Innovation

Archetype looks at the individual entrepreneur not as a source for potential revenue, but as a human being with a calling. Which is why the vetting process for Archetype takes a stringent, holistic approach, where financial feasibility alone is not enough to garner Archetypes backing. The guide lines Archetype follows for an investment are in line with the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, identifying 4 areas for Returns on Investment/Pillars of Wealth Creation: Spiritual, Financial, Communal, & Individual. Archetype searches for the ‘MBE’ (Mission-Based Entrepreneur), which has a “why-Based Business”, with “Radical Transparency”, who will be a “Conscious Company” and a “Social Entrepreneur”, looking to find a business that puts People first, Planet Second and Profit third. The 'MBE' is someone with a calling for good and a business for good.

The innovative business plan for Archetype starts with investing with entrepreneurs to only take a small percentage share ownership in each entrepreneur’s business. Investing with a business plan in place to ensure each entrepreneur will be able to buy out the investment for a modest percentage profit to Archetype. Truly allowing the entrepreneur to feel impowered to grow their business knowing they will be able to reap the majority benefits of their labor. Second innovation is Archetype lives into their mission to be a Catholic Business Incubator by providing consulting services to each entrepreneur. Giving an entrepreneur unfettered access to C-suite experts in finance, technology, marketing, and business operation, so that all the tools necessary for success are readily available. Providing consulting services also reduces overhead costs to entrepreneurs allowing them to focus on cultivating their endeavor without worrying about hiring staff right or outside contractors. The entrepreneur is not charged for use of consulting services, rather a small commission off sales profits are tacked on as the company succeeds sharing the ‘skin in the game’ and community with each entrepreneur. Working to be good stewards of their investment in every sense ensuring social, environmental, and fiscal responsibility as each entrepreneur’s business grows.

Inspiration

Founding Member Christine Rich and CEO, Thomas Yep and have roots in the Catholic Church and operating non-profits. The inspiration and vision of Archetype have come from the same place, according to CEO Thomas Yep to “work actively through business in the most influential sectors of culture to grow the economy of salvation, because change only really begins in hearts”, in a sense taking the ethos from the Catholic, non-profit sector to the for profit sector.

Overall impact

Every time a new small business is started, the impact has ripple effects in every aspect of life. The entrepreneur who started the business has the freedom and responsibility of being their own boss and opportunity to gain theoretically unlimited financial benefit and personal benefit from starting the business. A new business brings new jobs to the market which affect the lives of many families. A new business impacts which ever market they enter or create by either brining innovation to an existing sector or a fresh product/service to light, filling a need of society.

Business benefit

The business benefit provided by Archetype promotes a sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Archetype employees and entrepreneurs. In a world were information on companies becomes increasingly easier to find and search, transparency of process, and product are paramount in ensuring viability of new companies which come to market. Archetype assists in filtering and promoting companies who deserve the stop light. By providing the capital needed to budding entrepreneurs with businesses that do good and are good.

Social and environmental benefit

As the world becomes more interconnected in trade and commerce it has never been a greater imperative that companies that do good are brought to the forefront of our markets. Socially and environmentally conscious venture capital firms like Archetype ensure that funds are allocated and invested in good business. Archetype is changing the way venture capital is invested. Promoting a people first social entrepreneur ensures.

Although Archetype invests in businesses around the globe and with entrepreneurs who work and think globally. It is equally as important to think locally and benefit the local community. Which Archetype does by having a professional staff that lives and works out of San Pedro. The majority of the staff are all from San Pedro, who in turn, because of the work afforded to them by Archetype are able to invest their earning back to the community in various ways as Archetypes entrepreneurs impact the global community.

As Archetype incubates companies to grow and new investment opportunities are found they aim to the change and sustain the world so we can all flourish.

Interviews

Christine Rich, Partner

Thomas Yep, CEO