The 14th EVPA Annual Conference brought together 600+ social investors and change agents – from Europe and beyond – interested in exchanging ideas on how to address the most pressing social issues and to shape the future of the venture philanthropy sector.
For the first time in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the event took place in Warsaw, Poland, at the Warsaw University Library and the Copernicus Science Centre. The two-day November event featured interactive, member-led sessions on the sector’s hot topics. More than 100 speakers inspired attendees with content ranging from corporate social innovation and impact management to blockchain for social innovation, providing delegates with invaluable insights to maximize their impact.
The conference kicked-off with the EVPA Crash Course on Venture Philanthropy and Social Investment, a one-day course for newcomers to the VP/SI field. It also included the launch of our new report on “Impact Strategies – How Investors Drive Social Impact”, which sparked constructive dialogue. The CEE Breakfast featured the launch of the “Social Investment Leveraging Index: Investing for Impact in Central and Eastern Europe”, prepared with Deloitte CEE, and a discussion on next steps for the social investment ecosystem in CEE. The Global Solutions Room was a unique opportunity to share effective solutions and failures on themes such as healthcare, employment and housing.
The first-ever EVPA CEE Pitching Night was the ultimate place to meet and engage with social businesses and entrepreneurs from Central and Eastern Europe, giving attendees the chance to understand the scope of social challenges in the region. In partnership with NESsT and GET IN THE RING, the pitching night triggered lively discussions and collaboration leading to investment proposals. The CEE networking space was a unique place to immerse in the spirit of CEE while talking to like-minded peers.
EVPA was delighted to have two renowned innovative game changers in the VP/SI space open the 14th Annual conference. Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Acumen and one of the World’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds according to Forbes, and Robert Manz, Managing Partner of Enterprise Investors (leading PE fund in CEE), shared insights on developments in the region and its potential for leveraging social impact.
Check out a selection of pictures and a short video about the two days in Warsaw.