Impact Highlights 2023
Impact Highlights 2023
Impact Highlights 2023
Cases.
Impact Hub Amsterdam is part of the fast- growing global Impact Hub network of impact entrepreneurs and innovators with more than 300.000 impactmakers in 110 cities worldwide. We work to create a new economy that works for all by accelerating and matching sustainable innovations built for impact. Our passionate, entrepreneurial team has already helped more than 5,000 companies to become more sustainable and make more impact.
Markplaats
Creating a new Circular Business Model
Foreword by our Directors Ilse Kwaaitaal and Manon Klein As we celebrated our 15 year anniversary in 2023, we reflected on how we and the impact scene has evolved. When we started in 2008, the impact scene was still being built. Our role was really to be a space for impact entrepreneurs to come together and learn together.
Can we create a new circular business model using second hand goods? Together with Marktplaats our team researched and designed a new program intended to help create value from the material waste on Marktplaats. We did material and product category analysis to determine the product categories, and created a Trade-in program and Refurbishment service business cases.
In 2023, we see the wave of impact entrepreneurship spreading. It’s not only entrepreneurs, but more and more we see intrapreneurs working on impact business models as well. Next to this, we see more focus in the impact scene. For example, in 2023 we partnered with PlantFWD, a conference on the plant based transition with over 50 talks and 900 visitors! Who would have thought back in 2008 it would be possible to get this many people together, taking action for the food transition? Our goal remains to create business models for impact, but not only with starting entrepreneurs. We also work with SMEs & Corporates who are eager to take entrepreneurial action to reach their impact goals. We continue to look for the latest innovators who are solving the biggest challenges we are facing today, and are proud to share our highlights from 2023.
IKEA Social Enterprise Business Case Innovation Project
Circular Innovation Collective Accelerator Program
To help achieve Amsterdam’s goal of 70% circular textiles by 2030, we joined forces with Metabolic and Bankers without Boundaries to research, scout, and run an accelerate program for 10 local startups working in the circular textile industry. We successfully provided the support needed by these innovations, and published a 3-part guide (in 2024) for fellow local officials and entrepreneurs to mimic our success in their city.
Events
IKEA Social Entrepreneurship (SE) and IKEA NL recruited us to help match and highlight innovations for repairing, recycling, and repurposing furniture waste. We facilitated strategic partnerships and supported business case innovations with three enterprises employing individuals distanced from traditional labor markets. We developed the pilot plans and recommendations for business proposals needed for a successful collaboration.
We organised, partnered, and participated in numerous events where we have been bringing together to push forward the circular economy. Three notable events include: PlantFWD - We partnered with PlantFWD for the second edition of this annual conference. Bringing together anyone accelerating the protein shift. Social Enterprise World Forum - We co-lead a workshop with IKEA SE exploring circular innovation opportunities. TEDxAmsterdam Impact Program - An 8-week bootcamp style environment where pioneers are mentored and learn from expert trainers culminating in one final event.
Program rating.
2023 by the numbers.
320K
Global Impact Makers United in 110 Impact Hubs worldwide AMSTERDAM.IMPACTHUB.NET
45
Pioneers with innovations connected to organisations with sustainability challenges
Our programs focus on business strategy, access to partners and investment. Our alumni entrepreneurs rate the accelerator programs:
4
EU projects in which we built tools for inclusive and circular entrepreneurs in Europe
250
Food Pioneers
9.4 /10
Food Chain Accelerator
8.9 /10
What Design Can Do
8.5 /10
CIC Accelerator CIRCO
Innovations accelerated and connected in our programs 01.
AMSTERDAM.IMPACTHUB.NET
8.4 /10 8.0 /10
02.