The Wells Fargo Distinguished Speaker Series featured a special conversation between Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach Foundation, and Sonu Singh (Class of 1991), CEO and Founder of 1901 Group.
The discussion, moderated by Pamplin School of Business Dean Saoni Sarkar, focused on mission-driven entrepreneurship and Gupta’s national best-seller, “When Venture Meets Mission: Aligning People, Purpose and Interest to Innovate and Transform Society,” which illuminates the vital role of mission-driven entrepreneurship in the business world and society at large.
Through their shared expertise and personal experiences, ranging from the fields of technology and venture capital to impactful social innovation, they explained the nuanced ways in which businesses can achieve remarkable success while contributing to the betterment of society.
“Through insights from the book, coupled with their first-hand experiences, the audience told a compelling story about the relationship between financial and social goals. The event not only showcased their groundbreaking work, but also served as a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create ventures that are not just profitable, but fundamentally purposeful and transformative.”
See the rest of the talk here:
Saonee Sarker: You both transitioned from traditional business roles to mission-driven ventures. Can you explain what prompted this shift?
Arun Gupta: My journey into mission-driven ventures began after a successful career in venture capital. I was increasingly drawn to startups that not only promised financial returns but also offered solutions to societal challenges such as national security and public health. The realization that entrepreneurship can have a profound impact on society was a primary motivation.
Sonu Singh: For me, this shift was born out of a desire to leverage local tech talent in areas traditionally overlooked by the tech industry. At 1901 Group, we are focused on creating tech opportunities in Blacksburg, leveraging local skills and contributing to the economic development of the region.
Sarkar: How do we integrate entrepreneurial practices with government initiatives to create impactful ventures?
Gupta: The key is to harness the speed and innovation of entrepreneurs and combine it with the scale and influence of government. The aim is to create synergies where the agility of startups increases the effectiveness of government operations, which could be crucial for areas like climate tech and cybersecurity.
Shin: It starts with respecting and understanding the role of the public sector. Aligning our business practices with our mission to effectively serve the public not only improves our operational capabilities, but also ensures that our business contributes positively to the community at large.
Sarkar: What career advice would you give to someone looking to embark on a similar path that combines entrepreneurship and social impact?
Gupta: Stay optimistic and persevere. Entrepreneurship is as much about mindset as it is about action. Work on problems that you genuinely care about and look for solutions that can be scaled through business models or government partnerships.
Shin: Build a strong foundation in an area that interests you, but always be open to opportunities that align with your values ​​and where you can make a big impact — not just about profit, but about building a legacy you can be proud of.
Sarkar: Can you elaborate on the challenges and benefits of mission-driven entrepreneurship?
Gupta: One of the biggest challenges is finding the right balance between benefit and impact, but if you can do it, the rewards go beyond financial gain – you’ll get great satisfaction from knowing your work contributes to the good of society.
Shin: The challenge will be convincing stakeholders of the value of investing in underserved communities and innovative government solutions. The rewards will come when these investments pay off, resulting in sustainable business growth and greater social impact.
Sarkar: Finally, what is your view on the future of entrepreneurship?
Gupta: The future is bright for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference. As global challenges grow, the need for innovative, agile and mission-driven startups has never been greater.
Shin: As technology evolves, so do the opportunities for innovation. Entrepreneurs who are willing to take risks, think creatively, and use technology to solve complex problems are more likely to succeed.
By LaShawn Franklin
