20 impact companies that paved the way for todays impact startups

Positive impact through innovative business models that inspires

By Henrik Rydén

In 2015, when we founded Impactpool, fewer people discussed the importance of sustainable development and its positive impact compared to today.

Since then, both companies and Investors have recognized that financial returns increase through a sustainable business model. Which confirms by the ongoing money flood into impact companies. According to Research and Markets, the impact investing market is expected to grow to $823.83 billion in 2026.

In the current volatile market where traditional startups' market valuations have dropped, the impact startups have shown strong resilience and become the 'safe heaven' for many investors.

Ever since our start Impactpool has been selective about whom we work with. So far, Impactpool has said no to over 650 companies who wanted to collaborate with us to reach top talents. We only collaborate with organizations and companies where positive impact is part of the reason for their existence.

To be able to verify if a company is an Impact company, we have our own impact definition that requires intentional impact and that the company stands behind 4 fundamental impact statements.

Impactpool was part of the first wave of Impact startups. In this article, we have listed 20 other important impact companies that started during the same wave. All with different innovative and sustainable business models. All have made it through the startup phase and are now paving the way for a new generation of impact startups. Some companies on the list are already working with us and some are not yet.

20 Impact companies that paved the way for today's Impact startups

Acumen - A non-profit global venture fund that invests in companies, leaders, and ideas that are changing the way the world tackles poverty. Acumen has a verified account with Impactpool and publishes jobs with us.
Ashoka - A non-profit organization that identifies and supports social entrepreneurs who are working to create positive social change. Ashoka has a verified account with Impactpool and publishes jobs with us.
B Lab - A non-profit organization that certifies and supports companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Echoing Green - A non-profit organization that provides seed funding and support to social entrepreneurs who are working to create positive social change. Echoing Green has a verified account with Impactpool and publishes jobs with us.
Ecofiltro: A social enterprise that produces and distributes affordable water filters to rural communities in Guatemala.
The Empowerment Plan: A non-profit organization that employs homeless women to make coats that double as sleeping bags for people living on the streets.
Impossible Foods: A food technology company that develops plant-based meat substitutes to reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture and provide healthier food choices.
Skoll Foundation: A non-profit organization that invests in, connects, and celebrates social entrepreneurs and innovators who are working to solve the world's most pressing problems.
GiveDirectly: A non-profit organization that uses mobile technology to deliver cash transfers directly to people in need. GiveDirectly has a verified account with Impactpool and publishes jobs with us.
One Acre Fund: A non-profit organization that helps smallholder farmers in Africa increase their crop yields and incomes. Patagonia has a verified account with Impactpool and publishes jobs with us.
Patagonia: An outdoor clothing and gear company that is committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Patagonia has a verified account with Impactpool and publishes jobs with us.
Root Capital: A non-profit social investment fund that provides financing and business training to small and growing businesses in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Root Capital has a verified account with Impactpool and publishes jobs with us.
Charity Water: A non-profit organization that provides clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.
SolarCity: A solar energy company, acquired by Tesla, that providing solar panels and other renewable energy solutions to homeowners and businesses.
TOMS: A well-known shoe company that has a "One for One" model, where for every pair of shoes purchased, the company donates a pair to a child in need.
Warby Parker: An eyewear company that donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair of glasses purchased.
The Ocean Cleanup: A non-profit organization that uses advanced technology to clean up plastic from the world's oceans.
Uncommon Goods: An online marketplace that connects customers with sustainable and ethical products from independent makers and designers.
LanzaTech: A biotech company that develops carbon capture and reuse technologies to convert carbon emissions into sustainable fuels and chemicals.
Zipline: A drone delivery company that provides medical supplies and blood products to remote communities in developing countries, improving access to life-saving resources.

Are you an impact company and startup looking for global talent?

Please get in touch with us, we would be happy to support you in finding the best impact talent on earth and provide you with recruitment tools uniquely designed for Impact companies and organizations.

Are you an Impact startup?

We also began as an Impact startup with an empty wallet but with a strong impact dedication. To help you in your growth/exploration phase we have developed specific FREE services for you so that you can start your growth of staff with good tools and not e-mails and forms. Start your Impactpool recruit for free.