Business & Economy Georgia Impact

Startup mentor urges purpose-driven businesses

David Salyers presents his Signature Lecture. (Photo by Peter Frey/UGA)

“Every business exists to make money—no exceptions—but great businesses have a mission beyond just a need to exist. They are doing something valuable that the world needs.”

David Salyers, UGA’s startup mentor in residence, delivered the Signature Lecture “Startup Your Future!” on Oct. 24.

The message from Salyers, a co-founder and board member of several startup companies and a former marketing executive at Chick-fil-A, was that remarkable startups focus on creating value for customers and building a strong workplace culture.

“Every business exists to make money—no exceptions—but great businesses have a mission beyond just a need to exist,” Salyers said. “They are doing something valuable that the world needs.”