Founder Alex Stephany hopes to disrupt conventional ways of tackling homelessness by combining technology with community goodwill. But even ambitions for global domination need to unfold at the right pace, the former JustPark CEO tells us.
STARS OF SEWF2020: Makesense co-founder Christian Vanizette on growing its weekly volunteer base from 50 to 1,000 under Covid – and why the Social Enterprise World Forum is a chance to ‘recharge each other’s batteries of hope’.
Managing mental health has become big business. Pioneers Post explores some tech-based solutions designed for the masses, and the role of social enterprise in the UK’s £21m market.
New funding is available for projects or startups from around the world – and funders say they can make a decision in a matter of hours after receiving an application.
SNAPSHOTS FROM ADDIS Maisha Technologies has won the respect of major funders and potential clients. It’s now set to become the first company to manufacture drones inside Ethiopia – but it’s a long, and occasionally turbulent, journey to get there.
PLUS: Acumen spinout 60 Decibels raises $1.7m, G20 leaders back more innovative financing to fund SDGs, Encourage Capital raises US$40m to bring clean energy financing solutions to Indian entrepreneurs, and more.
New Zealand company CoGo, which launched in the UK last year, will use the investment to fuel ambitious growth – with aims to sign up another 400 businesses by year end.
PLUS: Private equity fund for independent media launched; new fund for agribusiness in developing countries; UK government backs new £30m social tech venture fund, and more.
Starting a business based on your own passions can be highly personal – making every criticism feel like a punch in the stomach. The co-founder of Dot Project shares a warts-and-all account of the company's first two 'rollercoaster' years.
