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Miles Lasater
Founder and Investor
Miles Lasater is the CEO and Founding Partner of Purpose Built Ventures, a venture studio focused on co-founding mission-driven companies. Established in April 2018, Purpose Built Ventures collaborates with entrepreneurs to create startups that prioritize social impact, particularly in sectors like fintech and upskilling.14
Background and Career
Before founding Purpose Built Ventures, Lasater co-founded Higher One while still a college student. This company grew significantly, achieving over $200 million in revenue and an IPO. He served as a senior executive and board chair, emphasizing a strong internal culture and client service.12 Lasater has also been involved in other startups, including SeeClickFix and OneUni, and has invested in numerous early-stage companies such as Honor and Brightside Health.13
Current Initiatives
At Purpose Built Ventures, Lasater's approach involves acting as an institutional co-founder, providing not just capital but also guidance and resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. The studio has generated over 2,000 ideas and aims to match high-quality founders with viable business concepts, focusing on creating companies that address economic opportunities.34 Additionally, he hosts the podcast "Startups for Good," which explores how startups can serve as a force for positive change.12
Lasater's work is characterized by a commitment to fostering human potential and supporting entrepreneurs in their journey to build impactful businesses.12