Last week, our portfolio companies and partners joined us in Bhutan, as guests of Happiness Capital. This annual event, known as Happiness Family Day, brought together over 120 participants from 13 countries to explore the theme “A Mindful Journey Towards Sustainable Happiness.”
Bhutan: A unique approach to national well-being
Bhutan is renowned for its commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH), prioritizing the well-being of its citizens over conventional economic metrics like GDP. This philosophy permeates every aspect of Bhutanese life, fostering a profound sense of community, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.
Highlights of the journey
Tiger’s Nest monastery hike
One of the most memorable experiences was hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This challenging ascent served as a powerful metaphor for personal and professional growth, reminding us that overcoming obstacles often leads to the most rewarding outcomes.
Royal encounter
A truly special moment was the dinner with the King and Queen of Bhutan, highlighting the country’s commitment to its unique development philosophy and its openness to innovation and global partnerships.
Business and cultural exchange
The event provided a perfect blend of cultural immersion and business networking. Participants had the opportunity to learn about Bhutan’s approach to national development while also sharing insights from their respective industries.
Lessons from Bhutan for business and life
1. Aligning profit with purpose: Financial success and societal well-being are not mutually exclusive. The Happiness Capital approach encourages businesses to adopt a more holistic view of success, where profitability and positive impact go hand in hand. By integrating purpose into their core mission, companies can achieve sustainable growth while contributing to long-term societal well-being, creating a win-win scenario for both shareholders and stakeholders.
2. Environmental stewardship: Bhutan’s pristine environment aligns with the vision of many Happiness Capital portfolio entrepreneurs who are building businesses to reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet. This synergy between national policy and entrepreneurial innovation showcases how business can be a powerful force for environmental good.
3. Community and collaboration: Bhutan’s emphasis on collective happiness was beautifully mirrored in Happiness Capital’s mission to empower entrepreneurs to co-create a happier world. The event exemplified how collaborative efforts can amplify positive impact, fostering an ecosystem where individual success contributes to collective well-being. This alignment between Bhutan’s national philosophy and Happiness Capital’s vision demonstrated the power of shared purpose in driving meaningful change and innovation.
Impact on investment philosophy
Happiness Capital’s approach, inspired by Bhutan’s GNH, is reshaping investment strategies. This gathering explored how investments can foster well-being for both people and the planet, potentially unlocking more meaningful financial, social, and environmental returns.
Looking forward
The event not only strengthened bonds among portfolio companies, investors, and partners but also inspired participants to consider how principles of happiness and well-being can be integrated into their business models and investment strategies.
As we left Bhutan, many of us felt a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The challenge now is to take these lessons and apply them in our respective fields, working towards a future where business success is measured not just in profits, but in its positive impact on people and the planet.
