I think solving a problem and profitability of an idea are very related.  If something is a real problem (perhaps on a global level, like global warming), it is a problem for many people.  If someone comes out with a solution, there's no reason why people won't buy into that.  In the case of global warming, everyone is going to have to undergo major lifestyle changes as the problem becomes more serious and as more goverments (hopefully) begin cracking down.  The idea of the new "green" economy, I believe, is a great opportunity for profit because people will necessarily have to change or the world may end (a little depressing, but hey).  Thus, the returns are almost guaranteed.

Also, consider microfinance, a solution to helping economies by encouraging people to be stimulated by profit.  Profit is an incentive for change.  Moreover, if something is profitable, it will probably last longer, as people will be more willing to participate in the long term.  I believe it is essential to not exclude the importance of profitability.

What kinds of other problems were you thinking of that can be solved in a way that profit can be gained?

I definitely agree with the previous comment, on the fact that profitability and solutions are closely related. As we have heard repetitively before not the idea is only a minor part in the success of a start up. Or better said is not a minor component but rather a given. However, what is this idea really based upon?? Evidently those successful ideas are genuine methods of in solving a problem in a more efficient implementation of some sort than that present at the time.  Innovation, by definition provides such sort of measure that is one of the most valuable components of a start up.  The highly regarded value is directly derived from the capacity of such ideas to spring new solutions and turn them into profits that is why they are so interrelated. The later is directly derived from the former.

Moving something into the private sector is a way of providing growth to produce a solution.  Take for example the space industry.  For a long time, space operations were primarily government operations (public sector endeavors).  They still are primarily.  However, the satellite industry and payload launch have more and more become aligned with the private sector.  Several small and medium satellite companies have come up in the last decade, which help nations launch satellites for research/weather etc, or create satellites for multiple uses.  The industry has grown so rapidly because in the private sector there is competition, whether for government contracts or business.  Similarly, a way to stimulate solutions for global warming etc, is to find ways of making it profitable in the private sector and developing competition.  Competition is a stimulus for progress.

I absolutely enjoyed the relation between solving problems and profitability. Essentially in this era of consumer-driven enterprise, the only way you can hope to compete and be profitable is by solving problems. Having taken classes at the design school here at Stanford, i understand that valuing the user's perspective is incredibly important. Most entrepreneurial opportunities also come from a good sense of observation. Observing the problems people face on a daily basis can throw open a lot of avenues to exploit commercially. I therefore felt that the tie between solving problems and profitability was very relevant. My 2 cents

I agree with what many people have stated, that sometimes, a practical solution to a problem involves a form of sustainability, and that usually comes from being economically sustainable. That is why I'm very much enthralled by the idea of social entrepreneurship, in which problems are being solved through various economic models rather than on simple ideas alone. Of course, in terms of what the business actually values more, that depends more on the end goal. If one sees profit making as an end in itself, then it is much different from seeing it as a process through which one can find one's solution to the problem.

Fink points out that mission point would not work as a non-profit endeavor was that a non-profit business model would not pump capital into the solution, which in this case is the creation of clean technologies.  I agree with what was said about weighing the profit motives of an entrepreneur.  It was hard to determine whether or not Fink was more interested in the profit as a means to create and sustain new clean technologies or simply to make the profit.

The previous posters make a lot of sense, profitability of a company, at least in the long-term implies that the company is valuable to its users. In Jesse's special case, his companies are aimed toward broad groups of people, effectively becoming valuable to large groups of people. This gives his profitable pursuit a philanthropic aspect in that good solutions are good solutions whether they come from private interests of wholly philanthropic non-profits. I think it is very responsible for entrepreneurs to consider the impact of their pursuit on a broad scale and make sure that they act so that their company is not valuable for their users at the expense of others, for Jesse it seems like this is second nature since he has recognized that the largest potential markets are those that create value for the widest variety of people, and so his companies must cater to the good of the general public. I think he has created an interesting balance between entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

I certainly agree with Ben.  I would say, to answer Kevin, profitability does mean the profitability of the nation or world as a whole.  Certainly then, solving solutions (while being concerned with environmental issues - a long term investment that also helps solves problems) does mean profitability.  I wouldn't necessarily agree with Kevin's point though, tthat finding a solution is not making a profit for myself.  In some way, whether monetarily, distinction, honors, etc, one does make some sort of profit by finding a solution.

I think that most entrepreneurs in fact match profitability iwith finding solutions to a problem through their innovation. The great reality about today is a trend where many entrepreneurs are looking at profitability and finding solutions within areas that provide and overall social good lk Mictch Kapur. I am excited to see how innovation continues to develop in this area in the future.