Deadline: 5-May-23
Applications are now open for the Innovations in Sustainability Program 2023 to support entrepreneurs building solutions around sustainable ingredients, decarbonization in the retail sector, and upcycling solutions.
Innovations in Sustainability 2023 will identify, train and support diverse, purpose-driven entrepreneurs building solutions related to sustainable ingredients, decarbonization in the retail sector, and upcycling solutions. A cohort of diverse businesses from three countries in LatAm will gain access to social, financial, and human capital – including mentorship, capability building, and networking with funding partners.
Supporting Inclusive Innovation
- In collaboration with Unilever, Village Capital aims to develop and deliver a program that supports impact-driven startups with a particular focus on Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil that can also become a strategic partner (supplier) for Unilever. Areas of focus include sustainable ingredients, solutions focused on the decarbonization in the retail sector, plastic waste management, and sustainable packaging, with the goal of reinventing the value chain to achieve net zero emissions.
- This program will support Unilever’s efforts of advancing inclusion and accelerating the ecosystem of diverse businesses addressing sustainability challenges in LatAm. To do this, they will support the growth of innovative solutions, particularly those founded by women, people with disabilities, ethnic and racial minorities, and people from LQBTQI+ communities.
Benefits
- Training: Investment readiness training program tailored to the needs of cohort companies, with an emphasis on fundraising, partnership development, and opportunities to build deep connections among the cohort.
- Network: Ability to network and receive mentorship from prominent Latin American and U.S. investors.
- Mentorship: Village Capital will provide networking opportunities that will increase exposure for the cohort companies to investors and will facilitate over 100 hours of mentor support to prepare companies for future investment and fundraising conversations. Program mentors will also include Unilever employees.
- Individual Development: Village Capital will work closely with cohort companies to create individual milestone-based development plans, which will guide the progress and growth of each company during and after the initiative.
- Financial Analysis: Chat with an investment analyst who will coach you 1:1 on building a financial model, identifying unit economics, and using financial metrics.
- Media Exposure: Exposure to Village Capital’s program website and other communications collateral.
Eligibility Criteria
- They’re looking for startups that are building solutions related to sustainable ingredients, decarbonization in the retail sector, and upcycling. Eligible startups must:
- Have legal incorporation and/or operations as a for-profit entity in at least one Latin American country, with a particular focus on recruiting in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.
- Have at least one full-time founder based in Latin America.
- Be in compliance with local fiscal and business law.
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP), and have raised less than $1M in equity.
- Have meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue, it can also be successful pilot studies, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships).
- They particularly encourage applications from diverse-owned startups, including those founded or co-founded by women, individuals identifying as LGBTQI+, persons living with disabilities, and ethnic/racial minorities.
For more information, visit Village Capital.