The initial goal of venture capital was to expedite innovation. Yet many startups did not succeed in getting funding, and many investors failed to capitalize on potential genuine innovation, as the system did not embrace entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds and ideas. Why did that ecosystem not deliver on its promise? To move toward more sustainable innovation, it was imperative for both investors and founders to begin taking more responsibility through better governance and increased transparency.

Experts from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business joined to discuss the idiosyncrasies and flaws of venture capital, offering suggestions on ways to improve its processes and outcomes for more sustainable innovation in the years to come.

View the recording here.

According to the Interaction Design Foundation, "sustainable design creates long-term solutions and helps societies ensure the well-being of their people and harmony with the environment for generations."

We gained actionable insights from leading experts on developing sustainable ventures that not only benefit the environment but also enhance corporate profitability and resilience. It was a great opportunity to be part of the solution in shaping a sustainable future!

View the recording here. 

The National Women's Business Council found that the number of female entrepreneurs increased by 114% compared to just two decades ago. However, according to a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, venture capital, which is supposed to fund innovation, is a man’s game. Women are massively under-represented among both venture-backed entrepreneurs and VC investors.

The CSG-Group, along with its numerous collaborators, especially our co-sponsors, Cornell's Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise and Bonomi Desenvolvimento Empresarial, is intent on diversifying the venture ecosystem by its commitment to giving women innovators and investors a platform that amplifies their voices. The women who have embraced entrepreneurship know that their journey is challenging, yet they are willing to be disruptive to make a difference.

We thanked and appreciated men worldwide who understand the importance of collaborating with women by encouraging and supporting their initiatives across the globe.

We heard a diverse group of women founders who are fully immersed in finding sustainable solutions to benefit people and the planet in tandem with the creation of financial value.

View the recording here. 

Entrepreneurship is soaring, and a growing number of entrepreneurs are not merely making and selling a product or service; they are incorporating a vision of purpose. This has become even more evident in recent decades with the explosion of technological innovation and social media networks. Yet the ability to secure funding and exit a business, regardless of its mission, is still critical. This webinar will focus on the role financiers play in supporting entrepreneurs innovating with purpose.

This fast-paced discussion hosted by Cornell's Center for Global Sustainable Enterprise brings together a group of panelists who have raised, deployed, or managed capital for entrepreneurs and innovators. Based on their diverse perspectives, they will provide insight into how they encourage innovation and how capital deployment can best fund purpose-driven entrepreneurial endeavors. They will also explore how various funding mechanisms encourage sound entrepreneurship with environmental and social impact.

View the recording here.

Corporations spend numerous amounts of resources to manage their reputational and economic risks while having enormous influence on so many aspects of our lives. Are they actually caring about the environment and have they made a difference in the lives of their consumers and the public?

For those of you who didn’t have the opportunity to join the discussion, you can watch it at your convenience on this recording.

https://ecornell.cornell.edu/keynotes/view/K051023/