The global network Impact Hub and the Ship2B Foundation have joined forces to strengthen the impact economy, a new model that aims to achieve triple profitability in the economic, social, and environmental spheres. With this model, the purpose of companies and investors is not focused solely on their economic profitability, but also takes into account their impact on society and the environment.
With this goal, Impact Hub and Ship2B have articulated this alliance to amplify already developed projects and promote a portfolio of startups for impact investment capital. Through this agreement, they combine efforts by creating a stable mechanism for strategic coordination. In addition, they will work together in the search for European funding and in the development of future projects.
This alliance also implies a redistribution of functions. Thus, the Tech4Climate and Health&Care startup accelerator programs will be operated by Impact Hub starting in January, in cobranding with the foundation, which is based in Barcelona. This alliance will allow expanding the value of accelerated companies through the network and assets of Impact Hub, present in a hundred cities worldwide. In addition, the hub will develop impact consulting programs for large companies.
For its part, Ship2B will focus on promoting talent development with initiatives such as programs for young people, and also on boosting the Venture Philanthropy movement. It consists of a financing and support strategy for high social impact initiatives. Through this, an investor supports a social purpose organization with the aim of maximizing its social impact. This support can include both financing and non-financial actions, aimed at increasing the sustainability of the company or enhancing its impact.
Together, the hub and the foundation add up to some 660 accelerated startups and more than 5,000 entrepreneurs in their training programs. With this alliance, both aim to "jointly contribute to strengthening the pipeline of impact investment," according to the CEO of Impact Hub, Antonio González.
The co-founder and CEO of the Ship2B Foundation, Clara Navarro, has highlighted that this agreement stems from the conviction that cooperation will allow for better use of the capabilities of both entities, to "promote a more just and sustainable economy." Ship2B, based in Barcelona, has accelerated more than 220 startups since its founding in 2013, which have mobilized more than 100 million euros.