Big Path Capital is advancing a sustainable economy by connecting mission-driven companies and fund managers with mission-aligned investors. Join us on the journey to a better future that benefits everyone and the long term by signing up to receive our newsletter as well as announcements on our convenings and the latest news. Below is our latest issue. To receive the next newsletter directly in your inbox, sign up to join our online community here.

A Note From Patrick McDonald, Big Path Capital Associate

Joining Big Path two-plus years ago marked the beginning of a broader personal journey for me. It has allowed me to reshuffle my priorities and align my personal and professional goals of helping to make the world a happier and more sustainable place.

In two weeks, I’ll attend Expo West with my colleague Christie Lange. It’s an exciting opportunity to connect with business leaders who are driving innovation in the natural products sector. We’re looking forward to learning about cutting-edge trends and meeting potential collaborators and partners who share our commitment to ethical business practices and positive impact.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with companies that are pioneering positive change. While it might seem like a small contribution within the broader business landscape, I firmly believe that every dollar our firm directs toward these impactful companies reinforces the idea that business can be a force for good.

photo from presentation at MO Summit 2023

MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking Celebrates Leaders Shaping a More Inclusive Economy

During 17 years of work in impact investing, we’ve seen how impact-minded CEOs can inspire others to reimagine how to do business and shape an economy that works for all. We created the MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking to celebrate leaders leveraging the engine of capitalism to create shared prosperity. This year’s honorees reflect the range of business sectors and sizes where leaders are building positive social and environmental impact at high-growth companies. Read more.

What We’re Tracking

How a Flexible Work Environment Treats Employees as People First | We love this Q&A with 1% for the Planet’s Chief of Staff, Taran Catania, about creating a “people first” workplace. She shares her viewpoint on flexible workspaces, which she believes can lead to more dedicated, long-term workers and a positive work environment. Read more.

How B Corps Give Back to Their Communities | At Big Path Capital, we believe in the power of community service, providing our employees with dedicated impact days to volunteer for an organization of their choosing. From pro bono services to partnerships and group volunteering, community service efforts from some fellow Certified B Corporations showcase the range of options available to businesses to be a force for good. Read more.

Team Highlights

Photo of Michael Whelchel and Kevin Edwards at Real Leaders UNITE 2024

Michael Whelchel Joins “Redefining Capital for CEOs” Panel at Real Leaders UNITE

Big Path Founder & CEO Michael Whelchel attended Real Leaders UNITE in San Diego this month, an annual conference for Real Leaders members to meet, collaborate, and learn from one another. “The ability for leaders to come together in a space like this and share what’s working and what’s not is of enormous importance — to the attendees, their organizations, and the impact space as a whole,” he said.

Real Leaders and Big Path have worked together for many years with a similar approach to growing the impact economy by connecting and supporting innovative leaders to learn from one another. At the 2024 convening, Michael shared his viewpoint on that approach as a guest on the panel “Redefining Capital for CEOs: Impactful Transactions, Raises, and Exits.” Here, he shares learnings and highlights from the event.

What is the most inspiring thing you heard at the conference?
“Whenever you encounter a problem, no matter how insurmountable it might seem, there is one simple response that should be ingrained in your behavior: Never give up.” — Stedman Graham

What are three important takeaways from the panel you joined?

  1. Understand the intentionality behind the capital.
  2. Do your own due diligence on the investor.
  3. Make sure there is alignment on return/growth expectation, time horizon, and vision.

What was special about this year’s event?
Aligning with the event’s theme, “A Cosmic Collaboration of Real Leaders,” Real Leaders President Kevin Edwards returned to Earth to be with the honorees, including Michael (pictured above).

Looking Forward to Champions Retreat 2024

Next month, members of our team travel to Vancouver for Champions Retreat, an event for the B Corp community hosted by B Lab U.S. & Canada. Big Path is proud to be a sponsor of the event and looks forward to the inspirational activities, sessions, and speakers who share our dedication to business as a force for good.

Among our plans for the conference, Michael and Big Path COO Adrianne Gordon are delighted to join the invite-only CEO Forum designed to equip C-suite leaders with tools to navigate a new era of anti-ESG and anti-DEI attacks that threaten B Corps’ way of doing business. Stay tuned for our takeaways from the event next month!

Participating in Expo West’s Climate Day

Christie Lange and Patrick McDonald head to Expo West in two weeks. They will attend the event’s “Climate Day” on March 12, dedicated to addressing climate change directly to provide fertile ground for innovative ideas and actionable solutions. They look forward to meeting with like-minded individuals and forging connections crucial for driving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future. Climate Day is not just an event — it’s a catalyst for transformative change, and we are proud to be part of this movement.

Christie and Patrick will also join the happy hour for B Corp members on Thursday, March 14.

Let us know if you’ll be at Expo West — Christie and Patrick would love to connect! Drop us a note here.

Meet Us on the Path

Take a look at where you can find us — and join us! — in the coming months:

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