Vinculum Impact Studio backs a first cohort of 3–5 idea-stage social ventures with seed capital and a hands-on build team — so founders solving the world’s hardest problems don’t have to build alone.
Applications close 12 October 2026 · Takes ~30 minutes · No fee to applyWe’re a venture studio, not a competition. Selected founders get funding and the Vinculum Labs core team working shoulder-to-shoulder to turn an idea into a real, investable company.
Non-bureaucratic initial capital to validate, build an MVP, and reach your first real users — deployed as you hit milestones.
Product & engineering, talent, finance, legal and go-to-market from the Vinculum Labs core team — capability most idea-stage founders can’t yet afford.
In return we take a minority founding stake. You retain clear majority ownership and control. Any follow-on investment is a separate, later decision.
Indicative terms for Cohort Alpha; confirmed in writing before any commitment. Nothing here is an offer of investment.
We concentrate on eight of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals — spanning health, education, decent work, clean water, energy, responsible consumption and climate. If your venture moves one of these forward with a viable business model, we want to hear from you.
Access to quality education, skilling, and dignified work — online or in the field.
Affordable care, diagnostics, mental health and access for underserved communities.
Plastics, waste, water, clean energy and climate solutions with a real business model.
Are pre-seed or idea-stage · have a clear problem tied to an SDG · are ready to commit as a founder · want a co-building partner, not just a cheque · can work with a global, remote team.
Solo founders and teams · any country · any sector within the Goals · students, operators, researchers and first-time founders welcome. Working prototype is a plus, not a requirement.
All times are indicative and in your local zone where relevant. Deadlines are firm.
The open call goes live globally. Early applications get earlier feedback.
Ask-us-anything webinars and 1:1 slots to sharpen your application.
Final deadline, 23:59 GMT. No late submissions.
Shortlisted founders meet the Vinculum Labs team and selection panel.
3–5 ventures selected and offered terms.
The six-month embedded build sprint kicks off with the core team.
Simple, fast and human. We assess four things: the problem and its SDG impact, the founder, the idea’s viability, and how well we can help you build it.
A ~30-minute form: you, the problem, your idea, and the impact you’re chasing.
Every application is read against a published rubric — impact, founder, viability, fit.
Shortlisted founders meet the team for a conversation, not an interrogation.
Finalists are chosen by a panel of operators and impact experts.
3–5 ventures receive terms and start the six-month build with Vinculum Labs.
Founders anywhere in the world, at idea or pre-seed stage, working on a venture that advances one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals with a viable business model. Solo founders and teams both welcome.
No. Applying is free, and we never take a fee. If selected, we invest capital and build support in exchange for a minority founding equity stake.
A founder-fair minority stake — you keep clear majority ownership and control. Exact terms are confirmed in writing before any commitment. Any later follow-on investment is a separate, independent decision.
No. This is an idea-to-pre-seed program. A prototype or early traction helps, but conviction, a real problem, and founder readiness matter most.
Yes — the Vinculum Labs core team works with founders remotely, with some in-person touchpoints where possible. You can be based anywhere.
Ventures that validate can be spun out as independent companies. Vinculum Labs and Vinculum LLP may consider follow-on investment, decided independently at that stage.
Tell us about the problem you can’t stop thinking about. It takes about 30 minutes, and there’s no fee.
Prefer to talk first? Register for an info session or email labs@vinculumllp.com.