In a world grappling with complex challenges, the need for impactful social ventures has never been greater. Recognizing this, 100x Impact Accelerator, a renowned global accelerator based at the London School of Economics (LSE), has unveiled a call for applications for its second cohort.
With the goal of nurturing “social unicorns” – organizations capable of driving positive change on a global scale – 100x is committed to supporting visionary entrepreneurs who dare to confront the world’s most pressing issues head-on.
Leslie Labruto, the Director of 100x Impact Accelerator, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing impact-driven solutions over mere financial growth.
“We are backing dynamic entrepreneurs with radical solutions, those that dare to be different in how they take on the world’s most pressing issues.
Rather than focusing on limitless financial growth, we want to support impact-driven organisations to achieve the right impact endgame – whether that’s government adoption, building an open-source model, or eradicating a social problem entirely.”
100x Impact Accelerator Program Details and Application Process
Selected ventures joining the second cohort will receive £150,000 in capital investment, enabling them to implement their innovative solutions and drive tangible impact.
Up to ten ventures will be selected for every Cohort.
The deadline to apply for our second Cohort is 3 July 2023.
The program is free.
The accelerator also covers your costs to join in person (at the London HQ) for the first end of the accelerator, and to attend Summit Day at the end of the year.
The accelerator program spans 12 weeks and offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve scalability, measure impact effectively, and secure additional funding.
The program consists of one week of in-person sessions at the London School of Economics (LSE), followed by ten weeks of virtual workshops and expert advisory sessions.
This blend of in-person and virtual learning ensures accessibility and inclusivity for ventures worldwide. Apply Now
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Expanding on Impact Areas
100x Impact Accelerator is dedicated to supporting ventures that tackle critical global challenges across various impact areas. These areas align closely with the research priorities of the London School of Economics (LSE) and encompass the following:
- Climate Change and Environment: Ventures focused on mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and conserving the environment.
- Democracy: Initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic processes, enhancing civic engagement, and advocating for transparent governance.
- Education: Ventures committed to revolutionizing education by providing innovative solutions, bridging educational gaps, and fostering lifelong learning opportunities.
- Equitable Economies: Organizations striving to create economic systems that promote fairness, reduce inequality, and ensure equal access to opportunities for all.
- Happiness and Wellbeing: Initiatives centered around promoting mental health, emotional well-being, and overall happiness through innovative approaches.
- Health and Social Care: Ventures addressing healthcare disparities, improving access to quality healthcare, and innovating in the field of social care.
- New Frontiers: Pioneering initiatives at the forefront of technological advancements, exploring uncharted territories, and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
- Refugees and Cohesion: Initiatives working towards the integration, empowerment, and well-being of refugees, while fostering social cohesion within communities.
In line with their commitment to global impact, 100x aims to select ventures from emerging markets, with a target of 70% representation from these regions.
The accelerator’s first call for applications, launched in January 2023, attracted an overwhelming response from 1,300 applications across 96 countries.
The selection process for the first cohort is underway, and the successful ventures will be announced in June.
Fan Gu, the Head of Impact Investments at 100x Impact Accelerator, expresses delight at the global response to their call for applications.
We are thrilled by the response to our first call for applications – receiving applications from across the world and from diverse groups. We highly encourage those working with underserved communities and are operating in emerging markets to apply for our second cohort. We are dedicated to providing the right support to scale impact.”
