Tech Entrepreneur Trades Boardroom for Rainforest, Funds Indigenous-Led Conservation

Montreal, QC – November 11, 2025 – Dax Dasilva, founder of global commerce platform Lightspeed Commerce, is redefining the role of a tech entrepreneur, shifting his focus from scaling businesses to scaling conservation efforts. Through his non-profit, Age of Union, Dasilva is channeling significant investment into grassroots conservation projects, with a particular emphasis on empowering Indigenous communities as the front line of defense for Earth's most vulnerable ecosystems.

For years, Dasilva built a successful tech empire. Now, he’s applying that same entrepreneurial drive – and financial muscle – to address the escalating ecological crisis. “I realized that waiting for governments or large institutions to solve these problems wasn’t enough,” Dasilva stated in a recent interview. “We needed to be more agile, more focused, and, most importantly, we needed to listen to those who have been protecting these lands for generations.”

From Startup Founder to Conservation Catalyst

Dasilva’s journey from tech CEO to full-time philanthropist began with a deeply felt connection to the natural world, stemming from his youth in British Columbia. Experiences protesting logging in the Clayoquot Sound as a teenager profoundly shaped his views on environmental degradation. He’s now translating those early convictions into tangible action through Age of Union.

The organization differs from traditional conservation models by prioritizing locally-led initiatives. Rather than imposing solutions, Age of Union partners with communities already deeply invested in protecting their land and resources. This approach is particularly evident in its work in the Brazilian Amazon, where the organization is heavily invested in supporting the Juma Institute, led by Indigenous Chief Juma Xipaya.

“We’ve seen too many conservation efforts fail because they don't respect local knowledge and autonomy,” explains a conservation expert familiar with Age of Union’s approach. “Dax and his team understood that empowering Indigenous communities isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the most effective way to protect these ecosystems.”

Investing in Indigenous Sovereignty and the Amazon Rainforest

Age of Union’s partnership with the Juma Institute is a cornerstone of its strategy. The organization is providing critical financial support to help the Institute preserve Indigenous culture, protect ancestral lands, and combat environmental crime. Recent funding enabled the construction of a natural herbal medicine house in the Kaarimã Village, strengthening the community’s traditional practices and healthcare access.

The organization's commitment extends beyond financial aid. Age of Union is also leveraging the power of storytelling to amplify Indigenous voices and raise awareness about the threats facing the Amazon. Its documentary, YANUNI, which chronicles Chief Xipaya’s fight for land rights and cultural preservation, has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards at international film festivals.

“The film is a powerful testament to the resilience and wisdom of Indigenous communities,” states a film critic who recently viewed YANUNI. “It’s not just a conservation story; it’s a story about human rights, cultural identity, and the fight for a sustainable future.”

A Science-Driven Approach Paired with Storytelling

While prioritizing Indigenous knowledge, Age of Union doesn’t shy away from incorporating scientific expertise. The organization has forged a strategic partnership with Re:wild, a conservation organization co-founded by renowned scientists and Leonardo DiCaprio. This collaboration combines Re:wild’s scientific rigor with Age of Union’s grassroots approach and storytelling prowess.

The initial focus of this partnership is a $1 million, five-year investment in protecting Madagascar’s biodiversity, a region facing severe deforestation and habitat loss. The project aims to safeguard key biodiversity areas, restore degraded ecosystems, and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

“Madagascar is a critical biodiversity hotspot, but it’s also incredibly vulnerable,” explains a Re:wild scientist involved in the project. “This partnership allows us to combine our scientific expertise with Age of Union’s on-the-ground network and storytelling ability, maximizing our impact.”

Scaling Conservation: From Forest to Immersive Art

Dasilva's entrepreneurial spirit extends to the way Age of Union operates. He applies a “startup mentality” to conservation, prioritizing agility, innovation, and measurable results. He’s also exploring creative ways to engage the public and raise awareness about environmental issues.

The organization's immersive art exhibit, The Black Hole Experience (BHX), is a prime example. BHX, created in collaboration with artist Kelly Nunes, aims to connect audiences with the beauty and fragility of nature through a multi-sensory experience. The exhibit recently returned for a second season, debuting at SXSW and touring other events.

“We want to create experiences that inspire people to connect with nature on a deeper level,” Dasilva explains. “If people fall in love with the natural world, they’ll be more likely to protect it.”

The Future of Conservation: A Shift in Paradigm?

Dasilva's transformation from tech entrepreneur to conservation philanthropist represents a growing trend. More and more individuals with business acumen and financial resources are recognizing the urgency of the ecological crisis and dedicating their skills and capital to finding solutions.

“We’re seeing a shift in paradigm,” explains a leading environmental strategist. “Traditional conservation models are important, but they need to be complemented by innovative approaches that leverage the power of entrepreneurship, technology, and storytelling.”

As Age of Union expands its reach and impact, it’s poised to become a leading force in the global conservation movement. By prioritizing Indigenous leadership, embracing scientific rigor, and harnessing the power of storytelling, the organization is demonstrating that it’s possible to protect the planet while empowering local communities and creating a more sustainable future. “This isn’t just about saving ecosystems,” Dasilva concludes. “It’s about building a world where people and nature can thrive together.”