As the Dutch city of the Hague celebrates 10 years as a self-appointed ‘impact city’ – supporting startups working to make a positive difference – Coos Santing tells us what’s working, what’s not, and why rivalry with other urban centres is softening.
Government says new ‘central point of contact’ for impact economy recognises the ‘untapped potential’ of the country’s social impact sector, while the movement welcomes ‘joined up’ support.
Small rural communities are discovering they can generate sustainable income without compromising their traditions and culture. Visitors from around the world discussed ideas at the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025.
Ukraine posts second highest number of climate-focused, blended finance transactions in the world in 2024 – and enters top 10 countries for first time – as blended finance identified as “form of crisis financing” – new Convergence research.
The final report from the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group points to the lack of a coherent cross-department strategy and calls for “sustainable and visible leadership” in government and the adoption of a “mobilisation mindset”.
The Hague celebrates ten years as the self-described "Impact City", while Taipei buzzes with Social Enterprise World Forum energy. Plus, a further fall for VC investment in impact startups. The view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.
Investments in impact startups decline for a fourth year in a row despite a healthy growth in the broader VC market, as investors shift their focus to defence and AI – and leave some impact areas sorely underfunded.
As more than 1,000 global delegates gather in Taipei for SEWF25, the island’s social enterprise movement says it’s ready to stand on the world stage, and Ikea Social Entrepreneurship chooses Taiwan as site for its latest accelerator programme.
This week: UK pensions bill amendment aims to clarify fiduciary duty to unlock funding, four social outcomes funds launch in Africa, how ships could soon be powered by algae – and more.
Venture capital isn’t always the best option to back impact startups, especially as the approach is coming under increasing criticism. Dr Markus Freiburg flags a new fund which could help finance a new, innovation-driven impact middle market.
AIBŌ won the Ford Family Foundation’s flagship event, which was hosted at Barclays Innovation Hub powered by Eagle Labs in Shoreditch on Tuesday 21 October. A £50,000 prize pot was shared between the six finalists.
Social enterprise Homes for Good takes its first step into London’s rental market, partnering with Crisis to launch Good Place Lettings. They aim to use the power of the private rented sector to alleviate homelessness.
