In today’s dynamic economic landscape, a new breed of businesses is emerging—ones driven not only by profit but by a deep-seated commitment to social and environmental impact. These are social impact companies and enterprises that embed missions of societal betterment into their very DNA. From tackling poverty and empowering communities to championing environmental sustainability, these companies defy the traditional bottom-line mentality, prioritizing purpose alongside profit. Through innovative business models such as hybrid structures, impact investing, and B-Corp certification, they aim to create lasting positive change while ensuring financial sustainability. Collaborating closely with governments, NGOs, and communities, these enterprises navigate challenges like financial viability and impact measurement to scale their impact effectively.
Dominic Kalms, a British-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, stands at the forefront of this burgeoning intersection between technology and social impact. With a career spanning pivotal roles in fintech startups and prominent charitable endeavors, Kalms has carved a niche for himself as a catalyst for positive change. Born in Hong Kong and raised in London, Kalms embarked on his journey at New York University (NYU), where he pursued a degree in political science law and history, while also working as a VIP concierge representative at Madison Square Garden at night to help pay for his schooling. This early experience laid the groundwork for Kalms’ multifaceted career trajectory. Later, at Columbia University, Kalms pursued a Master’s Degree in International Affairs while also working at HSBC Bank, and simultaneously becoming a contributing foreign policy writer for The Jamestown Foundation, one of the leading think tanks in Washington DC.
Kalms’ career took a significant turn with his tenure at The Afghanistan Mission to the United Nations and subsequently in the United States Senate working in the Chairman’s Office for Senator Orrin Hatch. His experiences culminated in a TEDx Talk at Milken High School in 2014, where he shared insights gleaned from his governmental and diplomatic roles. Transitioning to the private sector, Kalms joined Global Philanthropy Group (GPG), where he spearheaded business development under the mentorship of Trevor Neilson. At GPG, he managed the philanthropic campaigns and nonprofits for global icons like Kobe Bryant, Forest Whitaker, Madonna, Eva Longoria, and Howard Buffet, playing a pivotal role in raising millions for charitable causes.
In 2016, Kalms pivoted towards tech-driven philanthropy by starting GVNG, a venture-backed technology company revolutionizing charitable giving. GVNG’s early success attracted high-profile clients and facilitated major fundraising events, including the Venezuela Aid Live concert series put on by Richard Branson using the GVNG platform. Building on his entrepreneurial prowess, Kalms later launched B Generous in 2021, a groundbreaking fintech platform providing credit lending solutions tailored for nonprofits. Recognized for its impact, B Generous has garnered accolades such as inclusion in Fast Company’s 2023 List of World Changing Companies, and B Generous also won the “PayTech for Good” Award by FinTech Futures.
Dominic Kalms’ entrepreneurial ventures have not only garnered attention but have also been recognized for their significant impact in the realms of philanthropy and fintech. His initiatives have earned him prestigious accolades, including being named a cohort participant in Blackbaud’s Social Good Startup Program and the Barclay’s FinTech Accelerator. This recognition underscores his commitment to leveraging technology for social impact. Additionally, Kalms’ influence in the tech ecosystem extends to Los Angeles, where he was honored as part of The Future 5 of Tech by Built in LA, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in integrating technology with social responsibility.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Kalms is a sought-after public speaker, where he has spoken at many of the leading global forums on philanthropy, financial technology, and social impact, including at TEDx, The Greenwich Economic Forum, Money 20/20, Capital One, TechCrunch, NEXUS, Prestel and Partners, The United Nations Summit and many more. Dominic Kalms exemplifies the transformative power of blending entrepreneurship with social impact. Through his ventures like GVNG and B Generous, he not only pioneers innovative solutions in fintech but also champions a model where purpose-driven businesses play a pivotal role in societal betterment. His journey from government service to tech-driven philanthropy underscores a growing trend where individuals and enterprises alike are redefining success by integrating profit with purpose. Kalms’ achievements highlight the potential for businesses to lead meaningful change, proving that the future lies in harnessing technology and innovation for lasting social and environmental impact.