The venture development processes of “sustainable” entrepreneurs

This paper examines the venture development processes of “sustainable ” entrepreneurs, i.e., entrepreneurs who create and build profitable companies that also pursue environmental or social causes. We identified 21 successful sustainable entrepreneurs in various industries ranging from food, apparel to biotechnology and analyzed their strategies and decisions in key stages of their companies ’ development. Our research finds that sustainable entrepreneurs approach business differently, from venture initiation through their eventual exit. We learn that most of our sustainable entrepreneurs are an unusual breed with unconventional backgrounds, strategically obtain financing from non-professional sources and employ unorthodox, yet sound human resource management practices. They are also shrewd in their marketing strategies and effective in running efficient, environmentally sound operations. Finally, we observe that our sustainable entrepreneurs steadily find innovative means for balancing their financial goals against their objectives of making a difference in their environment and society.