By Evan Arroyo By Evan Arroyo | June 2, 2023 | Presented By,
Movies like “The Wolf of Wall Street”, “American Psycho”, and “Boiler Room” have immortalized the image of cutthroat financiers driven solely by greed and ambition. However, while many of New York's financial industry figures certainly only fend for themselves, this is far from the norm. Seth Taube is a Wall Street extraordinaire clearly defying that negative notion.
A serial investor, entrepreneur, business builder, and financial expert, Taube stands out among the rest. His expertise and innovative thinking have made a significant impact across dozens of industries, often being asked for his opinion on topics like cryptocurrency regulation, creating sustainable businesses, and the risks of AI.
However, despite his prominence as one of the most successful investors in New York, Seth Taube has been focusing his efforts elsewhere over the past years. A father of two, Taube changed his focus when he saw the existential threats facing humanity and the planet.
“As successful and profitable as my time in New York was, I couldn't help but feel that I could achieve much more,” Taube explains. “It might be a cliche, but I wanted to ensure that my children inherit a world that thrives not just financially, but also in terms of compassion, equality, and sustainability."
While philanthropic efforts were always part of Taube’s professional life, most of his investments and mentoring opportunities had been more aligned with those of his peers in the financial district - just giving money.. Today, Taube has shifted his focus toward what he calls “the healing economy”, personally pouring millions of dollars through the Seth B. Taube Foundation.
“I created the foundation in 2003 with the intention of supporting the healing economy - organizations that promote human flourishing and protect the planet,” says Taube. “In these 20 years, I have closely worked with more than 50 charities, committing not only anonymously, but also time and expertise wherever needed. “
Taube’s investment decisions have also been greatly influenced by this shift. His latest private investment company Maha Life LLC focuses on the “intersection of technology and consciousness.” The firm supports entrepreneurs and businesses that are using technology to deal with complex problems representing existential threats to humanity and the planet.
“If we can’t deal with the unprecedented levels of trauma and anxiety we are facing, our ability to progress and thrive as a society will be hindered, and our ability to unite to solve the complex problems will be thwarted,” says Taube.
Having played the violin since he was a child, Taube also advocates for music as a means to improve one’s mental health, entrepreneurial and creative skills, empathy, and overall well-being. Not only are these claims backed by science, which Taube is deeply familiar with as a trained neuroscientist, but they are also threatened by technologies like AI.
Photography by: Courtesy of Seth Taube