Nachson Mimran: Entrepreneur, Visionary, and Humanitarian Leader
In today’s interconnected world, where innovation, creativity, and responsibility intersect, one name that consistently stands out is Nachson Mimran. A father, entrepreneur, creative director, photographer, philanthropist, and investor, Mimran embodies the spirit of purposeful leadership. His life story spans continents, industries, and disciplines, blending art, business, and humanitarianism into a career that inspires. From his early beginnings in West Africa and Europe to his current role as co-founder and CEO of to.org, he has remained committed to addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges: human optimisation, decarbonisation, and refugee empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in West Africa and Europe
Nachson Mimran’s upbringing was far from ordinary. Born into the influential Mimran family, he grew up between West Africa and Europe. These formative years instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature, culture, and humanity. Unlike many who followed conventional paths, Mimran admits that school was never his primary passion. Instead, he gravitated towards real-world experiences that allowed him to explore business, design, and creativity from an early age.
Academic Background
He attended Institut Le Rosey, one of Switzerland’s most prestigious schools, where he pursued the International Baccalaureate between 2000 and 2006. Later, he enrolled at the University of Westminster in London, completing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2009. His academic journey provided him with essential business knowledge, but it was his entrepreneurial drive and curiosity that propelled him forward.
Early Ventures and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Real Estate and Hospitality
At just eighteen, Mimran launched his first architectural venture with a close friend, building villas in Marrakech. This experience cemented his love for architecture and real estate development. In his late teens and early twenties, he pursued multiple real estate initiatives across Africa and Europe, spanning hospitality and residential projects.
Family Business Leadership
Mimran’s leadership skills were further sharpened when he successfully managed the family’s agro-industrial operations in West Africa. These ventures were not only profitable but also strategic, leading to several successful exits. The experience prepared him for larger-scale undertakings where creativity and business intersected.
The Alpina Gstaad: A Landmark in Hospitality
Founding a Luxury Icon
In 2012, Nachson Mimran co-founded The Alpina Gstaad, a luxury hotel in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. The Alpina was designed to be more than just another five-star property; it was a space that blended world-class hospitality with sustainable practices, contemporary art, and cultural dialogue.
Creative Director and Curator
As Chairman of the Board and Creative Director, Mimran oversaw not only the operational excellence of the hotel but also curated an impressive contemporary art collection displayed throughout the property. Under his guidance, The Alpina Gstaad earned international accolades, including a Michelin star for one of its restaurants, and became a benchmark for sustainable luxury hospitality.
Founding to.org: A Mission for Impact
The Birth of a Vision
In 2013, and formally launched in 2015, Nachson and his brother Arieh founded to.org. This organisation is not a typical foundation. Instead, it is a hybrid platform combining investment, philanthropy, and creative projects to accelerate solutions for pressing global challenges.
Areas of Focus
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Decarbonisation: Supporting initiatives that combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
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Refugee Empowerment: Building spaces such as arts and wellness centres in refugee settlements, offering displaced people dignity, creativity, and opportunity.
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Human Optimisation: Exploring innovative approaches to mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
Creative Provocation
Mimran is known for his “Trojan horse” philosophy—using art, design, and architecture to provoke thought and spark conversations around critical issues. For example, to.org has commissioned creative structures from waste materials to highlight sanitation crises while offering practical solutions.
Artistic Pursuits
Photography and Exhibitions
Art is at the heart of Nachson Mimran’s personal and professional life. His photography has been showcased at the prestigious Leica Gallery in London in a solo exhibition titled Photographs From The Decade That Changed My Life. His lens captures the intersection of humanity and environment, a recurring theme in his work.
Collecting and Commissioning Art
Beyond photography, he is an avid collector and commissioner of contemporary art. Through his projects, Mimran often integrates art into everyday spaces, using it as a medium for education, inspiration, and change.
Public Speaking and Global Influence
International Platforms
As an experienced public speaker, Nachson Mimran has addressed audiences at world-renowned events including:
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WebSummit
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DLD Conference
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UBS Philanthropy Forum
His talks often revolve around themes of privilege, responsibility, and creativity. He is known for reminding audiences that “money is a tool, not a passport,” and should be used to serve broader humanity rather than only personal gain.
Advisory Roles
Mimran also serves as Head of International Affairs for the Senegalese Olympic Committee, further strengthening his ties to Africa and international collaboration.
Personal Life
Family
Away from the spotlight, Nachson Mimran is a proud father of four. He openly celebrates the role of fatherhood in shaping his worldview, emphasising the importance of passing on values of responsibility, creativity, and compassion.
Lifestyle and Passions
Living in the Swiss Alps, he enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time in nature with his family. His downtime is often devoted to creative projects ranging from sustainable clothing to experimental architecture.
Recognition and Influence
A Global Provocateur
Mimran has been described as a “Provocateur-in-Chief” for his ability to challenge norms and ignite conversations through unconventional methods. Whether in hospitality, art, or social impact, he pushes boundaries while maintaining a clear vision of purpose.
Legacy and Ongoing Work
Today, through to.org and his investment portfolios, Nachson Mimran continues to redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur in the 21st century. His blend of business acumen, artistic sensibility, and humanitarian vision positions him as a unique leader driving meaningful change across industries and borders.
Conclusion
Nachson Mimran is not confined by traditional titles. He is at once an entrepreneur, philanthropist, artist, and provocateur—a man who seeks to inspire and empower. His work with to.org demonstrates how creativity, investment, and responsibility can merge to address humanity’s most urgent challenges. Whether developing award-winning hotels, curating art collections, empowering refugees, or rethinking sustainable business practices, Mimran exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose.
In a world that often celebrates short-term success, Nachson Mimran stands for long-term impact. His life’s mission is proof that business and art, privilege and responsibility, can coexist to build a better future for all.
