Suggestions
Craig Shapiro
Founder & Managing Partner at Collaborative Fund
Craig Shapiro is a prominent figure in the venture capital space, serving as the Founder and Managing Partner of Collaborative Fund, which he established in 2010. He is known for his focus on investing in businesses that prioritize social impact alongside financial returns. His investment philosophy is rooted in the belief that companies doing good can yield greater long-term profitability compared to traditional profit-driven models.13
In addition to his role at Collaborative Fund, Shapiro holds several board observer and board member positions across various companies. Notably, he has been a Board Observer at Neutral since September 2022. His other board affiliations include companies such as Dandelion Energy, Eat the Change, and Kula Bio, among others.125
Shapiro's background is diverse; he grew up in Maryland and has a rich history that includes a passion for graffiti art, which he credits with influencing his creative and entrepreneurial journey. His experiences in the tech industry began in the late 1990s, coinciding with the rapid growth of internet companies.34
Overall, Craig Shapiro is recognized for his innovative approach to venture capital, emphasizing the intersection of social impact and financial success.
Highlights
𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀.
The qualities that interest me the most in entrepreneurs are those in direct conflict with each other: between making money and doing good; between altruism and selfishness; or between naiveté and experience.
The fascinating effect of these contrasting traits is that they breed a tension that I have seen is vital to success.
Often, the best resolution to the conflict that emerges between competing values is self-awareness. Self-awareness allows you to put your ego aside and understand where you are on the spectrum of any important decision.
Invest time in knowing and accepting where you are today (not where you want to be), and encourage the countervailing voices that create productive tension. Your business and your conversations will be better for it.
