TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Kevin Vilkin

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Kevin Vilkin, founding partner of Emergent Strategic Partners, is a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist whose career has been defined by a singular mission: unlocking human potential and leveraging it to drive meaningful change. Since starting his first business at 21, Kevin has been propelled by a deep passion for supporting talented individuals who dedicate themselves to causes greater than their own. Featured on Forbes 30 Under 30, he exemplifies a rare combination of ambition and a profound commitment to service. 

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Emergent Strategic Partners, headquartered in Austin, Aspen, and Los Angeles, reflects Kevin’s vision of merging innovation with purpose. Alongside his co-founder and partner, Matthew Rising, Kevin has built a firm that specializes in creating transformative partnerships. The company connects emerging businesses with large corporations and family offices, fostering collaborations that drive efficiency, sustainability, and growth. Emergent’s partners have generated over $2.2 billion in revenue. 

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Kevin’s leadership at Emergent is fueled by decades of experience as a senior partner with investment firms, where he developed a robust track record of fostering innovation and driving value in both financial and environmental terms. At Emergent, Kevin leads a team of professionals dedicated to identifying and supporting businesses that align profitability with purpose. His hands-on approach ensures that these companies not only achieve growth, but also deliver measurable progress in combating climate change and advancing sustainability. 

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Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Kevin has extended his influence through roles on influential boards and councils. As a member of the Global Leadership Council for Conservation International, he works to expand energy access for underserved populations while championing initiatives to combat climate change. In his board role at Beyond Conflict, he supports the use of technology to prevent violence and promote peace and reconciliation around the world. Kevin’s dedication to public service is equally evident in his work as a member of the Leadership Council at Business Executives for National Security (BENS), where he collaborates with senior leaders to strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure.

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At Emergent, Kevin and Matthew have established a unique approach to building partnerships. They take exceptional care in understanding the goals and challenges of every partner—be it a Fortune 500 company, a family office, or an emerging business. By convening these stakeholders around shared opportunities, Emergent creates partnerships that not only grow revenue and returns, but also address some of the planet’s most pressing challenges. 

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Kevin Vilkin
Founding Partner
Emergent Strategic Partners
Website: https://emergentstrategicpartners.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-vilkin/