Supporting social ventures for the benefit of all
A social venture is a business that prioritises a social good along with business success. They represent a hybrid form of organisations that involve taking business-like, innovative approaches to deliver public services.
We support social ventures originating from the University of Cambridge at every stage, from the initial idea to investment and beyond.
Cambridge collaborators
We are part of a University community that supports social ventures in Cambridge. We work closely with others in this area, including:
- Judge Business School, including Cambridge Social Ventures
- Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
- A social ventures partnership between Cambridge Enterprise and Cambridge Social Ventures launched in 2017 to provide early-stage funding for University of Cambridge social enterprises participating in the Cambridge Social Ventures Incubator.
The partnership combines Cambridge Social Ventures’ expert incubation and evidence-led approach to social and environmental impact with the early investment capabilities and business support of Cambridge Enterprise, and is driving global societal reform through research, expertise and social entrepreneurship. So far, the partnership has brought to market social innovations in health, finance, employment, corporate social responsibility and more.
Together we can invest up to £20,000 in these businesses, with returns reinvested in future social ventures.
Find out how we invest in University spinouts
Impact U
The University of Cambridge is a key member of Impact U, a collaboration of twelve partner universities across the Midlands to create opportunities for social enterprise companies emerging from our combined entrepreneurial ecosystems. This collaboration focuses on ventures whose impact is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
