Global Group’s founder Johnny Hon has pursued success in business as a route to doing good
Global Group Focus
There are many ways to do good but as an experienced investor Johnny Hon is always concerned about maximising his returns, whether financial or philanthropic.
The Hong Kong entrepreneur and founder of Global Group originally considered a career in medical research, hunting for a solution to chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s. But after gaining a doctorate in psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, he went into business instead because he was convinced that he could do more good by making his own money. It was a good call.
Today, Hon invests in entrepreneurs to help them develop businesses that create real economic value and ploughs his earnings back into the community.
“My philosophy,” he says, “was that by getting into business, I could make more money and help more people, so philanthropy is an important part of this process. We’ve donated to more than 180 charities worldwide and half of the money we’ve made goes towards helping charities internationally.”
"We’ve donated to more than 180 charities worldwide and half of the money we’ve made goes towards helping charities internationally.”
Hon’s philanthropy also informs the way he runs his business and investment activities. In his role as an angel investor he is an enthusiastic supporter of young entrepreneurs—particularly women.
“Female entrepreneurship is a powerful economic force,” he says. “Women who weren’t previously able to run businesses because they were confined to traditional gender roles are now free to come up with innovative and exciting ideas, thanks in part to the internet and technology. And I am proud to invest in them.”
Social responsibility is another factor that Hon looks at when weighing up investment decisions. Entrepreneurs and businesses that operate within an ethical framework are more likely to attract his backing. “People who care about the community, their staff and how their business affects the world tend to be good people to be in business with,” he says.
