Impact and Profit: A False Choice
(Originally posted in June 2015, updated in July 2025)
For too long, we’ve been told that you can either invest for financial return or for social good – but not both. This false choice has shaped markets, philanthropy, and even our imagination about what’s possible.
At Access Ventures, we reject that premise. We believe that capital is one of the most powerful tools for human flourishing, and when aligned with values, it can deliver both impact and profit.
The One-Pocket Mindset
Traditional models split money into “two pockets”– profit in one, charity in another. But that bifurcation limits innovation, keeps capital from flowing where it’s most needed, and leaves communities behind.
Our one-pocket mindset means integrating values into every investment decision. It means asking not just what a return is, but who it serves, how it uplifts, and why it matters.
Proof in Practice
This isn’t theory—it’s lived out every day in our work:
SoLo Funds – a Black-owned fintech with 1M+ users, providing fast, community-driven loans to people in underserved zip codes.
Samaritan – a platform helping people experiencing homelessness access social and financial support, recently scaling in Louisville alongside major healthcare partners.
Ethic – a tech-driven asset manager that customizes sustainable investment portfolios aligned with investor values.
Virtuous – a responsive fundraising platform that helps nonprofits build deeper, values-driven relationships with donors.
Together, these examples demonstrate that aligning financial performance with positive social outcomes isn’t just possible – it’s powerful.
Fund Investment : Collab Capital
Why It Matters
Flourishing economies are equitable, dynamic, and resilient. That means:
Equitable access to opportunity for those historically left out.
Dynamic systems that innovate and adapt to meet complex challenges.
Resilient communities where people can withstand disruption and still thrive.
Aligning profit with impact isn’t just good business – it’s essential to building a future where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
Reconstruct Portfolio Company: Kyndly Benefits
What You Can Do
If you believe in this vision, here are ways to take the next step:
Read
Reflect
Consider how your own investments reflect (or don’t reflect) your values.
Ask whether your definition of return includes the well-being of people and communities.
Share this perspective with colleagues, advisors, or peers who are navigating similar questions.
Listen
Dive deeper with episodes from our More Than Profit podcast: