Whether a founding entrepreneur of a high growth startup or a CEO of a larger and growing company, a portion of these leaders are helming enterprises in the impact economy—an area where their efforts are contributing to the social good. In recognition of the social impact of these companies, investment firm Big Path Capital announced this past week their inaugural MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking to honor their leaders.
“The MO 100 Top Impact CEOs are also evangelists championing a new vision of capitalism in which every transaction represents an opportunity to create positive outcomes for a broader set of stakeholders,” said Michael Whelchel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Big Path Capital, which connects purpose-driven companies and fund managers with mission-aligned investors.
This is the first ever list honoring the leaders of fast-growing companies in a very dynamic segment of the economy. Big Path Capital distinguishes their list from other lists that rank impact-minded companies by having the MO 100 focus on “the catalysts who are sparking positive environmental and social change through the private companies they run”.
“Values such as sustainability, social justice, and racial equity don’t arise organically. Business leaders must plant those seeds and nurture those goals,” said Shawn Lesser, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Big Path. “We hope these awards inspire a new generation of executives who embrace the notion that you can focus on purpose and profits at the same time.”
Participation in the ranking brings rewards to those honored. The leaders of social impact companies are able to attract and retain the best talent who are seeking positions that will enable them to make a difference. Mission-driven investors value the designation, and the ranking brings companies to their attention for future capital. Plus, an invitation to the exclusive awards ceremony will give company leaders the opportunity to network and collaborate with other like-minded industry leaders.
Big Path will use a number of factors in making their determinations of the nominees who are best serving as a “force for good. They will assess the social impact of companies by total revenue, sales growth rate, and its’ B Impact Assessment, a standard developed by B Lab to assess a company’s true impact. Big Path is a certified B Corporation since its founding in 2007.
Applications from leaders of private social impact companies will be accepted through Oct. 31, 2021 with the winners to be announced in February 2022. Big Path will honor the Top Impact CEOs On April 19-20, 2022 at Big Path Capital’s MO Summit to be held in Portland, OR.
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