For more than 20 years, Hugo Spowers has been developing zero-emission cars. It’s not only about innovative technology: his vision includes circular business models and an unusual company structure. But is Riversimple – at last – ready to hit the road?
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.
Despite the UK's rainy reputation, a sunny future lies ahead for Low Carbon Hub’s Ray Valley in Oxfordshire, set to power 6,000 homes and generate £10m locally, after a hugely popular community share offer and £4.4m loan from Triodos.
A 99.98% shareholder vote in favour sees Voltalia become first-ever renewables producer – and only the third listed company – to become an entreprise à mission, following in footsteps of Danone.
The UK’s Social and Sustainable Capital is increasingly backing community renewable energy projects. SASC's Ben Rick explains why he’s excited about this overlooked part of the market – even if such projects aren’t always easy to implement.
Ordinary people can help ‘build back better’ by choosing to invest in those community-owned businesses putting social and environmental goals first. Here are five places to start.
The Berlin-based co-founder of Yunus Social Business on a lightbulb moment in Bangladesh that showed how social enterprises can adapt their business models to the needs of the poorest.
PLUS: Croatia’s first social impact fund, $100m financing partnership for emerging market ventures, new ‘repayable grants’ for Scottish environmental businesses, Canada’s MaRS Catalyst Fund rebrands and expands, and more.
