What is Impact Business Angels
Launched in late 2021 by PULSE – the association supporting impact entrepreneurship of GROUPE SOS – Impact Business Angels is the first network of business angels exclusively dedicated to supporting impact entrepreneurship in France. In connection with the impact ecosystem, the members support entrepreneurial projects and, in particular, assist those seed-phase projects that deploy social innovations to generate a positive impact, be it social, societal, environmental, or territorial. This initiative, born from an in-depth study of the role of business angels in impact entrepreneurship, has already started to reshape the funding landscape for innovative start-ups across the country… It is a pioneering effort with a clear focus.
Main Benefits for Impact Start-ups and Investors
- 60 BUSINESS ANGELS MEMBERS
- 20 IMPACT START-UPS FINANCED
- +3 MILLION EUROS INVESTED
- +1000 PROJECTS ANALYZED / YEAR
- +40 PROJECTS PRESENTED IN PITCH SESSIONS / YEAR
- +15 FILES PROCESSED / YEAR
- ~10 PROJECTS FINANCED / YEAR
Expert Support Beyond Financing
The members of Impact Business Angels not only invest but also bring a wealth of experience and expertise as mentors to guide entrepreneurs toward success. They go far beyond simple financial injections – offering a unique support system that pre-selects quality projects and ensures that only relevant, promising investments are presented. This approach means that start-ups receive much-needed guidance to navigate the challenging early stages and avoid pitfalls… In short, they are partners who care about long-term, sustainable growth.
Building a Sustainable Future
Investing in impact entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as an essential way to create a sustainable and prosperous future. Impact Business Angels actively connects with a variety of stakeholders – from entrepreneurs and incubators to impact funds and media – to foster an ecosystem that is both cohesive and dynamic. Those who are motivated by the idea of contributing to a positive impact and are attracted to start-ups because of their entrepreneurial spirit find in this network an opportunity to invest in a better future. There is a real passion here for blending social good with innovative business solutions… a trend that is both uplifting and transformative.
Bridging Financial Challenges in Impact Entrepreneurship
The launch of Impact Business Angels comes after more than six months of studies dedicated to understanding the role of business angels in support of impact entrepreneurship in France. This in-depth work produced a report on December 3, 2021, whose conclusions were unequivocal: despite a favorable context marked by a high availability of capital and an ever-growing recognition of environmental, social, and societal issues, impact entrepreneurs continue to face significant funding challenges in the seed phase. Barriers such as a lack of knowledge, risk-averse perceptions, and difficulties in project evaluation have long hindered investment in impact innovation… Addressing these obstacles was seen as both missing and necessary.
The Role of Support Networks
Impact Business Angels steps into the gap by directly linking the seed investment ecosystem with the impact ecosystem. By bridging these two critical areas, the network helps to channel more funds toward impact entrepreneurship. In addition, it improves the quality of investments and ensures that funds are better distributed among projects that truly make a difference. Operated by GROUPE SOS, a French non-profit association that brings together 650 associations, social enterprises, and social and medico-social establishments, this platform is a practical example of how collaborative networks can spark change in times of pressing societal needs… It is a compelling model for future investment initiatives.
Project Impact and Linked SDGs
- SDG 1: No Poverty – supporting marginalized communities and fostering social equity
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – fueling sustainable economic growth through innovative start-ups
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – promoting projects that contribute to more livable and resilient territories
- SDG 13: Climate Action – backing initiatives that address environmental challenges and encourage positive climate impacts
The Role of Business Angels in France
Business angels play a key role in the financial support and mentoring of seed-stage impact projects, and nowhere is this more clear than with Impact Business Angels. Part of France Angels – the National Federation of Business Angels – the network has been designed to specifically target and support high-impact projects with vast potential. The entrepreneurial community, including incubators, funders, and impact measurement experts, recognizes that the involvement of business angels is indispensable for bridging the funding gaps. Download the report or the executive summary to get detailed insights into the remarkable role of these business angels in transforming the landscape… In this way, the project reveals its dedication to nurturing and scaling innovation for a better tomorrow.
