth Summit in October
These events will provide opportunities to connect with investors and organisations that share their commitment to sustainability. We are excited to be part of their journey and to help amplify their impact in the coming months.
Listen to the Full Podcast
Gilad's conversation is a true inspiration for founders and entrepreneurs in the climate space. From his personal journey to his ambitious vision for Kora, this episode provides deep insights into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the fight against climate change.
We encourage you to listen to the full podcast to hear more about Kora's innovative approach, Gilad's entrepreneurial spirit, and the exciting future that lies ahead for the app.
Conclusion
Kora is not just an app; it's a movement. With Gilad at the helm, the company is tackling one of the biggest challenges of our generation, empowering individuals and organizations to take meaningful action on climate change. We at Blue Earth are proud to support them as they continue to innovate and inspire others to follow suit.
Join us in supporting Kora's mission, and stay tuned for more updates as they progress on their journey toward becoming a global leader in carbon avoidance.