Pete Hartigan began making his mark on the world as an undergrad at Duke University, where he was recognized by USA Today as one of the Top 20 Students in the U.S. in 1993. At Stanford GSB, he continued this trajectory of achievement, receiving the Ernest C. Arbuckle Award in 1999 for his commitment to management excellence and addressing societal needs. He hasn’t slowed down since, devoting his career as a business strategist and financial advisor to enabling the “values economy” within today’s tech-driven society. Pete views this digital transformation as an opportunity for corporations to link “profits and purpose,” growing businesses while benefiting communities.
Today, he is managing partner at Marketplace Funds, a venture capital firm focused on healthcare and fintech investments that create both financial returns and positive social impact. He sits on advisory councils for Radicle Impact Partners, a VC/private equity firm seeking to transform the energy, food, and financial services industries; and VC Include, a nonprofit “building impact-driven ecosystems for new and emerging fund managers.” He is also a community member of SoFi financial services.
Pete’s talent for bringing people together and inspiring collaborative action extends beyond boardrooms. This same leadership approach helped make the MBA Class of 1999 reunion in 2024 a success. “Pete was the true driving force behind our recent reunion,” says Sonia Fernandez, MBA ’99, a VC firm partner in Spain. “He was quiet behind the scenes, not taking the spotlight; yet he guided the rest of the team and got everyone to express their views.” Sonia adds, “He is a kind, dedicated person, always contributing to the class, always cheering people on.” Whether guiding businesses to find opportunities that align with their values or bringing classmates together for meaningful connections, Pete continues to demonstrate that the most powerful catalyst for change is a leader who puts purpose at the center of everything they do.
