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‘Impact’ is a term that has been appearing more and more often in the Asian startup scene. It’s no wonder. The world we live in is being redefined by megatrends that include globalization, technology breakthroughs, urbanization, demographic shifts (ageing), environmental change, and pandemics like COVID-19. That’s why great ideas driven by the need to solve social, economic, or environmental issues have the potential for great IMPACT for local and global communities.
Fast market growth data predicts great business opportunities in Asia: by 2030, the region is expected to contribute roughly 60% of global growth, and will also be responsible for 90% of the 2.4 billion new middle class members entering the global economy. Currently, capital invested in early-stage impact startups only takes 3.6% of all VC financing in ASEAN, which means that there’s a huge market gap to fill to support profit business models looking to do good.
That’s where our story begins.
Impact Collective is the brain-child of Citypreneurs, the only UN-backed platform for impact-driven innovators with sustainable solutions to urban challenges, as defined and measured by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and TheVentures, a Korea-based investor and incubator for early-stage startups focusing on technology, community, and impact.
As a community-driven acceleration program, Impact Collective aims to support, invest in and connect startups that are solving global challenges, in order to build an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and the planet.
Great ideas start small. Great ideas that could become disruptive and change our world for the better. We’re here to help scale your idea to the next level.
WHAT MAKES IMPACT COLLECTIVE UNIQUE
Impact
Impact Collective calls for early-stage startups that are pushing to create sustainable change in a variety of areas ranging from food security and sustainable livelihoods to dynamic workforce, circular economy, sustainable cities, and environmental innovations - all connected with the UN SDGs.
Community
The online Impact Collective Community (ICC) is an integral part of the whole project. ICC Members include entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, regional changemakers, and enthusiastic end-users, who all take part from the team selection stage all the way to the investment decision stage. Everyone is connected on one platform, allowing for the exchange of ideas, feedback and knowledge. Stay tuned to join!
Cross-border
We’re excited to announce that 4 Asia-Pacific cities (Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City) have joined the movement and more are to come! Through our international partners, Impact Collective can support global market explorations and build meaningful partnerships across borders for a strong startup ecosystem in Asia. Partner with us
WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY
In line with Citypreneurs' mission, Impact Collective holds the belief that impact-driven business models are not only more profitable and better for the world, but will also accelerate the shift in our current business paradigm. We can’t wait for you to be part of our global tribe of changemakers!
Together, let’s build an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and planet.
> Launched on 25 May 2020, the program will be accepting applications for the next 3 months on a rolling basis (deadline on 20 August 2020). Selected teams will be announced every 3 weeks. Apply here
> The 12-week virtual acceleration program will kick-off on 1 September 2020, running both global and regional events, office hours with top industry experts and investors, and virtual camps.
> After a series of regional pitching days, the Global Pitch will take place on 27 November 2020 during which top startup teams will be selected to receive funding from the Impact Collective Fund.