Can social enterprises impact our lives the same way that tech startups do? The Dutch New Narrative Lab (DNNL) is on a mission to help social enterprises become economically sustainable with its launchpad mission.

While tech startups hog all the limelight in the Dutch startup ecosystem, there is now renewed focus on innovative impact startups and social enterprises who are pushing to make the world more equitable and sustainable on their way to solving 21st-century challenges.

To help social enterprises and social entrepreneurs, DNNL joined hands with Social Enterprise NL and Google.org to announce DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024 in March 2024.

The programme aims to nurture social innovation and turn the Dutch tech ecosystem into a hub for socially scalable enterprises as well as support innovative and ambitious organisations that back entrepreneurs with a migrant background.

The application for the programme opened between March 20 and April 20, 2024 and a panel of independent judges selected the eleven startups a few days later. The kickoff for the programme began on April 26 and included expert days, hybrid masterclasses, and founder & funders dinner.

With the social enterprises selected for the programme set for their demo day being held at the Amazon office on July 5, where the social entrepreneurs will showcase their product and pitch their businesses to investors.

The demo day will be opened by Mpanzu Bamenga, Member of the Dutch Parliament for D66 and Human Rights Man of the Year 2021 and moderated by Arosha Brouwer, co-Founder & CEO of Quan and lead mentor of DNNL x Social Enterprise Launchpad NL.

They will be joined by a distinguished panel of experts including Carol Tarr, Sustainable Finance and Impact Investment Expert at Phenix Capital Group, Farshida Zafar, Director of the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, Davide Iannuzzi, Chief Impact Officer at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), Jeffrey Williams, Senior Investment Manager at ROM Utrecht Region, and Kayode Alao, Supply Chain and Procurement Lead at Amazon.

Let’s take a look at the eleven social enterprises selected for DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Track 2024 Launchpad and their critical ask at Demo Day 2024 made possible by Amazon Netherlands.

BlockVerse Institute

Founder(s): Gaurav Gupta

Founded in: 2022

Hiring: Yes, check job opportunities here

Critical Ask: BlockVerse Institute is seeking €1.25M in funding which the social startup will use to create a scalable Select – Skill – Match platform over the next 18 months. It is also looking for companies interested in participating in its NL pilot and recruiting from its diverse skilled cohort by the end of Q4 2024.

BlockVerse Institute is a Dutch startup that aims to formalise digital technology skill development. The company collaborates with governments to enhance existing workforce skills and assist new talents in satisfying digital talent demand.

The BlockVerse platform offers various courses, including machine learning operations, cybersecurity, coding, and more. Users are also provided career counselling sessions and a hub to connect with hiring teams for job opportunities. The Dutch startup works with world-class clients. It has initiated digital skills training projects in Africa and India to empower women and underprivileged people.

CupXchange

Founder(s): Chong Hu

Founded in: 2023

Hiring: No

Critical Ask: CupXchange is looking to connect with organisations willing to switch to its social and sustainable subscription and also connect with social impact investors willing to support its mission.

CupXchange is a complete “cups-as-a-service” solution that collects, delivers, and washes coffee cups. The startup picks up coffee cups, cleans them at local cleaning facilities, and delivers them with zero-emission transport, minimising the impact on the environment. The solution from CupXchange makes enjoying coffee possible in a sustainable and reusable manner. The Dutch startup also hires underrepresented people and those with a distance from the labour market, especially neurodiverse and autistic talent.

Insight – People & Culture

Founder(s): Farzan Najmeddin and Kasper Bouwens

Founded in: 2022

Hiring: No

Critical Ask: Insight is looking for design partners or organisations that recognise the urgency of the problem the Dutch startup is solving. It is specifically looking for 5 organisations with over 200 employees who can help Insight further develop its product in collaboration with its users.

Insight – People & Culture is a platform dedicated to help every organisation become a human-first organisation, where millennials and Gen-Z employees can develop together. It deploys AI to create “human-first organisations visions of a future where the functions of HR and L&D in a company are not isolated from each other but integrated seamlessly into employees’ daily workflow. The platform provides real-time insights based on a team’s culture and engagement to help the clients grow.”

Are you interested in knowing more about these social enterprises? Click here to know more about them and their DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024 journey.

Life of Gini & TravelBuddies

Founder(s): Virginia Scheele

Founded in: 2023

Hiring: No

Critical Ask: Life of Gini & TravelBuddies is seeking at least 5 corporates that want to sponsor €10k each so they get to send 5 queer employees on an inclusive social impact trip.

Life of Gini & TravelBuddies is a Utrecht-based startup that assists solo travellers with unique one-stop-shop inclusive and sustainable travelling experiences aimed at hi-tier solo travellers, couples, and employee teams.

Solo travellers can join the carefully curated tour and inclusive community. It will provide safety, entertainment, and travellers with knowledge of respecting local cultures. The trips will be off-season with diverse destinations and activities to support local communities, aligning with the sustainability and authenticity values of the startup.

Mamamoon

Founder(s): Kasia Pokrop

Founded in: 2023

Hiring: No

Critical Ask: Mamamoon is looking for companies that care about the well-being of their employees and would be willing to join their pilot of the complete Mamamoon program (including webinars & events for all 3Ms: menstruation, motherhood, menopause).

Mamamoon created the Mamamoon app to provide interactive pregnancy and postpartum coaching. With tailored tips and guides on exercise, nutrition, mental health, etc., mothers can overcome the challenges of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.

In addition, the online classes and guidance are reserved for the mothers and their partners. Partners’ roles are often overlooked, but Mamamoon offers assistance to maximise support for mothers’ and babies’ care.

MeetMeals

Founder(s): Sobhan Mahmoudi

Founded in: 2023

Hiring: No

Critical Ask: MeetMeals is looking for €150k in investment and five partners to whom it can deliver homemade food for their staff’s lunchtime.

MeetMeals is on a mission to bring homemade dishes and meals from different cultures to your table. The Airbnb for homemade meals is building a platform for people who love discovering new tastes from other cultures to come together and enjoy healthier homemade dishes.

NxtGen+

Founder(s): Ming-Faraz Khan

Founded in: 2020

Hiring: Yes, check job opportunities here

Critical Ask: To secure a robust network and funding to scale its tech education programmes. The startup is seeking strategic educational partnerships and access to subsidies, grants or other types of funding that will enable it to make tech education fun and accessible for more children.

NxtGen+ is a digital education platform focusing on primary and secondary school students. It supports schools in implementing digital literacy and computer science education by facilitating policy changes, comprehensive modular learning, and digital upskilling programs for teachers.

The company aims to improve digital literacy with culturally diverse role models and interactive teaching materials. Young students can have more fun with the modules offered, mainly in the form of games.

SHEXON

Founder(s): Navid Mohamamadi

Founded in: 2024

Hiring: No

Critical Ask: SHEXON is looking to initiate its pilot program after the summer break with the plan to organise events where international employees can share their experiences with students from the same discipline and cultural background. It is also seeking strategic collaboration with companies interested in hiring international talent and willing to encourage their international employees to participate in SHEXON’s events. Its goal is to foster collaboration with companies and their international employees without charging any fees.

SHEXON is an innovative platform that connects prospective students with current students and alumni. Through the SHEXON community, prospective students can gain insights about choosing that will help them make an educated decision concerning their next university investments in time, money, and energy.

It also helps international and local students in the Netherlands overcome university challenges. Current students and alumni will be paid as Insighters to give unbiased opinions and share personal experiences.

Society College

Founder(s): Hugo Goedhart and Alfred van der Klis

Founded in: 2022

Hiring: Yes, check job opportunities here

Critical Ask: Society College is looking for funding for growing its sales capacity and improving its cash flow to boost growth.

Society College is a training institute where students are prepared for their next step into the labour market through various programs. The programs are conducted hybrid using online platforms and classic teamwork/leadership activities.

It emphasises that the labour market should align with contemporary society’s and younger generations’ values. Moreover, it views Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as more than just branding, promoting hands-on involvement of companies within its community for timely assistance when required.

Subul Impact Outsourcing

Founder(s): Khaled Shaaban

Founded in: 2019

Hiring: Yes, check job opportunities here

Critical Ask: Subul is looking to establish a board of wise individuals who can guide the startup to the next level, bringing invaluable insight and strategic direction.

Subul Impact Outsourcing is a tech company that hires impact workers. Impact hiring involves recruiting refugees and disadvantaged communities, which can increase a company’s talent pool and positively impact inclusion and community growth.

Founded in The Hague, Subul aims to bridge the gap between the unique talents of refugees and marginalised ties with the tech industry’s needs. Until now, over 800 people in the talent pool and over 50 satisfied clients trusted Subul for the impact hiring process.

Zeefier

Founder(s): Nienke Hoogvliet and Anne Boermans

Founded in: 2020

Hiring: No

Critical Ask: Zeefier is looking to connect with a foundation, family fund, or angel investor interested in sustainability and delivering the European Green Deal.

Zeefier is a company producing natural dyes from local Dutch seaweed. The company envisions replacing harmful synthetic dyes used in the textile industry with sustainable dyes.

Its production includes bio-based and environmentally friendly pigment extraction from seaweed waste streams. The dyes can be applied to natural textiles with a wide range of colours.

Are you interested in knowing more about these social enterprises? Click here to know more about them and their DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024 journey.

The Dutch New Narrative Lab (DNNL), announced recently that it has signed an agreement with President of the Executive Board Margrethe Jonkman and Chief Impact Officer Davide Iannuzzi of VU Amsterdam.

The collaboration is a strategic move towards fostering diversity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship within the Dutch startup ecosystem.

“With this agreement, we fortify our collaboration, reaffirming our dedication to diversity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship – values exemplified by DNNL. An endeavor that aligns with the educational and research efforts we stand for as a university,” says President Jonkman.

The announcement comes a month after introducing DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024, the new programme bringing a deeper, more structured integration with the broader activities of the initiative. 

The new launchpad was a collaboration with Social Enterprise NL All-in project, a project designed to specifically support organisations that back social entrepreneurs with a migrant background. 

Providing better access to underrepresented groups

The DNNL Foundation’s mission is to promote innovative entrepreneurship by providing better access to underrepresented groups in the Dutch startup scene. 

The groups include women, persons with a migration background, LGBTQ+ people, neurodiverse individuals, and scientists. 

DNNL aims to unlock the full potential of diversity and inclusion in startups, scale-ups, and corporate ventures in Benelux and Germany while maintaining economic ties to the Dutch economy.

VU Amsterdam is actively promoting entrepreneurship and inclusivity through initiatives such as VU StartHUb and the Demonstrator Lab. 

By collaborating with other organisations, VU Amsterdam aims to further elevate its ambitions in these areas.

“As a university, we believe it is important not only to strive for a better future but also to give back that knowledge to society. Only then can you, as an educational institution, make maximum impact,” says Chief Impact Officer and Professor in Experimental Physics Davide Iannuzzi.

Focusing on ‘three areas’

DNNL focuses on three key areas. Firstly, it provides an ecosystem monitor, which acts as a ‘diversity and inclusion’ thermometer for the NL startup community. 

Secondly, DNNL offers a sales-driven entrepreneurial lab, which serves as an incubator for entrepreneurs from both underrepresented and overrepresented groups who recognise the innovative power of diversity and inclusion and want to monetise it professionally. 

Lastly, DNNL collaborates with various partners to build a media platform that not only provides more visibility for the entrepreneurs but also aims to challenge the dominant standard image of ‘the innovative entrepreneur’.

DNNL: What you need to know

The DNNL initiative was created as a result of a Diversity Exploration commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate in the Dutch startup ecosystem. 

The Exploration was conducted by Ruben Brave, a serial tech entrepreneur, investor, and multi-board member who is also well-known within the VU community. 

A case study about him has been developed for use in Bachelor’s and Master’s entrepreneurship education, serving as both a resource and inspiration. Brave is proud to become part of the VU as an entrepreneur in residence, which is unique as such an appointment has never happened before at the university.

“Together with VU Amsterdam, we are taking a significant step forward in creating equal opportunities for all underrepresented groups in the Dutch startup scene,” says Brave. 

Last year, DNNL introduced Launchpad as a pre-accelerator programme to develop entrepreneurial skills as founders first. Now, the Dutch New Narrative Lab is taking its Launchpad a step further with direct focus on social entrepreneurs focusing on social innovation.

Called DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024, the new programme brings a deeper, more structured integration with the broader activities of the initiative. For the uninitiated, the DNNL initiative was born out of a need to fix the gap in diversity and inclusion in the Dutch startup ecosystem.

From its days as a project being developed from a Diversity Exploration commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate as a response to a 2020 article discussing boardroom racism to strengthening seed capital regulation, legislation for inclusive procurement, and a national action plan for inclusive entrepreneurship, DNNL has pushed for major changes to give visibility to underrepresented groups.

DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024: what you need to know

Now, the Dutch New Narrative Lab is aiming to nurture social innovation and turn the Dutch tech ecosystem into a hub for socially scalable enterprises that align with at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

“The core motivation behind the DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024 stems from a commitment to nurture social innovation through entrepreneurship,” says Ruben Brave, serial tech entrepreneur, investor and founder of DNNL.

He adds, “The programme will shine light on social innovation and underrepresented founders especially those who are ambitious, accomplished, innovative and yet often overlooked.”

For many founders, it has been a real challenge to break the glass ceiling and with DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024, there is now a programme that wants to help these founders not only claim their space in the Dutch tech ecosystem but also makes them visible in a big way.

Brave, who became the first Entrepreneur in Residence of the VU University of Amsterdam, this week, adds “This initiative targets social entrepreneurs who often face greater obstacles in accessing resources, networks, and capital due to systemic biases.”

The new launchpad is a collaboration with Social Enterprise NL All-in project, a project designed to specifically support organisations that back social entrepreneurs with a migrant background. Brave says this aligned with DNNL’s goal to foster inclusivity and it also helped that the financial and strategic backing is from Google.org as part of their Social Innovation Ecosystem Fund.

The programme also places a significant emphasis on leveraging the tacit knowledge and experiences of successful founders who come from similarly diverse backgrounds. “This mentorship is enhanced through structured “Ask Me Anything” sessions and direct interactions, providing invaluable insights and real-life success stories,” Brave tells me.

The programme has already received many high quality applications that reflect the ambition of these founders to address pressing social, environmental, and global challenges. Despite awards and grants from prestigious organisations, it is shocking that some of these founders have been unable to raise sufficient funding.

If you are a social enterprise with a clear and innovative proposition then you can apply for DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad at this link. Brave explains that they are looking for 10 founders of social enterprise startups that meet at least one SDG and can demonstrate some level of traction, whether it is in terms of sales, revenue, or pilot projects.

“The program is particularly interested in founders who not only bring a unique and diverse background but also embody an abundance mindset and an open approach to challenges and opportunities,” adds Brave, while explaining the criteria.

The last date to apply is April 20th and the winners will be selected through an anonymised selection process, carried out by an independent jury. The names of the selected participants will be announced on Earth Day 2024, i.e., April 22nd.

Inclusive gateway to growth: €1M in deals

Through DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad, DNNL is offering the selected participants synergy with other DNNL initiatives such as a DNNL unConference and media partnerships for holistic growth opportunity. Last year’s unConference unlocked nearly €1M in deals in just three months and Brave says this underscores the “potential and efficacy of our approach in fostering an environment where capable, motivated individuals can thrive spectacularly.”

“We aim to replicate and scale this success across more social enterprises, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society,” he adds.

For social entrepreneurs, the DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad is a gateway to a space where inclusivity and growth thrive, where peer learning is second nature, and the opportunity to unlock funding or connect with corporate entities becomes the new normal.

DNNL is also integrating AI to streamline and enhance the productivity of founders selected for this programme. With AI, the idea is to equip entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tools necessary for scaling their ventures in today’s competitive market. “The new programme is also directly linked to providing actionable insights to policymakers through our collaboration with the OECD,” quips Brave.

The synergy also extends to the entrepreneurs with the programme offering clear, measurable objectives that resonate closely with the personal and business growth ambitions of the entrepreneurs selected for this programme. While 10 founders will join the physical track, Brave confirmed to Silicon Canals that an additional 20 entrepreneurs will be selected for online slots allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to inclusivity and our desire to support a greater number of promising social enterprises beyond the constraints of the physical program,” Brave notes.

Are you an impact-driven entrepreneur working on a scalable social enterprise? Click here to apply for DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024.

Arosha Brouwer: Meet your lead mentor and role model

Helping Brave in his mission to elevate the work of social entrepreneurs with a migrant background is Arosha Brouwer, co-founder & CEO at Quan. “It’s not business, it’s personal,” she wrote on LinkedIn.

From Sri Lanka to Australia and now settled in the Netherlands, Brouwer’s diverse background has shaped her global perspective. Her experience working with renowned businesses such as PwC, DSM, and TNT has given her invaluable insights into the corporate world. Her entrepreneurial journey shines even brighter with Quan being the first female-led Dutch company to secure a spot in the prestigious Y Combinator and has raised over $3M in funding.

As the lead mentor of the Launchpad programme, Brouwer will support founders in refining their pitch and support them in connecting with the relevant people throughout the three-month programme. She adds that one of her motivations for joining DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad was not only to increase awareness and become more inclusive but to level up the playing field.

“It’s about levelling up the playing field and helping entrepreneurs get access to capital that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, be it in the form of funding or revenue,” she explains.

Brouwer is not only candid but also speaks the truth that most people would not admit about the Dutch tech ecosystem. She is quick to acknowledge that entrepreneurs with migrant backgrounds lack deep-rooted connections since they might not have studied at a university in the Netherlands or their families lack big connections.

“It’s hard for us to reach people in the high posts that can influence decisions,” she argues, adding this requires migrant tech founders to work that much harder for their stories to be heard.

She elaborates, “This initiative is focused on supporting social enterprise founders to get their stories out there so they can connect with people who can help them accelerate their ventures.”

While the real impact of DNNL Launchpad x Social Enterprise NL Track 2024 will only be known after the programme, Brouwer says with conviction that the programme will “shine the light on an important topic and it gives well-deserving entrepreneurs a chance to get their stories heard by the people who need to hear it.”

The mentors in the program are accomplished, ambitious, global founders from diverse backgrounds chosen for their invaluable experience and to shine light on often overlooked entrepreneurs.

Inclusive and sustainable economy

Brave, a multi-board member, agrees that the uncertainty surrounding migration and the general support landscape for social entrepreneurs can be daunting. Through the new Launchpad, he sees an opportunity for DNNL to offer a robust support system in collaboration with community mentors and alumni that addresses critical 21st-century challenges.

“Our program not only reassures but actively provides tools, networks, and resources, including access to investors, expert office hours, and peer learning opportunities, ensuring that these entrepreneurs are equipped to navigate and succeed in the Dutch ecosystem,” he says.

The vibrancy and dynamism that the Dutch tech ecosystem is known for is partly driven by founders with diverse backgrounds. Brave says social entrepreneurs, especially those with a migrant background, bring resilience and a diverse perspective that is invaluable.

The team behind DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad sees the programme as one where entrepreneurs will be able to leverage a collaborative environment to propel their businesses forward, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Brave sees it as a powerful way to empower social entrepreneurs with migrant backgrounds not by “saving them” but by removing the systemic barriers that limit their growth in the first place.

Are you an impact-driven entrepreneur working on a scalable social enterprise? Click here to apply for DNNL x Social Enterprise NL Launchpad Track 2024.

In today’s rapidly changing world, diversity and inclusion have become crucial elements for the success and growth of businesses. 

Recognising the need to foster innovation and create a more inclusive startup ecosystem, the Dutch New Narrative Lab (DNNL) has launched the DNNL unConference. 

On February 10, 2023, this conference brings together industry experts, peers, investors, and corporates to accelerate the growth of meaningful businesses.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an industry expert, or a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, this article will provide five solid reasons why you should attend and participate in this remarkable event.

#1 To improve access to innovative entrepreneurship

 The Dutch New Narrative Lab (DNNL) initiative developed from a Diversity Exploration commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate in the Dutch startup ecosystem.  

The mission of the DNNL Foundation is to improve access to innovative entrepreneurship for underrepresented groups in the Dutch startup scene, including women, individuals with a migration background, LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodiverse individuals, and scientists.

DNNL aims to foster diversity and inclusion in startups, scale-ups, and corporate ventures in Benelux and Germany, with economic ties to the Dutch economy.

# 2 DNNL’s three-fold approach

DNNL employs a comprehensive three-fold approach, comprising — the ecosystem monitor, the entrepreneurial lab, and the media platform, to transform the landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The ecosystem monitor tracks progress in diversity and inclusion in Dutch startups, helping identify areas needing attention. The aim is to ensure genuine improvements, not just symbolic gestures.

The entrepreneurial lab serves as a fertile ground and incubator where entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds can leverage their unique perspectives and experiences. 

Recognising diversity as more than a social imperative, the lab views it as a source of innovation, creativity, and competitiveness. 

It aims to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs from both underrepresented and overrepresented groups to harness the superpower of diversity and inclusion.

Media platform: DNNL collaborates to create a media platform challenging the stereotypical image of the “innovative entrepreneur.” It celebrates the achievements of individuals regardless of their background, aiming to change the prevailing narrative and break stereotypes.

The objective is to revolutionise the prevailing and often inhibiting image, essentially flipping the script on the “innovative entrepreneur” stereotype.

#3 DNNL unConference 2024: Transcending background, gender, ethnicity

The DNNL unConference is more than just an event; it is a commitment to valuing every individual’s unique contributions, transcending background, gender, ethnicity, or orientation. 

This year, DNNL unConference 2024 will take place on February 10, 2023, coinciding with the rich heritage of the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. It is a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and committing to a future where every voice matters, and diversity is recognised as a strength

#4 Movement towards positive, inclusive change

.Attending the DNNL unConference is an opportunity to join a movement toward positive, inclusive change. 

DNNL unConference 2024 brings together founders, investors, industry experts, and corporates to share insights, network, and collaborate. 

Through panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive workshops, attendees will gain valuable knowledge and practical strategies to drive diversity and inclusion in their businesses and contribute to a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

#5 Celebrate the power of entrepreneurship

Mark your calendars for February 10, 2024, as the DNNL unConference promises to be a transformative event that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the power of entrepreneurship.

Stay tuned as the registration opens soon!