WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER A pioneering venture capitalist provides an actionable framework for founders and executives to create innovative, enduring companies built for growth and for societal good. The Milton Friedman philosophy that companies exist only to increase shareholder value is dead and buried. The old Silicon Valley tenets of “move fast and break things,” minimum viable products, and hyper engagement at any cost must be replaced with new principles for an era of responsible innovation. We can no longer manage businesses solely for growth. With innovation comes responsibility: to generate returns beyond profits and to recenter technology as a force for good in the world. This requires a shift in the way organizations approach and value work. A company’s mindset ―its intent to do good, avoid harmful consequences, and innovate responsibly―is not enough. That mindset must be supported by a business model, a mechanism that leaders must intentionally and proactively build along with the company from the ground up, one that incentivizes and rewards the organization for fulfilling its intentions. Companies need a new set of KCIs, or key consequence indicators, that measure factors such as its impact on customers’ energy consumption, whether its product is being used equally across socioeconomic groups, or if it is actually solving the social problem it is addressing. Not only is this the right thing to do―increasingly, it is what customers, employees, and shareholders demand of business. In this inspiring, practical, and actionable guide, Hemant Taneja: lays out the argument for why a new model of company building and leadership is necessary―and how it can lead to better performance - explores why social-good businesses are some of the greatest opportunities today, detailing examples of billion-dollar startups that are addressing inequality, climate change, systemic societal problems, and chronic disease―all while generating profit and positive shareholder returns - presents a topic-by-topic road map that addresses business models, artificial intelligence, ethical growth, culture, governance, and good citizenship Intended Consequences is designed as the ultimate playbook for founders, entrepreneurs, leadership teams, and investors on how to build and maintain a responsible innovation company. " Intended Consequences thoughtfully outlines how and why capitalism must change in the twenty-first century. This important book should be required reading in every business school and boardroom in America." — Tom Steyer , investor, activist, and former candidate for US President "Hemant Taneja and Kevin Maney lay out a thoughtful and robust playbook for how business leaders can and should build a culture of responsibility behind the companies and innovations they bring to market. As the authors rightly assert, if your technology disrupts, you must also repair—an approach that benefits not only companies but workers and society as well. Intended Consequences is a must-read." — Penny Pritzker , founder of PSP Partners and former US Secretary of Commerce " Intended Consequences provides a blueprint for founders, investors, and leaders who aspire to build transformative businesses where impact is a fundamental feature. Hemant is a gifted thinker and one of the few people I know with the mind and courage to steer technology in the right direction. This is a must-read for anyone motivated to change the world." — Jim Breyer , founder and CEO of Breyer Capital "A prescription for a healthier society, this book describes a proactive approach to creating durable companies intentionally designed to make the world a better place." — Marc Harrison , MD, President and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare "An urgent book from one of the world's most forward-thinking venture capitalists. The argument in Intended Consequences is built on a searing critique of companies that rush to innovate without consideration of the potentially toxic ripple effects, but the real power in the book comes from its playbook on how to build companies that innovate responsibly, with a more thoughtful, values-driven intentionality. A vital read for any founder committed to building a future-fit business." — Youngme Moon , Donald K. David Professor of Business at Harvard Business School and author of Different "Hemant makes a powerful case for why companies must own their impact on society. As company builders, we have an opportunity to take on humanity's greatest challenges (climate change, inequality) and to transform vital frontiers (healthcare, energy, finance). Hemant shares a framework for leaders to build intentionally and to create a positive, enduring societal impact. This thesis is the start of a critical global discussion among investors, business leaders, and innovators about how we must harness the power of capitalism and responsible innovation for good above all else." — Ashwini Zenooz , President and CE