"financially positive but culturally negative (some would say sociopathic) decisions, such as closing plants that were profitable, but weren't profitable enough."

This is something that is inherent in a certain type of investor and Wall Street and you see it in YC as well as VC firms and (startup) angel investors.

While you might be able to get a local businessman on Main st. to believe in your idea which is profitable (but not sexy and not "billion dollar") that will probably make both of you money, you won't get anyone in the de facto startup community to take you seriously. They won't give you money unless you are shooting for the stars.