Impact Shakers

📣 We are looking for an Impact Investment Manager to join our team! More info here: https://lnkd.in/dZYHtYHz

This week's 'Impact Startups to Watch' showcases remarkable innovations in sustainable materials - turning Bio-Waste to New Materials. From converting brewery waste into leather alternatives to transforming onion skins into packaging solutions, these founders are revolutionizing how we think about bio-waste. Their creative approaches not only address waste management challenges but also deliver high-quality, sustainable materials for various industries. Here are five pioneering startups turning agricultural and food industry byproducts into tomorrow's materials: HUID is creating a home compostable packaging material made from onion skins. eco:fibr is turning pineapple plant waste into eco-friendly pulp for the cardboard and paper industries, reducing deforestation and promoting circular economy solutions. Arda Biomaterials transforms waste into smarter, circular biomaterials for fashion, home goods, automotive, and more. Arda's first transformation is turning beer brewery side streams into a novel, leather-like material. NUVI is a material innovator specializing in scalable, plastic-free and 100% bio-based coated textiles. They are transforming the materials industry with their natural leather alternative made from teak leaves. Grouse Fibre creates alternatives to peat-based growing mediums from technical protein fibers. They convert waste milk, soy and nut products into specialised filaments designed to help plants grow. #biowaste #newmaterials #sustainability

Opportunities for Impact Startups 🌱 1. ChangeNOW is back at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris from April 24-26, 2025, for the "World Expo of Solutions for the Planet". Startups and innovators tackling global challenges can apply to showcase their solutions, pitch to investors, or lead workshops with industry leaders. This event brings changemakers from across the world together to create positive environmental and social impact. Deadline: 1 Nov 2. Applications are now open for the UK Acumen Fellowship 2025 - a leadership programme that brings together cohorts of extraordinary social entrepreneurs and leaders dedicated to solving problems of poverty. Fellows include Founders, CEOs and senior leaders selected from across disciplines, places and backgrounds who are redefining education, employment, healthcare, wellbeing, sustainability and more. The programme equips them with the tools, skills, and community to strengthen their leadership, scale their impact, and drive lasting change. Deadline: 20 Nov 3. The Shott Scale Up Accelerator is calling for SME leaders looking to elevate their business. The program offers a grant of up to £10,000 for leadership training anywhere in the world, complemented by 35 hours of growth training, personalized one-on-one coaching, and access to their extensive investor network. Participants also benefit from a dedicated relationship manager and lifetime membership of the Enterprise Hub for continued co-working and mentoring resources. Deadline: 19 Nov 4. Impact Deal is calling for European #Impact Enterprises to join its third edition of the data-driven acceleration program. This initiative provides startups, scale-ups, and SMEs with access to data from industry leaders like Windtre, Sella Bank, and Almawave, expert mentorship, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships. Proudly founded and promoted by Fondazione CRT and OGR Torino, it’s managed by TOP-IX Consortium with scientific supervision from ISI Foundation, supporting ventures committed to positive environmental and social impact. Deadline: 2 Dec 5. Social Tides announces the launch of the second cohort of its #Grow #AI Accelerator, a 6-month equity-free program empowering impact organisations using AI and ML for social change. 10 selected organisations will receive specialised training, personalised mentorship, and access to a grant of up to $250,000. Deadline: 8 Dec #opportunities #awards #grants #accelerator

The Belgian Impact Investment Fund Ecosystem is growing 🌱 You can read about our own Impact Shakers Venture Fund as well as that of our amazing impact colleagues (in Dutch): Astanor Ventures investing in better food systems through high impact agrifood tech solutions Impact Expansion investing in fast growing companies with high impact business models Si3 of the Shaping Impact Group investing in equal opportunities, for an inclusive, solidarity-based society where no one is left behind I'll start with adding a couple to the non-exhaustive list, who else are we missing? MPA Capital & ImpaktEU Eric Archambeau, Leslie Kapin, Laure Peronnin, Arnout Dijkhuizen, Francois de Borchgrave, Charles-Antoine Janssen, Elvire Perrin, Jamy Goewie, Joke Dehond, Selim Vanbecelaere, David Mwasha, Dr. Melody Lang, Benoit Daenen, Patrick Somerhausen, Madeleine David Thank you for putting the spotlight on impact Trends Canal Z & Benny Debruyne #impactinvesting

We are happy to introduce this year's #Raise #Programme team! 🎉 We have assembled an amazing group of partners and people to support this year's cohort on their fundraising journey: Core Impact Shakers Team: 👉 Yonca Braeckman leads the programme and supports the founders on overall fundraising strategy and networking 👉 Alina Klarner takes the participants into the nitty gritty of venture capital and financial models 👉 Tina Stroobandt & Michael De Decker support the founders on getting their narratives and strategy to the next level PwC Belgium Next Level Team: 👉 Otitooluwa Dosumu, PhD shares his expertise in venture with the founders and deep dives into valuations (today actually!) :) 👉 Elise Carton supports the founders on their financial models and overall strategy Cresco team: 👉 David Dessers, Glenn L'hoëst & Dominik Verbist share their expertise on legal subjects like the Belgian Angel Tax Shelter & Shareholder agreements 👉 Emilie Praet hosts individual office hours to offer 1-on-1 advice PULSE Foundation: 👉 Olivia Degueldre supports the impact shakers team and the Raise founders from the Pulse Foundation's mission to ensure access and foster the potential of all entrepreneurs in Belgium AxonJay.ai hosts our in-person sessions and events in their gorgeous Brussels offices. #thankyou #fundraising #impactinvesting

This week's "Impact Startups to Watch" are focusing on #Female #Fertility, a sector seeing rapid innovation as global infertility rates rise. With more people turning to assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, startups are leveraging #AI and advanced tech to boost success rates and personalize treatment. From improving fertilization rates to offering tailored care pathways, these companies are reshaping the landscape of fertility care. Let's explore five startups making waves in this space: Babyndex is a revolutionary AI-assisted app for saliva ovulation testing. It shows a wider fertility window, boosting pregnancy chances by up to 3-5 times compared to conventional ovulation tests. Muun Health is developing a wearable biosensor for women who are planning a pregnancy with precision timing. It's tackling the global infertility problem through accurately monitored and personalized data. Onni Care makes social freezing more accessible by bringing it to where women are at - their gynecologists, with an AI-supported care system. LEVY Health's clinical decision support software empowers OB-GYNs to swiftly identify endocrine disorders and aids fertility clinics in streamlining complex work-ups. Ovom Care combines reproductive care with advanced AI solutions, which will boost patient outcomes and bring greater fertility access to women at more affordable prices. #fertilitystartups #aifertility #femtech

Opportunities for Impact Startups 🌱 1. Powered by Deloitte Future Fund and Impact Hub Vienna, GROW equips climate-tech startups with the tools they need to scale and make a bigger environmental impact. 2. The City of Vienna and Impact Hub Vienna are looking for innovators with business ideas to tackle key challenges in #biodiversity & #urban ecology, #climate adaptation, #circular economy & zero waste, and sustainable buildings. 3. Beatport’s Diversity + Parity Fund offers $3-15k in funding to support startups promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry. 4. The WomanKind Creative Grant by Alfa Charlie offers a $30k design partnership to women's #health innovators to elevate their brand and amplify their impact. 5. EWOR Fellowships offer up to €150k funding and support for founders to launch or scale their ventures. #opportunities #awards #grants #accelerator #fellowship

This week's "Impact Startups to Watch" are focusing on #Elder #Care and joyful retirement. As our population ages, these innovative companies are addressing crucial needs in the senior care sector. From combating social isolation to promoting active lifestyles, they are reshaping the landscape of #retirement living. Let's explore five startups that are making an impact in this space: Granny & Charly is a digital platform addressing social isolation and ageism while offering opportunities for additional income and social inclusion for committed citizens. Figo Social is the activity booking platform that helps today's retirees stay healthy, active, and socially connected. FlorenceCare | Social Impact Awarded is a Cloud - AI software transforming healthcare at home for the elderly and/or their family caregivers. The Joy Club is an online community that provides inspiration for a more joyful retirement. Gubbe develops a service that helps seniors perform daily chores and stay active by connecting them with young people. #eldercare #seniorcare #agetech #socialimpact

Last Chance to Apply and Get Investment of Impact Shakers 📣 Applications close at midnight, we made the form short and simple 💾 Are you a diverse founding team in #climatetech or #inlcusiontech with an HQ in Europe (incl UK)? Apply now to pitch at the Startup Guide Summit and meet the Impact Shakers team in person in Lisbon on Nov 13 at Casa do Impacto. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dUAWtXWW

Opportunities for Impact Startups 🌱 1. Accelerating FemTech supports UK-based early-stage companies, university spinouts, and academics focused on women’s health. Delivered by the Health Innovation Network South London and funded by Innovate UK, this program helps participants gain commercial and funding momentum. The program is running from November 2024 to March 2025. Deadline: 13 Oct 2. The SET Award 2025 is calling all climate-tech start-ups ready to transform the future of energy. This global competition offers a chance to win €10k, pitch at the SET Tech Festival in Berlin, and gain recognition as a #SET100 startup. Finalists will connect with top VCs, policymakers, and industry leaders, while receiving international media exposure. Deadline: 29 Oct 3. MassChallenge Switzerland is now accepting applications for its Sustainable Food Solutions Challenge, targeting #agrifood startups with an MVP focused on #sustainability in areas like food & feed, #agtech, side streams, #packaging, and supply chain. This challenge offers opportunities for co-development, product validation, customer connections, and strategic investments, with partners including Bühler Group, Givaudan, and SIG Group. Deadline: 18 Nov 4. Ben Kimura-Gross is opening the doors to a new cohort of impact founders matchmaking! In just 5 weeks, founders will line up at least 5 investor meetings with perfect-match investors, thanks to targeted research. The program is designed to help founders build long-term relationships and ace their meetings. With only 6 spots available, this is a unique opportunity for impact-driven startups to accelerate their funding journey. DM Ben to apply! Deadline: ASAP 5. Marble is launching the Inflection Award, with support from Breakthrough Energy and Quadrature Climate Foundation, to select 30 PhD students (or recent PhDs) worldwide working on breakthrough climate solutions. Selected scientists will attend an exclusive 2-day event in Paris, focusing on translating their research into real-world climate impact. Deadline: 1 Dec #opportunities #awards #grants #accelerator