Business
is the one institution with the power and potential to solve our most
pressing social and environmental problems. Indeed, as the cause of
many of our ecological issues, many would say that business is in some
way responsible for doing so. Still, our economic systems (stock prices,
for example) do not reward such forward-thinking, "common good"
behavior, though many customers and some markets are starting to.
Some
of us so-called "sustainability people" feel a sense of urgency -- that we need to learn faster, more quickly turn
the big ship of our economy in a new direction, inspire new and much
higher standards for integrity, refining prosperity and success.
The issue for radically innovative solutions is the wide cultural and often communication gap
between entrepreneurs (founders of early stage companies) and the venture
investment community. There is no accessible, respectful, reliable,
credible, functional and committed community that exists to assist entrepreneurs
with the challenge of raising early stage funding, giving an getting feedback in collaboration, learning together so that the best ideas can fractal off and make tons of money for their partners.
The purpose of this website and our partner organizations,
therefore, is to fill this cavernous gap with intelligence and understanding
... to accelerate the flow of capital to innovators at all levels -- from
startup phase for a new venture to those established companies currently rethinking their business model.
We achieve this tall order through careful listening (imagine that),
using practical tools for gaining mutual understanding, and by involving the right people for the work at hand. We represent a vast network of professionals with deep experience in sustainable business development, many successful venture catalysts and educators in their own right. The result is an informal,
virtual marketplace with capital connections via a "community of
commitment."
What's already working
that can serve as a model?
We showcase examples and
success stories of what's already working in practice. We offer case
studies of what not to do -- mistakes that others have made to make
sure you don't have to. Theory is interesting, but the realworld examples
are ultimately more instructive and immediately useful.