Entrepreneurship Beyond Capitalism: What We Build Now Matters More Than Ever

By Kimberly Heismann, Founder, Emotiva

This System Is Breaking. So Why Are We Still Scaling It?

In the United States, it’s taken less than 90 days to witness a shift from neoliberal gridlock to something dangerously close to neofascism. Rights are being rolled back. Institutions are eroding. Greed is louder than ever, and compassion keeps getting sidelined.

Business has largely become extractive in nature

If you’ve ever thought, “This isn’t working…”—you’re not wrong. But the better question is:

What are we building in its place?

Entrepreneurship as Resistance

To many people, anti-capitalist still sounds like code for off-the-grid or against money. But that’s not what we’re talking about here.

You don’t have to drop out of society to challenge the systems that are failing us.

Anti-capitalist doesn’t mean anti-business. It means refusing to exploit, extract, or externalize harm as part of your model. It means:

• Sharing ownership and governance

• Valuing community over competition

• Prioritizing care as a business principle

You can build this anywhere. Especially in cities. Especially now.

It’s Already Happening

We don’t have to imagine better models. We have them.

• Dr. Bronner’s in California has long demonstrated that fair trade and regenerative agriculture can power a profitable, family-owned company—without compromising on values or voice.

• Toast Ale in New York brews beer from surplus bakery bread—transforming food waste into a sustainable product and showing that creativity can be a climate solution.

• Mountain Rose Herbs in Oregon operates on 100% renewable energy and has achieved zero-waste certification—proving that holistic sustainability is more than a marketing angle.

• Patagonia in California has built a $3 billion brand by putting the planet first. From donating its profits to environmental causes to pioneering circular fashion, it proves that sustainability and profitability can coexist.

• Delta Electronics in Taiwan and California has achieved net-zero energy consumption at its U.S. headquarters and engages in coral reef restoration projects, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

These aren’t outliers. They’re prototypes for a more livable future.

From Scale-at-All-Costs to Business as Reconstruction

We’ve been taught that success means rapid growth, market dominance, and fast exits.

But what if we redefined it?

This isn’t idealism. It’s strategy.

It’s how businesses like Dr. Bronner’s, Toast Ale, and Mountain Rose Herbs have earned loyalty and longevity.

It’s not just about resisting the system—it’s about rewriting the rules.

Your Role in This Moment

You’re not just a founder. You’re a cultural architect. A systems shifter.

The old economy is dragging democracy, climate stability, and basic human decency down with it.

But you?  You can build the bridge out—one decision, one design, one team at a time.

What Are You Building?

Drop a comment on our LinkedIn.

Tag a founder who’s doing things differently.

Or just start the conversation—right where you are.

And if you’re building something with heart, integrity, and a long view—We can help you find the words that move people and get important ideas sold.

→ Let’s talk.