France’s purpose-led companies movement continues to grow, with 176 enterprises à mission two years after the status was recognised in French law. Researchers note the movement is still in its “pioneer stage”.
A 99.98% shareholder vote in favour sees Voltalia become first-ever renewables producer – and only the third listed company – to become an entreprise à mission, following in footsteps of Danone.
The sacking of Danone's boss can be seen as a vote of no-confidence in his commitment to do business for good. But the company’s legal status will make it difficult for new executives to change course on sustainability.
PLUS: Resonance makes raft of SITR investments ahead of crunch time for relief scheme; first impact fund for French investment firm Founders Future; Dutch social impact bond repays investors; new Conduit EIS Impact Fund; and more.
C SUMMIT: All the components of a company – foundations, impact investment funds and regular business – should work together towards a joint vision of meaningful social impact, says sustainability boss at Schneider Electric.
C SUMMIT: Sanofi Espoir Foundation boss says the pandemic has confirmed its conviction that medicine and healthcare are not the full solution for global health challenges – while Repsol Foundation leader predicts a "time for doers".
C SUMMIT: The first carmaker to set up its own social entrepreneurship scheme is placing social impact even higher up the firm’s agenda. But some fear corporates more generally will continue to put the brakes on, despite this year's crisis.
Collaboration is hard, something Roberta Bosurgi knows first-hand. As EVPA's new CEO, she’s now tasked with convincing others to overcome egos and join forces for more impact. We meet the former Novartis director ahead of this week's C Summit.
It’s been a year of huge unpredictability – but social entrepreneurs have shown time and again that they can turn crisis into opportunity. Next week’s Ashoka gathering will draw on their experience.
