Mouli Cohen on Philanthropy

High Tech Entrepreneurs turning toward Philanthropic Endeavors

When Bill Gates announced that billionaires should give away the bulk of their fortunes, it made headlines around the world. While the Microsoft founder is among the world’s wealthiest individuals, and perhaps the most generous philanthropist of all time, he is just one of many entrepreneurs who have amassed great fortunes in the technology sector and are using their wealth to influence and bring about positive changes.

When the Wall Street Journal reported in 2008 on the “growing class of people who are applying fortunes made in tech and on the Internet to trying to solve some of the world’s most stubborn problems… these new philanthropists – as you might expect – are trying to apply the same nitty-gritty analysis that they have used to manage their businesses to difficult-to-measure social problems.”

The entrepreneurs of the ‘80s and ‘90s have become the philanthropists of the new millennium, leveraging their time, energy, and capital toward the social good. Today’s donors are younger, more energetic, and more adept at leveraging technology, investing their capital, and driving results. Frequently referred to as “venture philanthropists” or “social entrepreneurs,” they are accustomed to achieving success and not used to backing down in the face of resistance. Comfortable with their achievements and confident in their abilities, they are transitioning their passion and talent for creating wealth to its logical corollary: the distribution of wealth with the very same intensity and sense of direction as was required to create their wealth.

In my opinion, philanthropy and technology can create enormous synergy, and the leaders of the tech community see a tremendous opportunity to change the world for the better.

About Mouli Cohen

Mouli Cohen Mr. Cohen is a successful entrepreneur who has founded and developed successful ventures in the biotechnology, high technology, digital media and entertainment sectors. He has balanced his success in business with extensive philanthropic activities. Over the years he has supported children's charities, food programs, medical research, and the arts as well as education projects both in the US and abroad.