In an era where wealth often whispers in gated enclaves, Alexandre Mars speaks boldly—and acts louder. The French tech entrepreneur turned philanthropic visionary is reimagining what it means to lead, give, and build legacy in the 21st century. His mission: to make purpose the new currency of influence.
From Startup Success to Social Revolution
Mars began his career as a serial entrepreneur, founding and selling several tech startups. But his trajectory shifted from profit to purpose with the establishment of the Epic Foundation, a nonprofit that connects donors with high-impact social organizations worldwide. Through Epic, Mars leverages his business acumen to bring transparency and efficiency to philanthropy, ensuring that every contribution drives measurable change.
“We behave like a venture capitalist,” Mars explained. “We have 45 data points to help us decide which organizations we’ll select, and we spend seven months vetting every social organization presented to us.”
In parallel, he founded Blisce, a venture capital firm investing in companies that align with his values, such as Spotify and Pinterest. Blisce operates on the belief that financial success and social impact are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.
The Philosophy of Giving
Mars’s approach to philanthropy is rooted in the idea that giving should be as strategic and data-driven as investing. He advocates for a model where donors are not just benefactors but partners in change, engaging deeply with the causes they support. This philosophy is detailed in his book, Giving: Purpose is the New Currency, where he outlines a roadmap for integrating giving into the fabric of one’s personal and professional life.
“Donating 50 percent is super-painful! The giving should be joyful. When it’s painless, it’s joyful,” Mars emphasized.
Inspiring a New Generation
Beyond his organizational endeavors, Mars is a vocal advocate for a cultural shift towards purposeful living. He speaks globally on the importance of aligning one’s career and values, urging the next generation of leaders to consider the societal impact of their choices. His message resonates particularly with young entrepreneurs and inheritors of wealth who seek to make a meaningful difference.
“We’re in this new era where purpose is everywhere,” Mars noted. “We’re building a social good movement; it’s why we didn’t want to have a business model attached to it.”
Legacy in Action
Mars’s work exemplifies a modern approach to legacy—one that prioritizes systemic change over symbolic gestures. By channeling resources into scalable solutions and fostering a culture of conscious capitalism, he is not only addressing immediate social challenges but also laying the groundwork for a more equitable future.
“Purpose is the new currency,” Mars declared.
In Alexandre Mars, we see a blueprint for the 21st-century leader: one who measures success not just by financial returns but by the positive impact on society. His journey underscores a powerful truth—that purpose and profit can coexist, and when they do, the potential for transformative change is boundless.
