The Turtle and the Zebra: CoPeace and the Holding Company Approach to Impact Investing

October 3, 2023 — By Craig Jonas

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In the fast-paced world of finance and technology, there’s a story that often goes untold—the tale of the Turtle and the Zebra. These two animals represent an unconventional approach to impact investing championed by CoPeace, a holding company that takes inspiration from investing giants like Berkshire Hathaway. In a world obsessed with unicorns, CoPeace stands out as a patient investor, focusing on long-term sustainable change and seeking to fix what unicorns sometimes break.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

In a world where venture capitalists chase unicorns, those rare startups valued at over a billion dollars, CoPeace embraces the turtle’s philosophy: slow and steady wins the race. This approach stands in stark contrast to the breakneck pace at which many venture capitalists operate. While unicorns may make headlines and generate quick returns, they often prioritize growth at any cost, sometimes resulting in negative social and environmental impact.

CoPeace, however, takes a different path. Just as Berkshire Hathaway thrives by acquiring and holding companies for the long term, CoPeace invests in businesses that are often overlooked by mainstream investors. These are companies with a focus on social and environmental impact, valuing sustainability and responsibility as well as profitability.

The Holding Company Approach

Much like Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett, who identifies companies with strong management teams and empowers them, CoPeace allows its portfolio companies a lot of autonomy to grow and thrive according to their powerful visions. This holding company approach gives the companies it invests in the freedom to pursue their missions without undue pressure to meet short-term profit targets.

By providing patient capital and long-term support, CoPeace enables its portfolio companies to build solid foundations, achieve their sustainability and profitability goals, and make a lasting impact. Just as Berkshire Hathaway’s diversified holdings contribute to its resilience, CoPeace’s diversified portfolio spreads risk and enhances its ability to weather economic storms while advancing its mission.

Inclusive Zebras Fix What Unicorns Break

Unicorns may dazzle with their rapid ascent, but they can leave behind a trail of destruction. These companies often prioritize growth over all else, sometimes at the expense of employees, communities, and the planet. This is where the Zebra comes in.
In the world of startups, Zebras are companies that prioritize both profit and purpose. They aim to fix the problems that unicorns may inadvertently create. CoPeace recognizes the value of these inclusive Zebras, investing in businesses that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.

In an age when sustainability and responsibility are more critical than ever, the Zebra’s patient, balanced approach aligns perfectly with CoPeace’s strategic approach and vision. The company seeks out and supports these Zebras, allowing them to thrive and make a meaningful difference.

Conclusion: The Turtle and the Zebra Philosophy

In the world of impact investing, where the Unicorn often takes center stage, the Turtle and the Zebra—represented by CoPeace’s holding company approach—emerge as champions of a different kind. Patient, long-term investors like CoPeace, inspired by the likes of Berkshire Hathaway, play a crucial role in fostering sustainability and responsibility in the business world.

By implementing the turtle and zebra philosophy, CoPeace aims to fix what unicorns may break, guiding companies towards a more balanced and equitable future. Slow and steady wins the race, and in the journey towards a more sustainable world, these unconventional investors prove that sometimes, it’s the Turtle and the Zebra that truly make a difference for society and the planet.

Craig Jonas is the CEO / Founder of CoPeace. As a forward-thinking holding company, CoPeace is building a portfolio of carefully selected for-profit companies with measurable social and environmental impact. To learn more about impact investing, check out CoPeace’s Intro to Impact Investing.