Problem Statement

The central challenge addressed by the Shaping Impact Investment Project is the significant gap in connecting impact startups with the venture capital funding necessary for them to scale their solutions to global challenges. Many promising startups with the potential to make substantial social or environmental impacts struggle to access the capital needed for growth, limiting their ability to make a broader impact.

Target Group

The project primarily targets impact startups—innovative companies at the forefront of addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges through sustainable solutions. These startups are often in their early stages and are based in regions such as Puebla and Cancun, where access to traditional venture capital can be limited.

Proposed Solution

The Dallas Hub, in collaboration with the Puebla and Cancun Hubs, proposes a multifaceted approach to bridge the gap between impact startups and venture capital funding. This involves creating a network and platform that facilitates connections, mentorship, and access to investors specifically interested in funding ventures that prioritize social and environmental returns alongside financial returns.

Hub Activities

Networking Events: Organizing regular networking events to bring together startups, investors, and experts in the impact investment field.

Mentorship Program: Establishing a mentorship program linking startups with experienced entrepreneurs and investors to guide them on scaling their business and becoming investment-ready. Investor Matchmaking: Implementing an investor matchmaking platform to connect startups with potential investors based on alignment in sector focus, impact goals, and funding stage.

Educational Workshops: Conducting workshops and webinars on topics related to impact investment, financial modeling, pitch preparation, and sustainable business practices.

Short and Long-Term Goals

Short-Term Goals: Increase the number of impact startups that successfully connect with potential investors by 50% within the first year. Improve the investment-readiness of at least 100 startups through mentorship and educational programs.

Long-Term Goals: Establish a sustainable ecosystem for impact investment in the regions of Puebla and Cancun that can serve as a model for other regions. Achieve a measurable increase in the scale and impact of funded startups, contributing to significant social and environmental outcomes.

Available Metrics

Metrics for success include the number of startups that secure funding through the project's initiatives, the number of startups participating in mentorship and educational programs, and qualitative measures of impact (e.g., jobs created, carbon footprint reduction, improvement in community welfare).

Project Collaborators: The project involves collaboration between the Dallas Hub and the Hubs in Puebla and Cancun, with additional partnerships with local and international venture capital firms specializing in impact investment, as well as with academic institutions and non-profit organizations focused on entrepreneurship and social impact.

For more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIcY_Rdu4vc