June 2025
MAGAZINE
Welcome to the first issue of Capitalists for Capitalism - a magazine for builders, founders, investors, and leaders who believe that free enterprise is not just a mechanism for profit, but a moral force for good. You’re holding (or scrolling through) a publication dedicatedtochampioningtheideathatbusinessisnotanecessary evilbutanobleendeavor.
This magazine is born out of a growing network of principled entrepreneurs and investors who are not content to watch capitalism be misunderstood, maligned, or misused. Through Capitalists for Capitalism, we aim to tell the stories, share the strategies,andcelebratethevaluesofthosewhoaredoingbusiness therightway,thatiswithpurpose,clarity,andwithcourage.
This is not a nostalgia project. We’re not here to pine for past prosperity or to defend the status quo. We’reheretobuildandto rally those who want to build with us. If you’ve felt the cultural winds turn against the idea of wealth creation, if you’ve found yourselfexplainingwhyprofitsandpeoplearen’tmutuallyexclusive, ifyou’vehadtojustifythatvoluntaryexchangeisthemostpowerful formofcooperationhumanityhasinvented-thenyou’reintheright place.
Our inspiration comes from the Capitalists for Capitalism Manifesto, which you can read in full at libertyventures.xyz/manifesto. It’s worth your time. At its core, the manifesto outlines the simple but powerful idea that capitalism, rooted in individual liberty and voluntary exchange, is the greatest force for human flourishing the world has ever known. But it only workswhenpracticedbycapitalistswhoaregroundedinthosecore values.
Notcronyism. Notcorporatism. Notcentralplanningdisguisedasstakeholdermanagement.
We mean capitalism in its purest and most principled form: earned success, open competition, creative innovation, and the dignity of productivework.
Themagazineyou’rereadingisaplatformforthat vision.Itwillshare:
Updates from the Network: Liberty Ventures isanecosystemof20,000+leadersacrossthe globe. We’ll report on events, investments, partnerships, and milestones achieved by our members.
Lessons from Leaders: In every issue, you’ll hear directly from some of the most accomplished, values-driven founders, executives, and investors we know. They’ll share what they’ve learned, what they wish they knew, what’s working (and what’s not) in buildingprincipledandprofitableventures.
OpportunitiestoEngage: Whetherit’sthrough events, new ventures, funding rounds, or mentorshipcircles,thismagazinewillpointyou to real-world ways to connect with likemindedcapitalists.
This publication is also a declaration. A line in the sand. We believe the best way to defend capitalismistopracticeitbetterthaneverbefore —to prove through results, relationships, and reputation that principled business is not only possible but preferable. We won’t beat the anticapitalistswithtweetsorwhitepapers.We’llbeat thembybuildingbettercompanies,creatingmore value,andleadingwithintegrity.
That’s what this magazine is for: to spotlight the builders, to offer clarity where there is confusion, to give strength to the quiet majority of businesspeoplewhostillbelieveinfreedom,value creation,andpersonalresponsibility.
You won’t find empty virtue signaling here, nor blind cheerleading for big business. This is a magazine for the earnest capitalists who understand that entrepreneurship isn’t just a way tomakealivingbutalsoawaytolivefree.
To that end, we invite you to contribute: send us your stories, nominate leaders who exemplify principled capitalism and share your lessons. Challenge our thinking. This is a movement and yourvoicematters.
Capitalism is not self-perpetuating. It must be understood, practiced, defended, and evolved. That’s the mission of Capitalists for Capitalism. Andwe’rejustgettingstarted.
Let’sbuildsomethingbetter-together.
ForLiberty,
Founder&CEO
Book Review: The Happiness Experiment
written by Carl B. Barney
Carl B. Barney’s The Happiness Experiment: A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness is part memoir, part philosophical treatise, and part practical guide.Whatbeginsasanear-deathexperienceaboard a failing aircraft evolves into an ambitious exploration of wealth, gratitude, and the pursuit of lasting happiness.
Withcandorandconviction,Barneyinvitesreaderson ney that is as personal as it is universally relevant.
The book is structured in three parts. The first, “CreatingPre-Quests,”introducesacentralinnovation: giving inheritances while still alive. These “pre-quests” arenotmerelyactsofgenerositybuttoolstocatalyze reflection,growth,andjoyforbothgiverandrecipient. Barney recounts his own emotional process of recognizing the limitations of posthumous giving, emphasizinghowpowerfulitistowitnessthefruitsof one’sgenerosityinrealtime.
The second section, “Happiness Planning,” delves deeperintotheframeworkBarneyusedtohelpfriends and associates consciously shape more fulfilling lives. With the support of coaches and structured tools, recipients of Barney’s Happiness Grants don’t simply spend money but reflect, plan, and act with intention. The result, Barney argues, is not indulgence but transformation.
In the third and final section, “The Happiness Experiment Results,” we see the lives of several recipients unfold, each navigating the psychological complexities and practical applications of this novel kindofsupport.Themessageisclear:happinessdoes not result from wealth alone, but from meaningful engagement with one’s values, relationships, and aspirations.
Book Review: The Happiness Experiment
Barney’s writing is accessible and earnest, full of vivid storytelling, particularly in the early chapters. His recountingoftheairplaneexplosionthatcatalyzedthe project is gripping and reflective, capturing the paradoxical calm that sometimes accompanies neardeath clarity. It’s in these moments of existential reflection that the book achieves its most stirring depth.
What sets The Happiness Experiment apart is its combination of philosophical principle and practical application. Grounded in a philosophy of rational selfinterest and personal responsibility, Barney’s experiment doesn’t chase the platitudes of generic self-help literature. Rather, it challenges readers to thinkcriticallyabouttheirlives,avalues,andlegacies.
The book also raises important questions for wealth holders,estateplanners,andphilanthropists.Whywait until death to give? How might we transform generosity from a legal transaction into a living experience?Whatifmoney,thoughtfullyapplied,could beacatalystforflourishingandnotjustsecurity?
That said, the book is not without its risks. Barney’s wealth and context may feel far removed from the average reader, and the scale of some gifts might seem extravagant; however, he wisely balances these exampleswithhumble,humanmoments,likethestory of the “Sixpence Lady” who, with one small gesture, inspiredalifetimeofgiving.
Ultimately, The Happiness Experiment is a refreshing, provocativetakeonwealth,gratitude,andlegacy.Itwill resonate with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and anyone interested in the deeper question of what it meanstolive(andtogive)well.
Each summer, thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, academics,artists,andliberty-loversconvergeforone of the most dynamic and diverse conferences in the freedom movement: FreedomFest. Behind it all is ValerieDurham, the event’s executive director, who not only runs the multi-day gathering but does so alongside her entire family in a mission-driven forprofitbusinessthatfeelsmorelikeacalling.
FreedomFest traces its roots back to 2002, when Valerie’s father, Austrian economist and financial authorMarkSkousen,thenpresidentoftheFoundation for Economic Education, saw a need to unify the liberty movement. “At that time, everything was siloed,” Valerie explains, “He wanted to bring together think tanks, grassroots activists, and financial firms alignedwithliberty.”Whatbeganas"FEEFest"evolved into FreedomFest in 2007, and has only grown since, with now over 200 speakers, a sprawling exhibit hall, andthousandsofattendeeseachyear.
The conference has become a platform for the full spectrum of freedom in what Valerie calls “a 360degree concept.” While political liberty remains central, FreedomFest also champions financial, health, intellectual, religious, and lifestyle freedoms. “We want peopletolivealifestyleofliberty,”shesays,“andthat requiresmorethanjustonekindoffreedom.”
That expansive vision explains why FreedomFest includeseverythingfromhigh-levelpolicydebatesand financialstrategysessions,tofilmscreenings,comedy shows, and even karaoke. “Life is meant to be joyful. We take on serious issues, but we also want to have fun”,addsValerie.
Indeed, FreedomFest is as personal as it is professional.Someattendeeshaveevenfoundloveat the event! Valerie notes several couples who met at FreedomFest, including two speakers this year who connected back in 2012. “You’re surrounded by likeminded, engaged people. It’s not surprising relationships- both romantic and professional- begin here,”asValerieexplains.
That includes entrepreneurial success stories. One standout example is Jeremy Cordon, who encountered a company called Valorum in the exhibit hall and went on to found Goldback, now a multimillion-dollarbusinesscreatingtransaction-ready gold currency used in several U.S. states. As Valerie putsit,“FreedomFestisatradeshowforliberty.These spontaneouscollisionsleadtorevolutionaryideas.”
I can personally attest to that. At one of my first FreedomFests,ImetlegendaryinvestorRickRule,who becameanearlysupporterofStudentsforLibertyand remainsanengagedmentorandadvocate.Thatkindof serendipityisbakedintotheconference’sdesign.
This year, FreedomFest is partnering with Principled Business to host a major pitch competition, drawing nearly 50 startup applicants. Entrepreneurs will present their ideas before a panel of judges including SteveForbes,ShawnNelson,andBertUllman,withthe final round taking place on the main stage. “These aren’t just ideas. We might see the next Stripe launchedhere,”Valeriesays.
Complementingthecompetitionaresessionsfocused on entrepreneurship, capital-raising, marketing, and scalingabusiness.“Ifyou’reasmallbusinessowneror entrepreneur, FreedomFest is packed with practical value. And you’re not just hearing from speakersyou’realsohavingcoffeewiththem,”Valerieexplains.
The lineup this year is remarkable: Ryan Holiday discussing philosophy with Prometheus Foundation, Adam Carolla on free speech, Kat Timpf returning to the stage post-cancer treatment, and a powerful conversation between Cornel West and Robert George on truth and civil discourse. There’s even Renato Moicano, a UFC fighter who quotes Hayek aftermatches,speakingontheimportanceofAustrian economics.
For Valerie, the family dynamic behind FreedomFest only deepens its impact. “We work hard, but we care deeply about each other and what we’re doing. And we’ve expanded that family. We call it the ‘FreedomFest Fam’. Everyone who comes and contributesbecomesapartofit,”Valerietellsus.
FreedomFest 2025 will take place June 11–14 in Palm Springs, California, under the theme Oasis of Liberty As Valerie says, “We’re taking over the town, and helping people find the oasis of liberty in their own lives.”
Interested in attending? Visit
In a world where many capitalists remain silent about the system that enabled their success, venture capitalist Tim Draper is refreshingly vocal. A tireless champion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic freedom, Draper’s unapologetic defense of capitalism is lived, invested, and institutionalized in everything he touches, from early BitcoinbetstoDraperUniversity.
We spoke with Draper in early 2025 and his energy was unmistakable. The timing was crucial. After years of regulatory headwinds, Draper sees a turningpointinU.S.policy,particularly towardcryptoandinnovation.
“THIS IS THE FIRST ADMINISTRATION IN AMERICA TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF BITCOIN, BLOCKCHAIN, SMART CONTRACTS, AIRDROPS - ALL THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT ARE GOING TO RESHAPE FINANCE,” DRAPER SAYS. “THEY'RE FINALLY ENCOURAGING ENTREPRENEURS AGAIN.”
ForDraper,cryptoisaglobalequalizer.Itbringsfinancialinclusiontotheunbankedandexpandstheeconomicpiefor all.Hecitedexamplesfromaroundtheworld:BitcoinineverydaycommerceinElSalvador,blockchain-basedidentity systems,andaswellingtideofdecentralizedfinancethatempowersbillions.
He’sthrilledthat,forthefirsttime,Americamaynotbeleftbehind.“Entrepreneursusedtotellmetheyhadtobuildin Singapore, geo-fence the U.S., or exclude American users entirely,” he says. “That’s not innovation-friendly. But now I thinkIcanstayinAmerica,andinnovationwillthriveagain.”
Draper’s confidence isn’t just ideological—it’s predictive. He famously forecast Bitcoin would hit $10,000 back when it was $180. That prediction came truein2017,almosttotheday.Hisnextbigcall:Bitcoin at $250,000. “We may blow past that this year,” he says,“andthatmightevenbeconservative.”
But Draper’s passion for Bitcoin is part of a broader thesis that freedom and trust are the magic behind Americaninnovation.“SiliconValleyworkedbecauseof those two things: freedom to experiment and trust in entrepreneurs. When regulation gets heavy and trust erodes,peoplestopcreatinghere.”
He points to the Draper Innovation Index, which ranks countries by how friendly they are to entrepreneurs. WhiletheU.S.remainsontop,hewarnsthatotherslike Singapore, Switzerland, and the UK are closing in fast. “Ifwedon’tfixourregulatorystate,we’lllosetheedge.”
Sowhatdoeshethinkshouldbedone?
“Deregulate. Shrink bureaucracy. Not necessarily government, but the bureaucracy. It’s just people creating rules that strangle business. I don’t want to think about the SEC or FDA the moment I come up withanidea,”hetellsus.
He proposes simplifying taxes too. “We don’t need volumes of toxic tax code. Make it 10% on your first million,20%onthenexttenmillion,30%afterthat.Flat, simple,noloopholes.”
He believes common-sense reforms like that could unite the country. “Democrats and Republicans both likeit.Ittreatseveryoneequally.”
For Draper, these are not abstract policy debates. They’re deeply tied to human flourishing. He draws sharp lines between capitalist and socialist systems andusesdatatodrivethepointhome
“People say socialism worked in Sweden, but look at thenumbers:Sweden’sgrowthcameaftertheyadded more capitalism, not more socialism.” He contrasts Cuba and North Korea where socialism dominates, with South Korea’s vibrant, free-market success. “South Koreans earn 460 times more than North Koreans and are four inches taller on average. That’s capitalismatwork.”
Yet in the U.S., too many capitalists are hesitant to speak up. “When a country gets wealthy, it breeds a culture of envy,” Draper warns. “People want to tear down Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, but they should be celebrated. Elon is saving the planet or getting us off ofit.Bezosgetsmeatoothbrushinfourhours.These peopleareheroes.”
He’s not afraid to call out the corrosive effects of envy-driven politics. “It creates a culture of need ratherthanopportunity.Peoplestartthinking,‘IfIneed more, I’ll get more.’ That erodes self-reliance,” he explains.
His prescription is clear: simple rules, universal enforcement, and a renewed emphasis on entrepreneurship. That’s part of why he founded DraperUniversityofHeroes,aschooldesignedtotrain thenextgenerationofinnovators.
“When people said entrepreneurship can’t be taught, I asked, ‘How would I teach it?’,” Draper recalls. The answer? Experiential learning, real-world challenges, discomfort, and resilience. “It’s not lectures. It’s survival training for entrepreneurs—physical, emotional, intellectual.Wetrainpeopletolead.”
The university eschews accreditation and nonprofit status intentionally. “We’re not here to check bureaucratic boxes. We’re here to promote freedom andtrust.”
And it’s working. Students heard about Bitcoin five yearsbeforeithitmainstreamuniversities.Oneused his Bar Mitzvah money to buy crypto that he later used to fund his startup with. Alumni have launched majorblockchainventureslikeTronandQuantum.
Draperbelievesafreemarketineducationisjustas essential as in business. “Public education used to be number one in California. Now it’s near the bottom,” he says. “We need money to follow the student. Let parents choose. Let principals hire and fire.”
As the conversation closes, Draper returns to first principles:work,dignity,andservice.
“Everyone I know who works is happy. Doesn’t matterifit’sflippingburgersorfoundingacompany: they have pride. The ones who stopped working? They’re miserable. Addicted. Lost. Work gives us purpose.”
And for Draper, that’s the heart of capitalism, not justwealth,butmeaning.
“Capitalism isn’t perfect, but it works. And every attempt to replace it has failed. So if you want more freedom, more dignity, more opportunity: stand up for capitalism.” - Tim Draper
In an era of economic doubt and regulatory uncertainty, Draper offers a powerful reminder: the path to a more prosperous, purposeful society isn’t through control but through freedom. The kind of freedom that lets entrepreneurs try, fail, try again, andchangetheworldintheprocess.
Critics of capitalism often level a moral charge: “Capitalism is immoral.” They say it prioritizes profit over people, enables exploitation, and concentrates power in the hands of the wealthy. These concerns deserve thoughtful engagement,buttheyrestonflawedassumptions.Hereareseveralwaystorespond:
At its core, capitalism is a system of consensual trade. No one is forced to buy, sell, or hire under free-market capitalism. Unlike coercive systemswhether feudalism, socialism, or crony statismcapitalism requires mutual agreement. When two people voluntarily exchange goods or services, both believe they are better off. That mutual benefit makes capitalism not just moral, but uniquely respectfulofindividualdignity.
A common myth is that profits are extracted from workers or customers, but in reality, profit is a signal that a business has created value, solved a problem, served a need, or used resources efficiently. In a competitive market, profits are earned by delivering something people choose to pay for. This isn’t exploitation - it’s innovation and service. The smartphoneinyourpocket,thefoodonyourtable,or themedicinethatsaveslives:theseallexistthanksto profit-seekingundercapitalism.
When functioning properly and without government favoritismorbailouts,capitalismrewardspeoplewho create solutions. Anyone, regardless of background, can succeed if they meet the needs of others. From immigrant entrepreneurs to garage inventors, capitalism has lifted millions out of poverty by aligning success with service. That’s a far cry from immorality and in fact, it’s one of the fairest systems everdevised.
Every economic system must answer one question: How are resources allocated? Under socialism or authoritarianism, the answer is by force, either by government mandate or political favoritism. Under capitalism,theanswerischoice.Youcanworkwhere you want, buy what you want, and support the causesyouvalue.Thatfreedomisethical.
1. Capitalism Is Based on Voluntary Exchange
3. Capitalism Rewards Merit, Not Connections
2. Profit Reflects Value Creation, Not Theft
4. The Moral Alternative to Force
5. Capitalism Has Lifted Billions Out of Poverty
Since the rise of global capitalism, extreme poverty has plummeted. In 1820, over 90% of people lived in extreme poverty. Today, it’s less than 10%. Life expectancy, literacy, and living standards have skyrocketed, all thanks to free enterprise. No other system has done more to materially improve human life. If morality is measured by human flourishing, capitalismwinshandsdown.
6. Moral Capitalism Depends on Moral Capitalists
It’strue:capitalismcanbetwistedbygreed,dishonesty,or corruption, but that’s not a flaw unique to markets. It’s a flaw of human character. The solution isn’t to abandon capitalism, but to practice it better. Ethical business, principled entrepreneurship, and voluntary philanthropy are all alive and well within capitalism. The system doesn’t eliminatevice,butgivesroomforvirtuetothrive.
Capitalismisn’timmoral.It’sthemostmoraleconomicsystemwe’vediscovered.Itrespectsindividual agency, rewards service, promotes peace, and drives progress. The challenge isn’t to replace capitalism,buttoliveuptoitshighestideals.
At the heart of capitalism lies a deceptively simple idea: individuals have the right to make choices for themselves. The concept of respect for individual agency is not just a moral foundation of capitalism but a key reason why it works so well in practice. It affirms that each person is the best judge of their own values, needs, andaspirations,anditentruststhemwiththefreedomtoactaccordingly.
In contrast to top-down systems where bureaucrats, central planners, or special interests dictate outcomes, capitalism is a bottom-up system powered by individual decision-making. Workers choose where to apply their labor. Consumers decide which products to buy. Entrepreneurs take risks to pursue their visions. Investors allocatecapitalbasedontheirjudgmentsofvalueandreturn.Ateverylevel,agencydrivestheeconomyforward.
Respecting individual agency is good ethics and effective economics. When people are free to choose, markets become dynamic, creative, and responsive. No central planner could have invented the smartphone or the gig economy. These innovations emerged from countless individuals experimenting, adapting, and responding to realworldneeds.
Moreover, capitalism's respect for agency fosters accountability. In a truly free market, businesses mustearnloyalty,trust,and revenue through performance and not coercion. Consumers can walk away. Employees can leave. Investors can divest. This voluntary nature creates constant feedback and incentives to serve otherswell.
So how can companies actively respect individual agency in their day-to-dayoperations?Hereareseveralpracticalstrategies:
reatyourteamasresponsibleadults,notcogsinamachine.Give them autonomy to make decisions, solve problems, and own their outcomes. Micromanagement kills motivation. Agency builds trustanddrivesinnovation.
Businesses shouldn’t push customers into options they don’t want. Transparency, honest marketing, and flexibility in service all reinforce agency. The more a customer feels in control, the morelikelytheyaretoreturn.
Profit-sharing, stock options, and employee equity give workers a real stake in outcomes. When people are owners and not just rentersoftheirlabor,theyactwithgreaterinitiativeandcare.
Products and services should enhance users’ ability to shape their own lives, not manipulate behavior. Think of how some platforms nudge or trap users. Now think of how others empower them with tools, education, and choice. Which do you want to build?
Businesses that thrive in capitalism respect the right of others to say “no.” Ethical negotiation, fair pricing, and mutual consent are allexpressionsofagency.
In an age when institutions (corporate and governmental alike) often veer toward paternalism or control, businesses grounded in the principle of individual agency stand out. They don’t treat people as problems to be managed but as partners to be respected.
Capitalism is not a system of chaos but one of freedom under responsibility. That starts with honoring each individual’s ability to think, choose, and act. Respect that, and you unleash the full moralandproductivepowerofthemarket.
mostfoundationalproblems:clean,abundantenergy.Andforhim,theanswerliesinfusion.“Fusionenergyisthe finalenergysourcehumanswilleverneed,”Singhexplains,“It’sthemostenergy-denseformintheuniverse:four times more than uranium, and the Earth has a virtually unlimited supply of fuel for it, extracted easily from our oceans.”
Thepowersourcethatdrivesthesuncouldalsopowerourplanetsafelyandsustainably.Fusionemitsnocarbon, doesn’t rely on chain reactions like fission, and isn’t limited by geography, weather, or even Earth’s surface. “It worksinouterspace,”Singhaddswithconviction.Perhapsmostimportantly,itoffersenergywithoutthepolitical stringsandinstabilityofoilandgasmarkets.
Singh’sentryintoNearStarFusionwasn’tthroughanexecutivesearchfirmorathinktankbutbyneighborlyluck. “Myneighborwasclosefriendswithoneoftheco-foundersandmadetheintroduction.Wehititoffimmediately. NearStar offered the perfect intersection of my experience and my desire to learn and build something transformative.”
At the core of NearStar’s mission is a distinctive approach to fusion. While most of the industry is divided between magnetic confinement (like tokamaks) and inertial confinement (like laser-based systems), NearStar employs a hybrid model with a scalable and modular design aimed at producing 50-megawatt fusion power plants.
Fusion’s Capital Future: Amit Singh on NearStar’s Race to Energy Abundance
“Our innovation lies in using a hypervelocity railgun,” Singh says, “It launches projectiles at 10 km per second, enabling us to magnetize the fusion fuel upon impact. This allows us to avoid rare, costly components like hightemperaturesuperconductorsandtritium.”
Instead of building billion-dollar facilities around rare isotopes and exotic equipment, NearStar’s method utilizes existing supply chains and materials like molten lead or salttoabsorbheatandneutrons.Thescientificallyelegant resultisanapproachthatiscommerciallyviable.
“Every simplification compounds,” Singh explains, “We don’t need to breed tritium. We don’t rely on lasers or superconductors. This makes our timeline shorter and our operationsmoreprofitable.”
That timeline is ambitious: Singh projects NearStar Fusion will reach commercialization in under a decade, faster than it typically takes to permit and build a traditional nuclear plant in the U.S. The regulatory tailwinds are favorable too. Since 2024, fusion in the United States has been regulated under 10 CFR Part 30, the same framework used for nuclear medicine, thus massively reducingtheredtapeinvolved.
This rapid path to deployment is critical, Singh argues, not just for NearStar’s growth but for meeting the exploding global demand for energy. “AI data centers, crypto mining, electric vehicles, and industrial electrification are all strainingthegrid.Peopleneedenergythatisclean,affordable,andresilient.”
Whilepublicinvestmentinfusionsciencelaidimportantgroundwork,Singhemphasizesthatthefutureoffusionnow depends on capitalism. “Without private investors motivated by profit, fusion would remain in the lab. The federal government can fund science, but it’s the capitalists - people like Sam Altman, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Vinod Khosla-whoaredrivingtheracetocommercialization.”
And NearStar Fusion is ready to compete. Their model is designed for serialized manufacturing and global scalability. “We’re not building one plant. We’re building the playbook for thousands,” Singh says, “Near-term investment,facilityexpansion,andtoptalentcanshortenourtimelineandgetustocommercializationfaster.”
For Singh, the mission is about more than technology or even energy: it’s about aligning profit and principle and solving one of the greatest challenges of our time through innovation, entrepreneurship, and belief in a freer, more abundantfuture.
“In many ways, fusion is the ultimate capitalist technology,” he concludes, “as it meets global demand with abundance, drives down costs through scale, and rewards those who solve hard problems. It’s the clean energy futurewewerepromised,andwe’rebuildingitnow.”
Virtual Job Fair
Where Talent Meets Purpose and Companies Find Their People
Curated list of mission-aligned companies Company pitches, Q&A, and advice on job hunting from recruiters
Over 100 skilled candidates
Apply Now
Event Review: DC Lunch
Held during the week of the Milton Friedman Prize Dinner and the 33rd Benefactor Summit, the DC Lunch Roundtablewasahigh-trustgatheringofliberty-minded entrepreneursandinvestorswhoshareacommitmentto freedom,humanflourishing,andprincipledbusiness.
Co-hosted with the Archbridge Institute, the event created space for deep conversations on how founders andfunderscanworktogethertobuildventuresthatnot only succeed financially but also advance upward mobilityandculturalrenewal.Ratherthannetworkingfor its own sake, the lunch emphasized clarity of purpose, long-term alignment, and the kind of entrepreneurial couragerequiredtobuildintoday’senvironment.
Business can be a powerful vehicle for human flourishing, when rooted in both incentives and values.
Cultural change requires long-term commitment and alignmentbetweeninvestorsandbuilders.
High-trust relationships open the door to authentic collaborationandprincipledrisk-taking.
Foundersarelookingnotonlyforcapital,butalsofor conviction in the form of partners who share their deepermission.
Creating small, intentional spaces for dialogue leads tooutsizedimpactovertime.
This event reinforced what many already know intuitively: that liberty-minded entrepreneurs thrive when they are seen, supported, and surrounded by others who believe that freedom and responsibility go handinhand.
ReviewofAprilVirtualJobFair
Where Talent Meets Purpose - and Companies Find Their People
At our first Liberty Ventures Job Fair, we brought together 13 principled companies and 103 rising professionals for more than just interviews. This event was about finding alignment between values, vision, and vocation. From early-stage startups to established mission-driven organizations, every employer showed up to recruit and also to share what they’re really looking for in candidates. The event pulsed with possibility, and the advice shared will stay with attendees long after the booths were packed up.
What We Learned: Advice from the Hiring Side
Show your skills, don’t just list them. Demonstrate what you’ve built, how you think, and how you work.
Who Was Hiring?
Be genuinely invested.
Hiring managers notice when you've taken the time to learn their mission and see yourself as part of it.
Leverage your network. Community matters. Referrals, mentors, and platforms like Liberty Ventures open doors no résumé can.
From AI to fintech, public policy to remote staffing, these companies are proving that capitalism with character is possible:
More Than a Job Fair
Our Job Fair was about opening futures and was proof that you can pursue professional growth without leaving your principles behind. It also demonstrated that the market for freedom-minded talent is alive and very much thriving.
What’s Next? This was just the beginning.
The next Liberty Ventures Job Fair is on July 15th and we are planning on more ways for principled companies and emerging talent to meet.
5-min pitch filtered candidates employer branding
Date Jul,152025
Event Review: Miami Lunch
What unfolded was not a how-to session, but a reframing of what it means to build something that matters. Francisco spoke openly about the moments of doubt that define the entrepreneurial journey and the courage it takes to move through them. He challenged the room to reject conventional paths in favor of continuous, self-directed learning. And he made a compelling case for leading with love not as sentimentality,butasstrength.
The founders in the room didn’t walk away with just “tips” but with also a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder that building with integrity demands both grit andgrace.
Some events resonate long after they’re over and our Liberty Ventures Lunch in Miami was one of these. It was a shared moment of clarity and commitment among builders who are scaling companies and also stewardingideasthatmatter.
Hosted in an intimate setting, the conversation featured Francisco Gonzalez, entrepreneur, podcast host, and author of The American Dream is a Terrible Thing to Waste. Francisco offered a candid look at what it really takes to build something meaningful. His stories were lived experience, which is precisely what madetheconversationallthemorepowerful.
Event Review: New Orleans Lunch
Our first Liberty Ventures gathering in New Orleans marked a new pin on the map. It also opened a crucial conversation about the role of capitalism in rebuilding trust,prosperity,andinnovationinLouisiana.
This lunch brought together builders, thinkers, and advocates committed to that mission and opened the doorfordeepercollaborationintheregion.
We were honored to have Jay Lapeyre, business leader, investor, and longtime advocate for liberty, join the discussion. His perspective reinforced the idea that principled leadership and free enterprise are essentialtounlockingLouisiana’sfullpotential.
One key insight that emerged was that many people in Louisiana still see entrepreneurship and capitalism through a distorted lens. So the challenge isn’t just building principled businesses but also reshaping the narrative.
That’s where Liberty Ventures and Principled Business step in as we are here to do both: support founders on the ground and help articulate a compelling case for capitalismasaforceforhumanflourishing.
Event Review: John Hagel’s Journey Beyond Fear Event Review: Khaliya at Milken
Fear often sneaks into our decisions, slowing down progress and clouding vision, especially for leaders building businesses with purpose. John Hagel’s recent webinar, inspired by his book Journey Beyond Fear, challenged this paralysis by offering a fresh perspective on how to move beyond fear and reclaim agencyinuncertaintimes.
At the core of his message were 2 transformative ideas:narrativesandpassion.Unlikestories,whichare fixed accounts about others, narratives are dynamic andopen-ended.Theypositionyouastheprotagonist shapingthefuture,invitingactiveparticipationinstead ofpassiveacceptance.
Equally vital is the passion of the explorer with a restless curiosity and courage to embrace growth, confront unexpected challenges, and collaborate deeply with others. This passion is not something distantorrareandisalreadywithineachofus,waiting tobeawakened.
If you’re ready to start your own ‘Journey Beyond Fear’,John’sbookisamust-read.Grabyourcopyhere and discover how to unlock your full potential as a fearlessleader.
At the Liberty Ventures gathering during the Milken Institute Global Conference, Khaliya captivated the room with a powerful reminder that impact doesn’t belong to just one path. It belongs to those bold enoughtocreatechange,wherevertheystand.
From serving in the Peace Corps to tackling infectious diseases at the Council on Foreign Relations, from working in national security to backing nonprofits and now building a venture to support women’s mental well-being, Khaliya’s journey is anything but conventional.Andthat’sexactlythepointshemakes.
Inaconversationthatflowedwithinsightandpurpose, shesharedwhymentalhealthisbothapersonalissue and a systems issue. Her new for-profit venture aims to give women the tools and networks they need to thrivewithindependenceanddignity.
The event, hosted at Love.Life and in partnership with Abraham House, was a call to rethink how we build support,howwe scalecompassion,andhowbusiness canservehealing.
For those building purpose-driven futures, Khaliya’s storyisfuel.
Event Review: Sunny Vanderbeck in Dallas
At the Liberty Ventures / Principled Business Reception in Dallas, Sunny Vanderbeck, co-founder and CEO of Satori Capital, brought the room to life with a story that was extraordinary. From building his company,sellingit,buyingitback,andsellingitagain, Sunny’s journey challenges the usual narratives about entrepreneurship and exits. His message? How you sell your business matters just as much as how you buildit.
Yet, what truly set his talk apart was his unshakeable commitment to conscious capitalism. Even when the pressure was on to abandon those ideals, Sunny stayed the course, and it’s clear that sticking to principled values is not only the right thing to do but alsogivesyouapowerfuledgeintoday’smarket.
Here’swhatresonatedmostwiththeaudience:
Thinking beyond profits: Crafting intentional exit strategiesthatprotectyourlegacy.
Leading with conviction: Why staying true to your principlesdrivessustainablesuccess.
Investing with purpose: How conscious capitalism shapessmarter,moreimpactfuldecisions.
Sunny’sinsightsremindusthatprincipledleadershipis agamechangingphilosophy.
Event Review: Free Market Environmentalism
What if the path to a healthier planet doesn’t lie in restriction,butincreation?
AtourLibertyVenturesWebinar,IsaiahMenningofthe American Conservation Coalition (ACC) challenged long-standing environmental orthodoxies. For decades, the dominant message has been to limit, regulate, and slow down; however, Isaiah offered a compelling counterpoint that free markets, economic growth, and human ingenuity are not enemies of naturebutareinfactthemostpowerfultoolswehave toprotectit.
He walked us through ACC’s approach to environmentalism, one that embraces innovation, entrepreneurship, and abundance. From reforming energypermittingtorethinkingspeciesprotection,the conversationspotlightedhowpolicyrootedinfreedom and forward motion can yield real, lasting environmentaloutcomes.
Isaiah’s message was clear: it’s time to stop framing growthandconservationastrade-offs.Wedon’tneed to choose between prosperity and sustainability. We needtobuildboth.
Event Review: Jets & Capital with Jordan Hutchinson
Against the backdrop of Bryce Canyon, Liberty Ventureshosteditsfirst-everUtahgatheringatJets& Capital, an event where capital, character, and longtermvisiontookcenterstage.
With Jordan Hutchinson leading the conversation, attendees explored more than just alternative investments, and unpacked what it means to build generational success with purpose. From capital raisingstrategiestoimpact-drivenphilanthropy,every discussion pointed to a future where wealth and wisdomgohandinhand.
The event also included access to the 7th Annual Bryce Canyon Deming Forum, hosted by The W. EdwardsDemingInstitute,offeringanin-depthlookat howsystemsthinkingcantransformorganizationsand unlockcollaborativepotential.
The tone? Warm, engaged, and driven. A perfect reflectionofwhatLibertyVenturesdoesbest:bringing principled capitalists together to shape a freer, more prosperoustomorrow.
Limited to 40 Participants only.
Necker2025 Review
WHEN EVERY SEAT IS A STAGE AND EVERY LEADER BUILDS THE FUTURE.
In March 2025, Principled Business convened 40 of the most purpose-driven founders, CEOs, investors, and innovators on Necker Island for an unprecedented gathering with Sir Richard Branson. The goal for this summit was inspiration, co-creation, strategy,andaction.
Unlike traditional summits where a few speak and many listen, Necker Summit flips this model: every attendee is a speaker. Each leader took the stage to share their mission, challenges, or venture, inviting insight, connection, and partnership. These talks were real, unfiltered,andfullofcourage.
AMONG THE STANDOUT VOICES:
Sir Richard Branson, hosting us at his home and encouraging founders to challenge convention.
John Mackey, Co-Founder of Whole Foods, on conscious capitalism in action.
Brock Pierce, Chairman of the Bitcoin Foundation, on freedom, digital transformation, and decentralization.
Each session sparked action. Business models were challenged, ventures were reshaped, and partnerships emerged. All of these were grounded in a shared belief that capitalism, rightly practiced, is the most powerful forceforgoodtheworldhaseverknown.
Attendees left inspired, and supported. Every Necker participant was inducted into the Liberty Ventures Leadership Circle, gaining a full year of exclusive events, curated 1:1 connections, and access to a network of 15,000+principledleadersacrosstheglobe.
What’snext?WereturntoNeckerIslandonMay 16–20,2026.Willyourvoicebeontheisland? Applicationsarenowopen.
Sharing Principled Business: JeVon McCormick
JeVon McCormick’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of resilience and mentorship. Growing up in the face of horrific abuse, racism, and poverty, JeVon once found himself homeless as a student, circumstances that could have defined his future. Instead, they fueled a mission that now shapes every aspect of his work as CEO of Scribe Media, a company dedicated to helping individuals share their stories by writing, publishing, and marketing their books.
JeVon’s story goes beyond business success. It’s one that shows how the right support and opportunities can change a life. One of the most touching moments in his career came during a keynote speech in his hometown, when he unexpectedly reunited with his high school teacher, Mrs. Porter. Their emotional exchange highlighted the deep impact mentorship can have, a theme that runs through JeVon’s life and work.
Today, JeVon uses his platform not only to build a thriving company but also to uplift at-risk youth, mentoring young people in the juvenile justice system and underserved communities. He reminds business leaders that true entrepreneurship is about creating opportunities for others, leading with empathy, and embracing the power of personal stories.
Recognized as Best CEO in Austin and featured in CNBC, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc., JeVon embodies the spirit of conscious capitalism. His message is clear: everyone has a story worth telling, and those stories can change the world.
Upcoming Events JUNE 2025
WINETASTING
Thanks to the Team
This magazine, and more importantly, all of the work that is described in these pages, is thanks to the hard work of a large group of leaders in both Liberty Ventures and Principled Business, working day in and day out to build the movement of capitalists for capitalism.
Liberty Ventures Team
Michelle Bernier
Isabella Castillo
Camilla Chellapermal
Graziano Creperio
Melissa Doolin-Koehne
Diego Laurentin
Alexka Medina
Alexander McCobin
Zussel Ramos
Kenli Schoolland
Principled Business Ambassadors
Luis Silva-Ball
Magnús Örn
Steve Thomas
Adam Karl
Anar Alizamanli
Dan Garretson
Dustin Palmer
Patrick McLaughlin
Fabricio Antezana
Gabriel Grilli
Igor Zillner
Jason Syversen
Johnathan Bush
Julio Clavijo
João Ferreira
Mischa Kowall
Nolan Lwin
Rajat Vishwakarma
Rodrigo Nuila
Scott Alford
Valera Vasquez
Yoseob Lim
Ali Khan
Brian Bourgerie
Akin Oladosu
Håkon Broder Lund
Eden Eyjólfsdóttir
Pavel Koktyshev
Gustavo Toxzui Xopa
Danny Chen
Prosperine Hollande Nduwayo
Cynthia Reyes
Adolfo Urquizo
Ishmael Amini
Niko Klein
Haukur Ingi Sigrúnar
Jónsson
Jóhann Portal
Clement Ngu
Zachary Silva
Investina FutureWhere Businessisa ForceforGood
At Principled Business, we champion a vision of free enterprise rooted in human dignity, long-term value, and ethical leadership.
Your contribution fuels:
Leadership forums that elevate value-aligned entrepreneurship
Mentorship and capital for rising founders
Advocacy for liberty-based, principled business practices
A global network of changemakers driving impact with purpose