NOTE: Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and social ventures are encouraged to apply early for timely feedback.
What is 100x...?
100x Impact Accelerator is a world-leading impact accelerator, based at the London School of Economics. Our goal is to create cohorts of social unicorns driving positive social change around the world - at scale.
We have built 100x on a set of values that embrace ambition, humility, rigour, and trust. We believe in entrepreneurs that take risk, stay curious, and prioritise their mission. We like evidence based solutions where end customers and constituents find real value in the products or services they are accessing. And most of all, we know your work is some of the hardest work in the world. That’s why we believe in empathy – making sure you have people by your side who can support you on your journey and have been in your shoes before.
What we are looking for
100x is looking for the next generation of social unicorns - organisations affecting positive change on the scale of billions. We are looking for radical thinkers, the visionaries and the entrepreneurs who crave a new, better world.
Impact Areas
- Climate and Environment
- We recognise that the world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges.
- We aim to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that address these challenges and promote environmental sustainability.
- We believe that entrepreneurship and innovation are key drivers of environmental progress.
- This is why we work with passionate and visionary entrepreneurs who are developing solutions that reduce environmental impact, promote resource efficiency, and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.
- Our goal is to shape a planet where humans thrive, economies develop, and the environment prospers.
- Democracy
- We believe that social movements and interventions are fundamental to shaping healthy democratic systems and that strong and inclusive democracies are essential for promoting human rights, social justice, and sustainable development.
- Our goal is to support and accelerate the growth of innovative solutions that strengthen democracy and promote citizen participation.
- We believe that access to information, civic education, and inclusive political processes are critical for promoting democracy and ensuring that all voices are heard.
- At 100x, we aim to help ventures build scalable, impactful businesses that can transform how citizens engage with politics and hold their leaders accountable
- Happiness and Wellbeing
- We believe that a thriving society must prioritise the well-being of its people.
- We recognise that happiness and well-being are not just individual concerns but also significantly impact social and economic outcomes.
- Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that promote happiness, mental health, and well-being.
- We believe that access to quality mental health resources, community support, and healthy lifestyle choices are essential for promoting overall well-being.
- There are social enterprises redefining how wellness works - for all, not just a few, and we're determined to accelerate the impact of those making huge strides towards a happier society.
- Education
- Education is a powerful tool for creating positive change in the world.
- Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative education solutions that have the potential to transform the way people learn and acquire skills.
- We believe there are social enterprises creating bold solutions that level the education playing field.
- At 100x, we want to partner with these ventures and skyrocket their impact; fundamentally transforming education systems for students, families, and teachers around the world.
- Equitable Economies
- We recognise that the current economic system is not working for everyone.
- We believe that a more equitable economy is not only possible but essential for creating a sustainable and just future.
- Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that promote economic equity and empowerment, particularly for marginalised communities.
- We believe that radical thinkers are the key to replacing broken economic models.
- At 100x, we're searching for social ventures who are proving that fair and inclusive economic systems are not only possible but scalable.
- Health and Social Care
- Healthcare systems around the world are facing significant challenges, including rising costs, inadequate access, and poor-quality care.
- Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that improve health outcomes, promote wellness, and increase access to healthcare and social services.
- We believe there are social enterprises creating scalable solutions to improve population health, and we want to partner with these ventures that share our vision of driving radical social change in this area.
- New Frontiers
- We believe that disruptive innovation and emerging technologies can potentially transform the world in unprecedented ways.
- New frontiers in science, technology, and entrepreneurship are opening up new opportunities for addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.
- Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that leverage cutting-edge technologies and disruptive business models to create positive impact at scale.
- 100x aims to work with passionate and visionary entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible and disrupting the status quo by helping them to build scalable impactful businesses that can transform industries and create new markets.
- Refugees and Cohesion
- We recognise that the displacement of people due to conflict, persecution, and natural disasters is a major global challenge that requires urgent attention.
- We believe that promoting social cohesion, inclusion, and integration is critical for creating a more just and peaceful world.
- We aim to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that promote the integration and wellbeing of refugees and host communities.
- We know there are passionate and visionary entrepreneurs who are committed to creating sustainable solutions that address the needs of refugees and host communities.
- We want to help them build scalable, impactful businesses that can transform how refugees are supported and integrated into their new communities.
Selection Criteria
100x is looking for the next generation of social unicorns - organisations affecting positive change on the scale of billions. Our selection process is rooted in a holistic evaluation of both the people and the model. Here are the key criteria we consider:
- Outstanding Leadership
- We want to back social entrepreneurs who demonstrate grit, potential for growth and ambition for the future
- Addressable Impact
- Identified and evidenced impact opportunity that is sizeable and can create system level change
- Established Proof-of-Concept
- Developed and delivered a model with evidence to suggest it is the ‘right solution'
- High Velocity of Change
- Growing traction and there is a sense of solution being on the precipice for explosive growth
- Distinctiveness of Solution
- A quality or feature that is impressive, rare and novel
- Cohort Fit
- Alignment with our programme offerings, cohesiveness across the portfolio, and willingness to be an ambassador for 100x
Through these criteria, we aim to select ventures that not only have innovative solutions but also leaders deeply committed to driving positive social and environmental change. We value proximity to communities, inclusive approaches, and the capacity to affect systematic transformation.
We aim to have 70% of our portfolio to come from emerging markets and value applications where founders and/or senior team members be based in the region the organisation operates in.
We want to back organisations that are female-led, have considered gender in their product or service designs, and reflect a global market of leaders.
What We Offer
Our funding is flexible, impact-first, unrestricted, and based on trust. We offer catalytic grants and repayable grants to charities and social enterprises. Upon completion of the 100x accelerator programme, if your organisation has achieved extraordinary and outsized impact, you may be eligible for our follow-on funding.
Our programme is hybrid and spans 12 weeks. Two leaders (including at least one Founder and/or C-Suite member) from your organisation must be able to attend two sponsored trips to London at the start and end of the programme. Each trip will last no more than 3-5 days. 100x will cover reasonable transit and visa costs. You will also be expected to participate virtually for the rest of the programme. Please note, that the 100x Impact Accelerator programme is delivered in English, and you must have a reliable internet connection. If this is an issue, we offer a small stipend to support internet access so that you can fully engage in the programme.
- £150,000 in catalytic capital
- 12 Weeks Impact Accelerator programme
- World-Class support and bespoke mentors
- Cohorts of like-minded social entrepreneurs
- Summit Day celebrating and connecting ventures
- Alumni Membership long-term access to our community