One of the earliest decisions we had to make in founding BetterUp was whether or not it should be created as a not-for-profit or for-profit enterprise. It was a serious question. We first met through volunteering with Youth Leadership America, and we connected around inspiring these young individuals. These kids weren’t looking for someone to tell them what to do or to fix their situation — they needed someone to empower them to figure it out for themselves. That was what inspired us to build BetterUp, because we were both hungry for that guidance, too.

We had this sense that we could build a product that people really needed, and that it could have real impact — it could change lives. But we also were inspired by the idea of building a company that could be successful while also creating value for different stakeholders —  our employees, customers, members, and the communities around them. Having witnessed the influence of mission-driven companies, we didn’t believe building a non-profit was the only way to make a positive impact. For us to reach millions of people with tools that would transform their lives, we needed to pair purpose with profit.

This perspective has defined our path at BetterUp — from the products and experiences we build to the education and practices that help people unlock their potential.

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