Earlier this month in Brussels, the European BIC Network (EBN) welcomed 90 social innovators, entrepreneurs, impact investors, incubators and policy makers who gathered all together for 2 days of networking, training, matchmaking and pitching.

Organised by EBN with the support of META Group and Impact Hub, it was again #SOCHANGE TIME!

On February 5^th, 65 entrepreneurs met at the European BIC Network to participate at a training organised around structured and informal networking moments,  two training one on impact investment and impact management, and another one on how to pitch.

Divided in thematic groups they exchanged about the overall SocialChallenges.eu experience, commenting upon main opportunities and challenges faced. This was followed by the two training aimed at preparing participants for the matchmaking and pitching session of February 6^th morning.

The SocialChallenges.eu matchmaking and pitching sessions took place in the framework of the EU Industry Days, main European policy event organised by DG Grow and gathering industrial leaders from across the EU. The event could also count on the presence of Mrs. Natalia Martínez Paramo, COSME Head of Unit and Mark Nikclas, Innovation Policy and Investment for Growth Head of Unit.

In this context the project organised 225 bilateral meetings between 42 solution providers and 15 impact investors representing 14 impact funds and investors’ networks. A speed dating allowing each entrepreneur to convince 5 impact investors to consider their project for further talks and discussion.

The morning closed with a pitching session which saw on stage 11 solution providers that interacted with the audience.

If you missed this opportunity for meeting our solution providers, have a look to our latest publication “#SOCHANGE STORIES” and discover them all! 

For EBN social impact is very important, that's why we participate in SocialChallenges.eu and we have developed an special interest group for our members, if you are interested in knowing more, do not hesitate to contact our colleagues: Chiara Davalli and Clarelisa Camilleri.

Source: SocialChallenges.eu website