Big Path Capital is advancing a sustainable economy by connecting mission-driven companies and fund managers with mission-aligned investors. Join us on the journey to a better future that benefits everyone and the long term by signing up to receive our newsletter as well as announcements on our convenings and the latest news. Below is our latest issue. To receive the next newsletter directly in your inbox, sign up to join our online community here.

A Note From Patrick McDonald, Vice President Investment Banking

Selling your company doesn’t have to mean giving up your mission. Many impact founders assume that outside capital or a change in ownership will dilute the purpose and culture they’ve built. In reality, the right transaction can actually accelerate your impact, bringing in resources, distribution, and expertise that weren’t available before. The key is being intentional about who you bring to the table and treating values alignment as a non-negotiable, not an afterthought.

It’s critical that the team representing you is aligned not only with your financial goals but also with your mission. Capital raises and M&A processes are rarely linear; challenges and unexpected decisions will arise, and in those moments, you need people in your corner who will advocate for what matters most to you, not just what closes the deal fastest or produces the best result for the advisor.

If you’re considering a sale or exit, start by clarifying what a successful outcome looks like for you. For most mission-driven business owners, that goes beyond the purchase price and includes considerations like employee retention, the buyer’s commitment to your values, and the long-term trajectory of the business after closing. Get that picture clear before you engage with the market because it will shape every decision that follows: who you talk to, what deal structures you entertain, and where you’re willing to compromise. Then surround yourself with advisors who have done this work in the impact space before. The nuances of a values-aligned transaction are real, and experience matters.

 

 

 

 

Building Your Exit Dream Team

Erika Whitmore of KPMG and Michael Whelchel on why values-aligned advisors matter before the deal

Eventually, every founder must consider what happens to the company when it’s time for them to move on to the next phase of their life. For founders who have dedicated themselves to building companies for purpose and impact, this often raises concerns about jeopardizing the values they’ve worked so hard to embed into their company. Building the right team of advisors—one that is dedicated to upholding and protecting the company’s value and impact—is a critical step for founders considering their professional legacy.

In this Q&A, Erika and Michael, exit advisors with more than two decades of experience, share unique considerations for mission-driven founders as they consider a sale or transition. Read more.

Shaping What’s Next: Takeaways From the 2026 Impact Capitalism Summit

For more than a decade, the Impact Capitalism Summit has been the premier convening for top investors and fund managers shaping the future of impact investing. The 2026 Summit took place at a decisive moment for industry leaders to unite, adapt, and ensure that impact investing in private markets continues to thrive. Taking place in beautiful, historic Charleston, attendees experienced a unique and intimate gathering designed for connection.

Here are a few of our favorite takeaways shared by attendees:

“It was a strong few days of thoughtful conversations, meaningful connections, and real engagement around where impact investing and private markets are headed next. … We left encouraged by the momentum across this space…” — Monarch Investment Partners

“The most valuable part of gatherings like this is that they bring together people who are actively working on difficult problems and coming with actionable solutions. How do we scale impact? Where are the structural opportunities? What role should investors, managers, and institutions play in shaping what’s next? The conversations were energizing, candid, and forward-looking.” — Jamal Davis, CFP, Financial Advisor at UBS

“Key themes of focus over the course of the Summit included the frameworks, measurement, and accountability needed to help investors align their capital with intentional outcomes. The conversations reinforced the benefits of collaboration as we continue advancing this important work.” — Kate Huntington, Managing Director, Fiduciary Trust International

Learn more about ICS.

What We’re Tracking

In the United States, Solar Energy is Outpacing Coal for the First Time Ever | Solar power is reaching new milestones in the U.S., having supplied more of the country’s electricity than coal for the first time. Read more.

Private Wealth Can Rejuvenate ESG Investing | Jasper van Brakel of RSF writes, “There are many challenges emerging from an outdated model for ESG investing, but the old parameters appear ripe for much-needed reform.” Read more.

Six Barriers Keeping Foundations From Impact Investing – and How to Overcome Them | Impact investing remains a niche activity for foundations, with many not engaging at all. This article explores what’s holding them back. Read more.

Team Highlights

Congratulations, Patrick McDonald, Promoted to Vice President Investment Banking

We’re pleased to share that Patrick McDonald has been promoted from Associate to Vice President on Big Path’s Investment Banking team. Patrick has been a core member of the Big Path team for nearly 5 years. In his new role, Patrick is the primary process owner for active deal engagements, ensuring efficiency across transactions from preparation through close. “I’m excited to see Patrick step into an expanded leadership role,” said Michael Whelchel. “I’m looking forward to the increased influence and perspective he’ll bring, and the impact he’ll have on the company’s future success.” Join us in congratulating him on this achievement!

Future-Proofing: Why Conscious Business Is the Ultimate Hedge

At Naturally Network’s latest Virtual Industry Update, Big Path’s Michael Whelchel joined other ConsciousCPG Award winners and finalists to explore the strategic imperative of conscious business. Watch the recording for expert insights on why conscious business is the best defense in a world of uncertainty, not just as a moral elective but as a framework for building resilient, future-proof companies that can navigate modern market disruptions. Read more.

Team Highlights

Take a look at the events the Big Path team will be attending, sponsoring, and presenting at in the coming months:

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