Astrid Scholz

Capitalism is a hell of a drug. When used responsibly, it can create freedom, innovation and efficiency. But unchecked, hoarding, exploitation, and toxic side effects can run rampant. Silicon Valley’s way of doing business has set the tone for the last few decades, with venture capital and “unicorns” creating the dominant narrative about startups. It’s not greed and growth at all costs… it’s just business. Right? Wrong. We’re entering a new age, one where entrepreneurs want to create solutions to improve the human experience and quality of life without playing a zero-sum game. The age of the zebra. In this talk, Astrid will explain why and how purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive, why creating alternatives to venture capital financing for the businesses we need is a moral and economic imperative, and how innovation in business governance and practices can help us solve the world’s big challenges.