NN Group partners with Rubio Impact Ventures
NN Group and impact venture fund Rubio Impact Ventures, announced their collaboration with the launch of the NN Social Innovation Startup Awards. This new pitch event that takes place during Impact Week Europe, is designed to discover and support Europe’s and Japan’s early-stage people tech startups, fostering collaboration and innovation. Startups from 11 countries focused on equal opportunities and mental and physical well-being are invited to apply for the NN Social Innovation Startup Awards. Finalists will receive a supporting grant of EUR 50,000, while the winner will receive a EUR 100,000 supporting grant, along with tailored support and a year-long venture development program.
The award offers financial support and access to a broad network of experts, mentors, an investor-readiness program and a potential investor. The focus is on empowering entrepreneurs in NN markets (Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Spain, Turkey and Japan) who are developing innovative solutions to complex social challenges. By combining corporate strength and venture capital, NN Group and Rubio are offering complementary expertise to accelerate societal solutions and innovation in this space.
“At NN, we are committed to making a positive impact in society. That’s why we created the NN Social Innovation Fund. Our fund champions early-stage social enterprises that provide solutions for improving people’s financial, physical, and/or mental well-being. By partnering with Rubio Impact Ventures, we’re not only providing financial support but also combining our resources to ensure these startups receive the guidance and support they need to maximise their potential and create lasting societal impact.” – Fleur Hudig, Head of Corporate Citizenship at NN Group.
“Early-stage people tech start-ups focused on equal opportunities, mental and physical well-being are key to driving systemic change. However, many of these start-ups lack the financial resources and support necessary to reach their full potential. The support we’re offering in collaboration with NN Group could truly be a game-changer for several impactful start-ups, especially given the breadth of this initiative across various countries in Europe. I am eager to see the innovative solutions that will emerge and look forward to announcing the winners on 28 November during Impact Week Europe in Bilbao. This initiative represents a significant step forward in empowering social enterprises to make a lasting difference.” – Ilonka Jankovich, Venture Partner at Rubio Impact Ventures.
Startups interested in participating in the NN Social Innovation Startup Awards can apply until 15 October 2024. To be eligible, startups must focus on advancing equal education, sustainable livelihoods and well-being.
