The ninth version of the ImpactFest was held on Thursday, ninth November. The annual flagship occasion of ImpactCity The Hague, based by the municipality of The Hague, attracted 1,500 guests from 35 nations.
It focuses on the mixture of ‘doing good’ and ‘doing enterprise.
Right here’s all the things that was introduced or launched throughout ImpactFest 2024
Unveiled new funds
At this occasion, it was introduced that over €44M in new funding has been made accessible to help affect entrepreneurs.
The Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) unveiled six new funds designed to finance startups throughout varied sectors, together with robotics, mobility, vitality transition, meals manufacturing, and expertise.
Every fund can present as much as €10M, with particular person startups eligible for funding starting from a minimal of €100,000 to a most of €3.5M.
This initiative goals to boost alternatives for startups, serving to them evolve into profitable companies.
Along with these funds, the Social Affect Fund The Hague has been introduced, aiming to lift between 8 to 10 million euros for entrepreneurs who’re addressing social challenges within the metropolis.
This new funding fund, developed in collaboration with the municipality of The Hague and
Social Membership, seeks to make vital progress in tackling urgent native points.
State of Affect 2024 report: Key takeaways
Dealroom, in collaboration with ImpactCity and Microsoft, launched the brand new State of Affect 2024 report on the ImpactFest 2024 occasion. Listed below are the necessary takeaways:
28% decline in funding in 2024
In 2024, affect startups have raised $33B in 2024 thus far, a projected 28 per cent drop from the earlier yr.
“This drop is particularly worrying since not one of the 17 objectives is on monitor to be achieved by 2030,” says the report. Nevertheless, the affect startups are nonetheless price a mixed $2.4T, with personal worth virtually two-fold that of 2021.
Removed from being on monitor
In line with the report, all 17 SDGs are removed from being on monitor for 2030 goals. Solely a handful of subsidiary targets for any objective are even shut.
Progress on greater than 50 per cent of targets of the SDGs is weak and inadequate; on 30 per cent, it has stalled or gone into reverse. These embody key targets on poverty, starvation, and local weather.
11% of startup jobs are from affect startups within the Netherlands
Within the Netherlands, 11 per cent of startup jobs come from affect startups. Right here’s how jobs at these startups are distributed by province:
Greater than 32,000 startup jobs are supported by affect startups.
In 2024, over 100 Dutch affect startups raised funds. There are 775 funded affect startups primarily based within the Netherlands, and greater than 700 are presently hiring.
“The Netherlands has all of the substances to turn into Europe’s main hub for technological innovation, significantly in driving affect and addressing societal challenges,” says Constantijn Van Oranje-Nassau Managing Director/Envoy at Techleap.
“Dutch startups are on the forefront of tackling Sustainable Improvement Objectives, from local weather motion and environmental sustainability to selling good well being, lowering inequalities, and fostering peace and powerful establishments,” he provides.
The Hague Innovators Problem
Apart from funding, the occasion additionally introduced the winners of the annual Hague Innovators Problem, an initiative to spice up native entrepreneurs tackling social issues.
The winner of ‘Finest Innovator’ with a prize of €15,000 is Solvoz (develops a platform for optimising procurement processes within the humanitarian and well being sector).
The motivation prize of €5,000 goes to Rator (developer of an modern convector radiator with an built-in warmth pump).
As well as, the general public prize of €2,500 was awarded to Beans (a startup that produces
sustainable espresso naturally within the forest).
“Saskia Bruines, the alderman for financial growth on the municipality of The Hague is enthusiastic, provides, ‘Our metropolis may be pleased with winners Solvoz, Rator, and Brute Bonen. I feel it’s great to see how a lot dedication these entrepreneurs are engaged on their mission.”
“ We discover that an increasing number of sustainable entrepreneurs are consciously selecting The Hague to determine themselves. On this approach, the optimistic affect of our metropolis is rising. And apart from, startups and upscaling corporations like these are an necessary contribution to the financial system and employment,” provides Bruines.
Rabobank awarded seven startups
At ImpactFest, Rabobank awarded seven cheques of €25,000 every to Tarnoc, Primal Soles, Feelou, Lignitec, Hyer Energy, and Arctic Reflections. A particular cheque was additionally given to CIWI, a startup engaged on a brand new, clear answer for water purification.
The Rabo Affect Fund helps early-stage affect startups develop and adapt.
Entry to Justice Fund
Moreover, Pels Rijcken has created a fund to assist individuals and small companies perceive their authorized rights and discover justice, no matter background or authorized points.
After reviewing nominees LEXGEN, Omnius, and LISI, the jury selected LEXGEN because the winner and awarded them a test for €20,000.
