Dutch impact investor Polestar Capital hopes to grow fund to €400m within a year to plug a funding gap for high-potential eco-projects that will enable Netherlands to play a ‘pivotal role’ in the global transition towards a circular economy.
Every single citizen can contribute to building an ‘impact city’ – if they’re equipped with the skills and mindset. How a government-backed programme in Amsterdam is educating the ‘impact-makers of the future’.
Want to support a social business this year, while also cutting down on waste or helping to green the planet? Here are three ways to start, plus 10 gift ideas from around the world.
From supermarket check-ups to rural mini-pharmacies, social enterprises are making healthcare accessible to all. We explore how support from Philips Foundation – backed by healthcare technology firm Philips – is key to their success.
Do investors care about impact? Often, no: they're more focused on the warm fuzzy feeling of 'doing good'. But some are accepting moderate returns for more impact, and they're crucial to the growth of early-stage social enterprise.
STREETS OF AMSTERDAM: Entrepreneur Marius Smit was among the first to convince corporations to pay for the pleasure of picking up trash. Ten years on, his social enterprise Plastic Whale is making waves worldwide.
PLUS: Pioneering revenue-based fund launches in Scotland; Back Market raises $335m in “bullish” circular economy market; AU$8m boost for Queensland social enterprises; Dutch trio backs “truly disruptive” AI firm Envision – and more.
PLUS: $100m MacArthur grant to end homelessness; Dutch VC fund backs digital-only fashion house; ImpactAssets custom investments surge; new pooled fund for southeast Asia; Resonance's launchpad loan for mums' mental health; and more.
Helping firms switch to a purpose-led model, teaching social entrepreneurship to schoolkids and joining an ambitious, 80-strong partnership: how the city government's Amsterdam Impact is teaming up to help the transition to a new economy.
