In traditional startups, the “exit’ is the ultimate goal–typically via an IPO (initial public offering), strategic acquisitions, or other structured exits. In the social impact space, however, there are few examples of successful exits. In this session, we’ll hear from entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders as we delve into the question: Why are there not more exits in social impact? Together we will explore the few examples we have identified, explore barriers to exit, and options for social impact startups including exit to community. The session will center on Armilarria’s acquisition of NeedsList at the end of 2023 as a case study. Participants will hear from both founders and funders to better understand the pros and cons of exit as a pathway to scale.
No exit? Why are there so few acquisitions in the impact space?
Track
Capital Flows for Impact: Dialogues Around the State of Impact Investment
Format
Panel (3 speakers)
Speakers
- NameNatasha Freidus
- TitleLecturer
- OrganizationUniversity of Toronto
- NameBonnie Chiu
- TitleCEO
- OrganizationThe Social Investment Consultancy
- NameCameron Burgess
- TitleCEO
- OrganizationArmilarria
Description
In traditional startups, the “exit’ is the ultimate goal–typically via an IPO (initial public offering), strategic acquisitions, or other structured exits. In the social impact space, however, there are few examples of successful exits. In this session, we’ll hear from entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders as we delve into the question: Why are there not more exits in social impact? Together we will explore the few examples we have identified, explore barriers to exit, and options for social impact startups including exit to community. The session will center on Armilarria’s acquisition of NeedsList at the end of 2023 as a case study. Participants will hear from both founders and funders to better understand the pros and cons of exit as a pathway to scale.
