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Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Southern Europe and the UK

Scaling Solutions for People and the Planet

A three-year initiative that will support 165 entrepreneurs across Southern Europe, the UK, and the US who are making a positive environmental, social, and economic impact in their communities.

  1. ABOUT THE PROGRAM
  2. ELIGIBILITY
  3. BENEFITS
  4. TIMELINE

About the Program

The program will focus on fostering a community of visionary leaders who can drive systemic change through innovation and collaboration.  

In partnership with Sage Foundation, each year, the program will support 12-13 early-stage and underrepresented startups based in Southern Europe and/or the UK through its Annual Core Cohort offering tailored mentoring, Sage’s product support, grants, and strategic training.  

An additional 14-16 formation-stage startups will join the Community Cohort and have access to various resources, including a curated digital platform, asynchronous tools, and visibility through Village Capital’s website and social channels.  

All participating startups will receive two years of post-program support to strengthen their impact and scale their solutions.

Problem Statement

The Sage Impact Entrepreneurship program is dedicated to accelerating the growth of innovative startups that address the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time. Over the next three years, we aim to support entrepreneurs facing disproportionate barriers to growth and scale to multiply their positive impact. 

Coming to the end of what will most likely be the hottest year on record, global temperatures are perilously close to surpassing the 1.5°C threshold that would limit the most extreme consequences of climate change and are projected to increase to 3.2°C above pre-industrial levels by 2030. The World Resources Institute warns that a 3-degree temperature increase could have dramatic consequences, expose 600 million people to flooding, and cut food production by half, with rural and lower-income communities likely to experience the most severe outcomes.  

The need for global action on climate change is undeniable, and frontline solutions are urgently needed to address the effects of spiking climate calamities facing both specific communities as well as global ecosystems. Businesses have a crucial role in combating climate change and fostering social equity by leveraging their resources, innovation, and influence to drive systemic change. By collaborating with entrepreneurs and investing in innovative solutions, businesses can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across industries. These innovations not only reduce emissions but also stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the green economy.

Eligibility

Eligible startups must have:

  • Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity, including B Corp-certified companies.

  • Be headquartered or have operations in Southern Europe or the UK. 

  • Market-based solutions that directly tackle the following verticals:

    • Clean Energy Transition

    • Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions

    • Smart Mobility and Sustainable Infrastructure

    • Sustainable Supply Chain and Manufacturing

    • Circular Resource Solutions

    • Climate-Resilient Health and Wellness

    • Disaster-Resilient Housing and Community Planning

    • Climate Finance and Insurance Innovation

    • Environmental Justice and Social Equity

    • Data Analytics and Climate Intelligence

  • A minimum viable product (MVP) and have raised less than USD 1.5M in equity.

  • At least one full-time founder based in Southern Europe or the UK. 

  • Meaningful customer or business validation (this can include revenue, successful pilot studies, user numbers, and/or strategic partnerships).

Note: Startups are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. Applicants will be assessed based on their maturity stage and the eligibility criteria to determine placement in either the Core or Community Cohort. All selected participants will be notified of their cohort placement upon selection.

Benefits startups will receive

Core Cohort - Advice

An invitation to participate in mock board meetings with representatives from relevant institutions, corporations, and investors that can help scale their solutions and startups.

Core Cohort - Continued Learning

Four interactive workshops tailored to help their startup identify early milestones and prepare them for the next round of capital (if relevant).

Core Cohort - Financial Analysis

Access to one-to-one coaching with an investment analyst focused on building a financial model, identifying unit economics, and using financial metrics to drive their business and investor diligence.

Core Cohort - Funding

The top two Core Cohort peer-selected startups will receive USD 50K in grant capital, and the next two highest-ranked startups will receive USD 25K each from Sage Foundation to further scale their solutions. The remaining Core Cohort startups will receive USD 10K in grant capital for milestone support.

Core Cohort - Mentorship

Ability to meet with and receive mentorship from potential strategic partners, customers, and other founders, as well as mentors and founders within the climate and sustainability space.

Core Cohort - Networking

Ability to network and receive mentorship from prominent investors and business leaders.

Core Cohort - Travel Stipend

Startups will receive a stipend to cover travel-related expenses for one team member associated with the Program Summit in Atlanta, GA, US.

Core Cohort - Sage Product

Both Cohorts - Community Support

Join a community of support and a suite of investment-readiness resources, including a curated digital platform, asynchronous tools, and visibility through Village Capital’s website and social channels.

Both Cohorts - Exposure

The Core and Community cohorts will benefit from exposure to Village Capital’s program website and other communications collateral.

Both Cohorts - Support Post-Program

All participating startups will receive two years of post-program support to enhance their impact and scale their solutions.

Learn more about mentoring with Village Capital.

Program Timeline

November 18, 2024

Applications Open

January 10, 2025

Applications Close

January - February, 2025

Selection Period

March, 2025

Cohort Announced

Core Cohort Program Dates:

  • Virtual Sprint Week: March 10-13, 2025

  • Virtual Workshop 1: April 1-3, 2025

  • Virtual Workshop 2: April 29-May 1, 2025 

  • Virtual Workshop 3: May 20-22, 2025

  • In-Person Program Summit: June 3-5, 2025

Community Cohort Program Dates:

  • Virtual Workshop 1: March 18, 2025

  • Virtual Workshop 2: April 8, 2025

  • Virtual Workshop 3: May 6, 2025

  • Virtual Workshop 4: June 10, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main goal of the program?

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2. How is the program designed?

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3. Do you require us to move to the program's cities?

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4. Do you take equity for participating in the program?

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5. How will we know if we’re selected for the Core or Community Cohort?

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