In a world increasingly driven by money making, profit, and prestige, a select few entrepreneurs have managed to channel entrepreneurship and innovation into meaningful social change. Dominic Kalms is one such figure who stands out not only for his business acumen but for his profound commitment to philanthropy and social impact. As the founder of two well-known FinTech companies, GVNG and B Generous, Kalms has redefined the intersection of FinTech and philanthropy, helping to revolutionize how donors give to nonprofits and subsequently how nonprofits manage their liquidity. His work demonstrates how technology, when wielded with thoughtfulness and a desire to do good, can create lasting impact. Kalms’ journey, spanning the globe and crossing industries, has positioned him as a thought leader in social impact and financial innovation.
Born on March 12, 1988, in Hong Kong and raised in London, Kalms’ early life was shaped by a blend of cultures. His entrepreneurial spirit is part of a family legacy, with his grandfather, Lord Stanley Kalms, founding the European electronics giant Dixons. This foundation, combined with his education and diverse career experiences, has made Kalms an influential figure in both philanthropy and financial technology.
Kalms’ educational path took him from the halls of Milken Community School, to NYU, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science cum laude. He further pursued a Master’s degree in International Affairs at Columbia University, developing a nuanced understanding of global policy and economics. This intellectual groundwork would later inform his approach to tackling complex social issues through the lens of technology.
Kalms’ career began with roles in diplomacy and government, including working at the Afghanistan Mission and in the United States Senate. These experiences shaped his understanding of international relations and domestic policy, laying the groundwork for his future ventures. His time with the Afghanistan Mission to the UN and the Senate Finance Committee under Senator Orrin Hatch was pivotal in cultivating his leadership skills.
However, it was Kalms’ foray into the philanthropic sector that would define the next chapter of his career. At Global Philanthropy Group, Kalms worked with high-profile clients such as Forest Whitaker, Howard Buffett, Eva Longoria, Aileen Getty, Kobe Bryant and Madonna, raising millions for various charitable causes and organizations. His ability to merge technology with a passion for social causes led him to start GVNG, a VC backed company that streamlines charitable giving through technology. This innovation quickly attracted the attention of major figures in the entertainment and tech industries.
In 2021, Kalms launched B Generous, a FinTech platform designed to transform the way nonprofits fundraise and manage their capital. B Generous offers a consumer credit product called “Donate Now, Pay Later” which has helped raise millions for charitable organizations, and B Generous offers an enterprise lending product for nonprofits called Accelerate, which is now the leader in direct credit lending to nonprofits.
Dominic Kalms has not only built successful companies but also used his influence to address global challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic Dominic started a nonprofit called EndCovid-19, to help get emergency PPE to hospitals and schools during the early days of the pandemic. This commitment to helping others highlights his ability to act swiftly in times of crisis, providing critical supplies to frontline workers and vulnerable populations. Kalms’ deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy is also reflected in his board memberships where he sits on the Fundraising Board of Forest Whitaker’s Foundation WPDI, Val Kilmer’s Foundation TwainMania, and on the Board of Milken.
Today, Kalms continues to bridge the worlds of technology and philanthropy, demonstrating that innovation and compassion are not mutually exclusive but can work together to drive meaningful change. His leadership in FinTech and philanthropy is not just reshaping industries; it’s making a profound difference in the lives of those in need.
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