The global transition to sustainable business models is accelerating, and startups are playing a crucial role in driving this change. At ChangeNOW 2025, a world expo of solutions for the planet, impact-driven startups will collectively seek €1.5bn in funding to scale their solutions.
In 2018, the average funding sought by individual startups at ChangeNOW was around €200k. By 2020, this had increased to €1m, and today, it stands at €3m. This illustrates the rapid evolution and ambition of impact-driven entrepreneurship.
From April 24-26, 2025, ChangeNOW will convene at the Grand Palais in Paris, bringing together 40k participants from 140 countries, including 10k businesses and 1.2k investors. Over 1,000 solutions in clean energy, biodiversity, sustainable cities and the circular economy will be showcased, creating a space for funding and collaboration.
Unlocking high-impact investment opportunities
ChangeNOW is a gathering for impact investors, offering exclusive access to top-tier deals and industry insights. The event includes:
- Curated deal flow: Investors can meet high-potential startups from various sectors. Among them, 303 European innovations will be showcased, ranging from solar-powered cars to coastal erosion resilience systems.
- Live pitches and GP/LP gathering: The Funds for Change programme brings together leading LPs like Swen Capital Partners and 30+ family offices. 15 GPs — including Marvelous Deeptech, Juniper VC and Synapsis VC — will pitch their impact-driven funds.
- Investor-only sessions: Exclusive opportunities to connect with fellow investors, industry leaders and LPs.
- Seamless networking: Pre-arranged meetings, curated deal summaries and facilitated introductions for high-value connections.
For startups seeking investors, clients and strategic partnerships
ChangeNOW 2025 serves as a space for startups aiming to grow, secure funding and establish strategic partnerships. Over 1,000 impact-driven solutions will be presented through exhibitions, pitch sessions and expert-led discussions, offering a platform for visibility and engagement. This includes:
- Access to investors: Startups will have the opportunity to interact directly with venture capitalists and funds interested in scalable impact solutions.
- Business development: Startups will be invited to connect with qualified leads, helping to streamline deal flow and reduce prospecting time.
- Resources for growth: Startups will have access to financing options, incubators, consulting and tools designed to support their digital transformation.
Tackle the most pressing global challenges
Beyond networking and funding, ChangeNOW 2025 aims to address key global challenges and opportunities:
- Bridging the funding gap: Scaling startups for long-term impact.
- AI for impact: How artificial intelligence is driving sustainability and business transformation.
- European innovation and sovereignty: Strengthening Europe’s leadership in tech, impact and sustainability.
- Before UNOC and COP30: With COP30 and UNOC on the horizon, ChangeNOW 2025 could be a crucial moment to mobilise capital, technology and policy action for climate and marine preservation.
Beyond discussions on global challenges, ChangeNOW offers an opportunity to be inspired by visionary leaders such as Craig Douglas, partner at World Fund; Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd; Patricia Ricard, president of the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute; Christian Kroll, founder and CEO of Ecosia; Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, vice-chair of the IPCC; Natalie Portman, actress, activist, and impact investor; Alex Bakir, CEO of Marvel Fusion; Zarah Bruhn, founder and CEO of socialbee GmbH; and many others.
Read the orginal article: https://sifted.eu/articles/impact-startups-climate-expo-brnd/
