Helping those who are less fortunate is a noble endeavor, and it can be particularly effective when it is done by those with the resources to best create change. A perfect example would be Alex von Furstenberg, a prince from Austria who has carved his own legacy in the world of high finance. This career, known for its demanding constraints on free time, has not stood in the way of his dedication to philanthropy. Over eight years, Alex von Furstenberg’s private investment firm Arrow Capital Management, LLC – which focuses on global public equities – annualized at 22.4%. Diane von Furstenberg, the acclaimed fashion designer, is the head of the global luxury lifestyle brand, the Diane von Furstenberg Studio, LP, as well as Alex’s mother. The success engineered by Alex von Furstenberg in the financial industry made him a perfect fit to lead the charge to restructure the company, which soon grew from $1 million in annual revenue to over $200 million.
The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, the charity created by Diane von Furstenberg and media mogul Barry Diller, her husband, is now led by Alex von Furstenberg. His focus on the bottom line has ensured that each dollar granted by the foundation has been spent wisely. Over $30 million has been granted since the foundation’s creation over a decade ago. These donations are spread across a number of non-profit organizations involving community building, the arts, health, the environment, human rights, and education. The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation has become one of the most effective charities in the nation as a direct result of Alex von Furstenberg’s ability to grow the bottom line.
Thanks for helping me to see things in a different light.