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 Kristin Remenschneider, Big Path Project Manager

Last week, we announced the 2025 MO 100, a list of top impact leaders who demonstrate how a stakeholder-focused approach to business can drive both value and positive change. It’s always exciting to be a part of this annual Big Path tradition—now in its eighth year!

The MO 100 encourages a broader movement toward corporate responsibility. It spotlights businesses that thrive while addressing critical social and environmental issues and hopefully, motivates other companies to adopt similar values. Take a look at the full list of CEOs here and meet a few of the 2025 honorees in this month’s newsletter.

And if you missed the inaugural interview of our new “Sell Without Selling Out” series, be sure to watch the full conversation, featured below. MO 100 repeat honoree Matt O’Hayer of Vital Farms shares invaluable lessons he’s learned on combining purpose and profit.

 

 

 

 

Leading with Purpose: Meet the 2025 MO 100 Top Leaders

Building a company while also growing its positive impact can be a journey of learning and balancing. Impact-minded business leaders must maintain a solid bottom line to support the work that advances the company’s purpose and serves its stakeholders.

Now in its eighth year, the MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking honors leaders who are shaping companies with a long-term vision of sustainability and shared prosperity. While numerous companies on the list are repeat honorees, several newcomers reflect the expanding role that positive impact plays in business resilience and growth.

See the full list and learn more about a few of this year’s honorees, including a top performer, repeat honorees, and an up-and-coming leader. Amid rapid change and divisive public narratives, they share how they are doubling down on impact and purpose at their companies. Read more.

Last Day for MO Summit Early Bird Tickets!

We’re looking forward to gathering CEOs dedicated to using capitalism as a force for good at this year’s MO Summit. Join us in Asheville, NC from April 21 to 23 to connect with fellow business leaders to gain insights, experiences, and best practices in sustainability and corporate responsibility. Don’t miss out on Early Bird tickets — on sale through February 28 only! Register for MO.

What We’re Tracking

KPMG 2024 Non-Climate Impact Investment Survey | KPMG is surveying investors and the investment ecosystem to assess the operating context around non-climate impact investing. The goal is to understand the perceived challenges, opportunities, and enablers to scale investing in non-climate investment areas. Take the survey.

With Trump 2.0, These Climate Donors Are Thinking Differently | This article from The Washington Post explores how some philanthropists are doubling down on policy while others are focusing on new funding models. Kate Williams of 1% for the Planet, for example, notes an “uptick of interest” in her organization since the inauguration. Read more.

Why Business and Governments are Harnessing Philanthropic and Concessionary Impact Capital for Climate Investments | Launched in January 2024, GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) is working with 140 partners to help bridge the green finance gap. So far, the initiative has catalyzed $5 billion of new climate and nature investments. Read more.

No DEI Labels, No Fluff: How Companies Can Avoid Throwing out the Baby With the Bath Water | ImpactAlpha explores how investors can build inclusivity in a way that resonates globally despite evolving societal attitudes. Read more.

 

Team Highlights

How Vital Farms and Big Path Capital Align Profit with Stakeholder Values

In guiding Vital Farms to annual sales that now top $600 million, Founder Matt O’Hayer took a path guided by purpose. That means prioritizing relationships with stakeholders—including a network of family farmers with pasture-raised hens—while connecting with impact-minded investors to grow the business.

O’Hayer discussed the company’s journey and lessons learned on combining purpose and profit during the first of a series of online discussions led by Big Path Capital Founder and CEO Michael Whelchel. In launching the “Sell Without Selling Out” series, their conversation covered topics including how a commitment to stakeholder capitalism has served as a strong foundation for Vital Farms. Watch now.

Meet Us on the Path

Learn more about these opportunities to join us in person (or online!) in 2025:

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