The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) annual awards program providing direct support to Greek early stage, proven startups.
The Venture Impact Awards support for profit projects which demonstrate:
Financial Sustainability
Scalability
Impact
Who can apply?
For profit companies submit their proposals by applying here. We do not accept applications at the idea or concept phase or from entities who have raised over $1,000,000 in funding aside from founders’ capital.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSEDWhat do you get?
The VIA will distribute a total of $100,000 in 2023 to the winning teams. Projects we have supported in previous years are featured below.
SEE PROJECTSWhat are we looking for?
We are looking for for-profit entities able to improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Greece. We want to award projects that showcase human / social / environmental impact and promote innovation. VIA rewards sound economic models which also “do good” for Greece.
WATCH 2021 CEREMONYProviding 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
$10,000 - $50,000 in prize money per winner. Award sizes differ yearly.
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.
VIA Past Winners
These startups were declared the VIA Winners:
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
Learn More
Economic and Entrepreneurial Development
THI is supporting initiatives that promote near-term job growth while laying the foundations for long-term strategic development:
Learn MoreGreece 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% ($12 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
- Over 3,000 direct jobs created
- Working with Greece’s top 1,000 companies
- 150,000 hours of training delivered
- 90% job retention rate
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Entrepreneurial
Education Course- 38 training modules since 2014 (includes Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion campuses)
- 12 cities visited with VentureGarden’s GreenHouse mobile program
- 125 ventures created or supported
- Over 300 new jobs created
-
Annual Pitching Event
- Over 70 high growth companies mentored
- Over 500 international investors participated
- Greece’s only American-style pitching event
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Business
Plan Competition- 10 years supporting leading startups in Greece
- 37 winners from 20 different business sectors
- Over Over 40,000 entrepreneurs engaged
- Over €6 million EUR 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
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Over €100 million
investments unlocked -
Invested $10 million in promising Greek startups
-
Engaged with over 55,000 entrepreneurs and job seeking millenials
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Gave back 15,000 hours of volunteer community service
