THE VENTURE
IMPACT AWARDS

The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) newest program providing help and support to Greek startups

The Hellenic Initiative has helped these recent startups

VIEW ALL OF THE STARTUPS

Greeks Helping Greeks

About The Hellenic Initiative

About THI

About THI

Since our founding in 2012 The Hellenic Initiative (THI) has been working diligently to train, mentor, and create jobs and economic opportunities for Greeks of all ages and backgrounds. We are proud of the organizations and the program that we support working side by side with teams on the ground, trying to make a real difference for thousands of Greeks. Today our work is needed more than ever.

Direct Crisis Relief

THI, together with its relief partners, is answering the call by providing a critical safety net to families hardest hit by the crisis

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Economic and Entrepreneurial Development

THI is supporting initiatives that promote near-term job growth while laying the foundations for long-term strategic development:

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Greece is not Greece right now.

Greece is not Greece right now.

Greece is not Greece right now. Its beating heart has been slowed, its colors muted, and its voice quieted. Tourists trickle through streets that are accustomed to bustling masses. So much of what we love about our vibrant country has been muffled by a virus that feeds on community, socialization and hospitality.

Startups that we worked with in the past are now starving for cash. Many other businesses had to lay off their staff and all that is happening in a country that is still in recovery. It was an easy call for us to double down on our Economic Development assistance trying to help as many as possible.

Making Progress

Making Progress

Through our work with programs like the Athens Venture Fair, Envolve Greece and Venture Garden we have worked with high-growth startups, helping them raise capital, get advice and expand their markets. This year we are launching a new program called the Venture Impact Award (VIA).

Programs: THI's Economic Development Activities at a Glance

THI’s Economic Development Activities at a Glance

Since our founding in 2012 The Hellenic Initiative (THI) has invested over 60% ($10 million) of its total philanthropic dollars to train, mentor, and create jobs for Greeks in Greece, and to support Greek entrepreneurs start, grow and expand Greek companies.

We are proud of the organizations and programs that we support.

In Greece, THI Supports and Funds the Largest and Most Successful:

  • Job Creation Program

    • 1,600 direct jobs created
    • Working with Greece’s top 600 companies
    • 150,000 hours of training delivered 90% rentention rate

  • Entrepreneurial
    Education Course

    • 1,200 partners from 14 cities
    • Working with Greece’s top 600 companies
    • 660 business ideas evaluated

  • Pitching Event

    • Over 60 high growth companies mentored
    • Over 500 international investors participated
    • Greece’s only American-style pitching event

  • Business
    Plan Competition

    • 8 years supporting leading startups in Greece
    • Over 7,000 business plans evaluated
    • Over 30,000 entrepreneurs engaged
    • Over €5 million in funding awarded

Impact: THI's Economic Development Activities at a Glance

THI’s Economic Development Activities at a Glance

Since our founding in 2012 The Hellenic Initiative (THI) has invested over 60% ($10 million) of its total philanthropic dollars to train, mentor, and create jobs for Greeks in Greece, and to support Greek entrepreneurs start, grow and expand Greek companies.

We are proud of the organizations and programs that we support.

THI Programs’ Aggregate Impact on Greek Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

  • Over €100 million
    investments unlocked

  • Invested $10 million in promising Greek startups

  • Engaged with over 55,000 entrepreneurs and job seeking millenials

  • Gave back 15,000 hours of volunteer community service

The Venture Impact Awards

Honoring a Greek Startup for their exceptional work

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Providing Help

The VIA will provide much-needed help and support to startups vetted by a team of judges seeking capital to expand and create new jobs.

Problem Solving

Award winners will be selected based not only on their ability to generate financial returns but also on how they address critical markets and how they solve a range of social and environmental problems.

Social Impact

The VIA will act as a tool that promotes early-stage impact investing designed to help companies produce returns while having a measurable social impact.

Award Winners

The VIA will initially employ a number of cash prizes valued at $25k each. Award winners will range according to the quality of the applications received.

Investing

The VIA will invest in various business sectors that Greece can offer a strong value proposition like Software & Deep Tech, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Agro & Food, Tourism & Real Estate.