During 17 years of work in the field of impact investing, Big Path Capital has seen how impact-minded CEOs can inspire others to reimagine how to do business and shape an economy that works for all. To celebrate leaders leveraging the engine of capitalism to create shared prosperity, Big Path created the MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking, which recognizes 100 top executives building positive social and environmental impact at high-growth companies.

The MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking was inspired by the MO CEO Summit, a structured event that Big Path launched in 2018 to bring together purpose-driven CEOs with strong experience who are looking for deep connections. The 2024 MO 100 honorees will be recognized at the MO 100 Awards Gala at the 2024 MO CEO Summit, set for April 15-17, 2024, in Austin, Texas.

“These CEOs are the real catalysts and agents of change driving the most dynamic segment of the economy,” said Michael Whelchel, Founder and CEO of Big Path, which assists purpose-driven companies and private equity funds in raising capital and company exits. “The MO 100 Top Impact CEOs champion a new vision of capitalism, demonstrating that every transaction represents an opportunity to create positive outcomes for all stakeholders.​”

The 2024 MO 100 list reflects the range of business sectors and sizes where leaders are using business as a force for good and creating strong financial returns. Here’s a look at some highlights from the list (click here to learn more!):

  • Leaders named to the 2024 MO 100 represent companies from across the United States, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.
  • They cover a range of industries, including renewable energy, financial services, consulting, project finance, solar installation, apparel, and consumer products.
  • Companies on the list have reinforced their commitment to positive social and environmental impact by pursuing third-party certifications and joining organizations. The list includes 77 Certified B Corporations, 11 companies that are Certified Fair Trade, and 11 that are 1% for the Planet members.

The 2024 MO 100 honorees have shown higher revenue growth than in prior years, Whelchel said, indicating the growing momentum for companies that embed impact and purpose into their operations. The 2024 MO 100 cumulative annual revenue is $8 billion, up 38% from $5.8 billion for the previous year’s cohort. Companies on the 2024 list have average annual revenue of $80 million, up from an average of $64 million the previous year.

Whelchel pointed to another differentiating factor for this year’s cohort: the number of industries they represent. “Looking at the top 10, for instance, the industries include renewable energy, financial services, consulting, project finance, solar installation, apparel, and consumer products,” he said.

Awardees on the 2024 MO 100 are ranked according to a “force for good” score, which is calculated based on a formula accounting for the company’s scale via its total revenue, growth via its revenue growth rate, and positive impact on people and planet via the B Impact Assessment (a standard developed by B Lab to assess a company’s true impact) or other impact certifications. As a member of the B Corp community, Big Path knows the B Impact Assessment provides a rigorous and holistic third-party evaluation of a company’s operations and impact.

Being named to the 2024 MO 100 recognizes the achievements that CEOs have realized and offers future opportunities, Whelchel said. Companies on the list gain international recognition for their impact, which can help attract like-minded talent and mission-driven investors. “When you need capital, you will be top of mind for highly aligned investors,” he said.

The MO Summit and CEO ranking reflect Big Path’s belief in the power of connecting capital and impact. “Big Path’s mission is to change how capitalism is done and leverage it as a force for good,” Whelchel said. “The MO 100 is proof of how this is already being done in every industry and gives us a roadmap on how others can join.”

Learn more about the 2024 MO CEO Summit, April 15-17, 2024, in Austin, Texas, here.