The Case for Reimagining Capitalism

Exploring how we can transform capitalism into a regenerative system that benefits both people and planet.

This is part one of a new series called “Reimagining Capitalism.”

No system is perfect -- even the most valuable ones need to adapt over time, in order to stay aligned with their purpose and to ensure they're truly serving the commons.

Capitalism is as old as civilization. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, where early systems of private property, trade, and finance first emerged. Temples and palaces served as proto-banks, issuing loans and creating the earliest forms of economic contracts. Long-distance trade networks, fueled by merchants seeking profit, laid the groundwork for markets and wealth accumulation. Even in its infancy, this system prioritized private gain and the accumulation of goods, setting the stage for a more expansive economic order. While Mesopotamia didn’t invent capitalism, it planted the seeds of a system that has since grown into a powerful engine of innovation.

By the 16th and 17th centuries, accelerated by industrialization, capitalism had blossomed into its modern form, sparking unprecedented global trade and expanding economic opportunities. It laid the foundation for the rise of the middle class and the promise of prosperity for those willing to seize it. Capitalism became synonymous with progress, fostering mobility, invention, and a better quality of life for many.

Yet as with any system, it's important to consider the full picture. In its early days, capitalism fueled societal advances, but it was intertwined with exploitation and colonization. And today, it’s unleashed incredible ingenuity and growth – but especially over the last couple of generations, it has also become overly rapacious, consumed by a make-take-waste mentality that poses a pernicious threat to our natural world. But this does not have to be its fate. Acknowledging its flaws gives us the opportunity to evolve capitalism into something more inclusive and regenerative, where success is not defined solely by profits but by our ability to sustain and enrich both people and the planet.

Cracks in the system

It’s easy to say we’ve made strides towards a better version of capitalism over time. And in some ways, we have! But we’re still entrenched in a system that can feel like an addiction—one that values endless growth, convenience, and profit at any cost. Consumers crave instant gratification, businesses chase better margins and profitability, and investors push for faster and larger investment returns. Yet in the long run, we have to ask ourselves: at what cost?

The relentless pursuit of profit and financial return has come at the expense of our environmental and social fabric. Our finite natural resources are being aggressively extracted, ecosystems disrupted, and inequalities deepened. The countries responsible for the most environmental damage are often shielded from the worst of its effects, while smaller, less developed nations bear the brunt. But as the consequences of these choices become clearer, more voices are calling for a change.

Reimagining capitalism for the future

Capitalism as we know it is not irreparable—it’s simply at a crossroads. We have the opportunity to reform it into something that not only doesn’t do harm but is actually nature-positive and people-positive, by reshaping our approach to business, markets, and consumption. We can create a system that restores what has been depleted, strengthens communities, and creates value for future generations.

This transformation won’t happen overnight, and we don’t even fully know what the end state will look like. But the journey toward a more inclusive, regenerative capitalism is already beginning. More investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders are recognizing that building resilient, restorative markets isn’t just possible—it’s essential. The viability of humankind and the capacity for our natural systems to sustain us depends on it. 

In the coming months, we’ll continue to explore how different stakeholders—from investors to businesses to consumers—can contribute to this shift. In order to move from the what to the how, we’ll share insights on how to support this new model, providing tangible steps for embracing a capitalism that works for all.

The future of capitalism is in our hands. Will we seize the chance to reimagine it?

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