Upfront Summit 2025

At the 2025 Upfront Summit, a gathering of over 1,000 leading investors, entrepreneurs, and technology visionaries, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, delivered a thought-provoking address on the crucial intersection of business, technology, and philanthropy in driving meaningful global change.

In his keynote, the Duke shared valuable insights from his personal journey and outlined his vision for the future, emphasizing the need for businesses to adopt a service-oriented approach to their operations. While recognizing the significant impact of philanthropy and non-profit organizations in addressing social challenges, he underscored the limitations of these models, which often focus on addressing the symptoms rather than the underlying causes.

“While non-profits play a vital role in addressing social issues, it’s clearly not enough in today’s world. We need a dual approach: supporting philanthropic organizations while simultaneously investing in companies that are developing technological solutions to address the root causes of societal challenges. Focusing on one core issue at its source, to solve the hundreds that stem from it.”

The Duke revealed that over the past few years, he has been building a portfolio of investments. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the interconnected nature of business and philanthropy, each contributing unique strengths. He pointed out that the venture capital model, with its focus on innovation, scalability, and long-term value creation, offers the resources and strategic support essential for building sustainable, impactful solutions. When these two sectors collaborate, they have the potential to create a powerful, enduring force for social change.

“Businesses that serve people, that have a purpose—whether through improving mental health, ensuring child safety, tackling climate change, or promoting equality—are not just doing good; they’re creating real value and re-establishing trust. When you integrate these goals into your business, you’re tapping into markets that are expanding rapidly and attracting investment. But it’s not just about creating value for others—it’s also about addressing the root causes of the challenges we face as a global society.”

Prince Harry then engaged in an insightful conversation with Mark Suster, Managing Partner at Upfront Ventures, where they explored topics ranging from his transition to life in the U.S. to the potential for aligning business innovation with social responsibility and strengthening global alliances.

A significant moment of the discussion centered on the Duke’s military service in Afghanistan, where he served alongside American forces. Mark asked the Duke to reflect on this experience, which ultimately led him to establish the Invictus Games, which now has 25 participating nations within the community.
The conversation expanded to a broad reflection on global relationships and international cooperation, where Mark posed a timely question: “For all of my lifetime, the relationship between the U.S. and Europe has been seen as critical to global stability and prosperity. Do you see that changing? And make the case for why it should strengthen.” The Duke’s response was both powerful and relevant. Answering as a soldier and a veteran, he emphasized that one of the things that makes America great, is its loyalty and unwavering support for its allies. America’s global influence is grounded in strong relationships and mutual respect, ensuring peace and prosperity.

The Duke’s message called for a renewed focus on cooperation and unity, reminding the audience that even in challenging times, global alliances must remain steadfast to navigate complex global issues.

The Duke’s participation in the Upfront Summit reflects his ongoing commitment to bridging the worlds of business and philanthropy. His compelling call for collaboration between these sectors presents a hopeful outlook for the future—one where innovation and service are united in addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges.