Manny Padda believes in the power of education. With an MBA from Queen’s University and a degree in private equity and venture capital from Harvard, Padda is still learning – he’s currently studying entrepreneurship and innovation at Stanford University.
Following a stint at Korn Ferry, a large executive search firm, Padda founded PM Search Partners, a recruitment agency, and New Avenue Capital, a venture capital firm.
New Avenue Capital has invested in local Vancouver startups like myBestHelper, ShareShed and G-Cup.
But his passion for education has also led him to incorporate a strong charitable and social venture direction into his business. His goal is to build 1,000 schools to educate one million people around the world, which he says he is doing by investing in Change Heroes, a commercial social enterprise that helps non-profits raise money to build schools, and through his own volunteer work with organizations like Room to Read and Global Agents for Change.
“They educate a million and build a thousand schools, that’s what … gave me more of a purpose for what I’m doing now,” he said.
Padda said he made his first accumulation of wealth at age 26 after the success of PM Search Partners, but he quickly realized money can’t be the sole motivation for working and building a business.
“I don’t think anyone should ever do anything just for the money. I think there should be a passion behind what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, and that’s what gets me up and going to the office every day.”
Padda has built a culture of giving back into his businesses.
“We have an awesome culture here in the office,” he said. “My wife comes in here all the time and says, ‘You have the best office I’ve ever seen.’ Everyone is so values-centric. … [The staff] all do different [volunteer] projects that give back to the community.”
Join us to celebrate the 2015 Forty under under 40 Awards January 27, 2016 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. For tickets and event info visit www.biv.com/events/40under40.
