NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Tripp Baird is the founder and managing partner of the Builders Fund, a growth-stage private equity platform investing to build a better world. Builders partners with purpose-driven companies scaling into opportunities created by the need to solve environmental and social challenges. The firm is focused on themes of “sustainable systems” and “human elevation”; to decarbonize the economy, help fix our broken food system, address access and affordability, use our finite resources more efficiently, and to create a more equitable, sustainable future. He currently also serves on the boards of PosiGen Solar, Traditional Medicinals, Urban Remedy, and MIXT. Tripp has invested in, secured funding for, and helped develop a number of other mission-driven companies including Sambazon, Manduka, Planet Organic, Acelero Learning, Faraday, the Bar Method, Equator Coffees, BOGS Footwear, and Surftech among others. 

He was previously Founding Principal and a General Partner at Partnership Capital Growth (PCG) – a merchant bank focused in the areas of healthy, active and sustainable living. He helped build the boutique consumer advisory/investment group from the ground up, leading investments and advising transactions in the areas of sustainability, active lifestyle/outdoor recreation, health/wellness, and healthy food & beverages. Tripp’s early career included stops at Goldman Sachs (Global Equities Management), North Castle Partners (Equinox, Naked Juice), and as a consultant for Bain & Company. 

Twice a NOLS graduate, Tripp also earned dual magna cum laude A.B.s from Harvard University and lives in San Francisco with his wife and two teenage sons.