I have an idea for a social business and I am considering taking on venture capital funding. Typically, venture capitalists look for initial public offerings or acquisition opportunities when deciding to invest. What are the dangers of a social business going public? How can a CEO avoid being ousted for attending to the social goals of the organization?
This is not an area that I have much experience with, so I only have a limited number of resources to suggest. I strongly recommend an organization that will probably be able to help you: Social Venture Network (SVN). Here is how they describe themselves: "SVN is made up of more than 420 of the brightest and most innovative engaging socially-conscious business leaders in North America." I suggest that you search their Web site for information. Two of SVN's members who are very active in the socially responsible business movement have written a new book that I also recommend, called Values-Driven Business. It is part of the SVN Book Series.
Another good source of information is B Corporation, an organization run by Jay Coen Gilbert that focuses on "for-benefit" organizations. He was featured recently in The New York Times business section.
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