https://maze-impact.com/Explore the latest stories of impact and innovation.https://assets.super.so/8e9223c8-0c62-426b-96d7-6e17acc52b07/uploads/favicon/44a26880-a631-422b-bdef-3b606024494e.pngSuper2026-06-24T19:29:01.763ZMafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/read-our-2025-impact-report2026-06-23T07:43:43.472Z2026-06-24T15:48:00.860Z

How a small chat between junior investors became a 155-member impact VC community, and what it taught about patience, trust, and collaboration.

Alice Segrehttps://maze-impact.com/stories/how-a-small-chat-between-junior-investors-became-a-155-member-impact-vc-community2025-10-14T10:30:03.615Z2026-05-07T16:52:08.033Z

Insights from The Drop in Malmö and Impact Week Barcelona on deep tech, impact investing, and patient capital. Reflections on Physical AI, biomanufacturing, and how maze impact backs early innovation.

Alice Segrehttps://maze-impact.com/stories/6-lessons-on-building-deep-tech-that-lasts-reflections-from-malmo-to-barcelona2025-10-14T08:51:30.902Z2025-10-20T11:19:56.015Z

Through the lens of our team rituals — from Sharing O’Clock to Team Retreats — we explore how rituals can anchor a culture in times of constant change, strengthen trust and creativity, and remind us that how we do things can matter just as much as what we do.

Margaridahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/rituals-as-culture-amplifiers-or-that-time-francisca-and-i-won-a-lip-sync-battle2025-09-03T12:18:53.485Z2026-06-24T15:54:08.645Z

In a context of growing scarcity of public resources and new priorities such as investment in defence, it is clear that Portugal’s true social sustainability will increasingly depend on the role of the social sector and private funding. Traditional philanthropy will remain essential, but it must be complemented by impact investment mechanisms that bring efficiency, scale and long-term commitment. Strengthening the social economy, supporting organisations working on the ground, and encouraging funders to adopt clear and focused strategies are crucial steps to ensure that fundamental rights such as healthcare, education, housing and dignified ageing are not compromised.

Rita Casimirohttps://maze-impact.com/stories/the-role-of-private-initiative-in-portugals-future2025-09-03T09:22:36.473Z2025-12-03T17:36:02.090Z

Through Jorge Costa’s story, we will explore how the lack of affordable housing is both a barrier to solutions and a driver of the problem, and why we need urgent, practical action.

Francisco Cardoso da Costahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/housing-first-but-first-housing2025-07-30T00:34:03.232Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.649Z

How science and deeptech can unlock impact at scale — and why intentionality, accountability, and early-stage capital are key to doing it right.

Sofia Queirozhttps://maze-impact.com/stories/how-deeptech-has-been-a-long-time-friend-of-impact2025-07-07T15:22:10.567Z2025-09-05T10:06:43.562ZJulian McNamarahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/treating-founders-like-clients2024-11-13T08:32:03.033Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.583Z

Sustainability reporting is entering a new phase. Pressure to comply may soften, but stakeholder expectations continue to rise. This is a chance for companies to take ownership of their narrative and report with intention. Those who keep showing up clearly, consistently and voluntarily, will stand out, raising the bar for everyone else.

Rita Farohttps://maze-impact.com/stories/still-here-the-time-to-take-ownership-of-sustainability-reporting2025-04-11T15:44:23.392Z2025-11-12T16:13:53.971Z

We are launching a social housing fund in Lisbon to address homelessness and defend the right of every person to have a place where life can unfold with dignity. A space to keep a toothbrush, shoes by the door, and enjoy silence and peace. A space to get back up and become whoever they want to be.

Rodrigohttps://maze-impact.com/stories/why-are-we-launching-a-social-housing-fund-for-homelessness-in-lisbon2025-03-27T11:09:47.003Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.629Z

Maze started eleven years ago. If there is a constant in our journey of building a pan-European impact investment firm, it’s the ability to learn from our actions.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/investing-earlier-leaner-deeper-and-smaller2024-10-29T10:16:53.200Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.549Z

At 4YFN 2025, Alice saw Europe’s deep tech ecosystem at its best: ambitious, mission-driven, and refreshingly grounded. From space-enabled healthcare to impact-driven VC communities and a strong focus on sustainability and inclusion, the conference proved that innovation isn't just about what’s next, it’s about what truly matters.

Alice Segrehttps://maze-impact.com/stories/from-space-to-health-exploring-deep-tech-innovations-at-4yfn-20252025-03-27T09:35:22.240Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.630Z

A letter from our partners — A year marked by our collective quest for better answers

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/our-2024-impact-report-is-here2025-02-28T10:08:49.699Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.622Z

We’re thrilled to announce the renewal of our B Corp certification, marking an important milestone in our journey toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future. This recertification reaffirms our dedication to impact and highlights the progress we’ve made as a company that puts people and the planet first.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/b-corp-recertification2025-01-24T16:13:20.283Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.609Z

Learn from the creation of MATCH, a platform designed to bridge the gap between impact startups and mainstream businesses. This blog delves into the lessons learned while building MATCH, from tackling challenges in connecting impact ventures with commercial partners to overcoming obstacles in user conversion. Whether you're a startup founder or part of an impact-driven project, discover how to scale and engage with larger industry players.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/lessons-from-building-match2023-05-31T15:19:34.697Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.822Z

Discover the challenges and solutions shaping the future of Europe's energy grid. Explore the rise of renewable energy, electrification, demand response, and energy storage as we work towards a decarbonised, flexible, and resilient power system.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/the-inflexibility-of-energy-flexibility2024-10-31T11:54:07.228Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.555Z

The Impact Flock gathered around 40 impact venture capital fund managers from all over Europe, most of which have been investing for over a decade. As I reflect on the insightful discussions and debates that were held during the event, here are my four main take-aways.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/reflecting-on-incentive-structures-for-impact-notes-from-the-latest-impact-flock-gathering2024-11-20T10:23:24.314Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.588Z

On October 10th, maze turned 11! To celebrate our journey, we hosted a day filled with events that brought together our community, from founders and investors to maze x partners and holders. It was a chance to reflect on the milestones we’ve reached, share insights, and celebrate the people who make maze what it is today and honouring the ones who came before.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/we-turned-eleven-years-old2024-11-06T21:20:35.055Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.567Z

At Casa do Impacto, we at maze were thrilled to host a conversation on the transformative power of partnerships between mainstream businesses and impact enterprises, showcasing the MATCH platform—a collaborative effort we co-developed with Casa do Impacto, Startup Norway, B Lab Europe, and Saint Brand.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/match-the-new-platform-for-partnerships-between-mainstream-businesses-and-impact-enterprises2024-11-06T11:05:35.111Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.582Z

The days are long, but the years are short, it is said about parenting. Nurturing an organisation is not much different - as we look back, we learn that legacy is not about the point of destination but rather the path taken. Read our latest impact report.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories-database/our-latest-impact-report2025-03-11T17:16:45.419Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.628Z

A fireside chat with entrepreneur Rui Bento, highlighting his journey from Uber to founding Kitch and his current venture in electrifying two-wheelers.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/from-uber-to-impact-a-fireside-chat-with-rui-bento-by-maze-and-endeavor2024-09-23T17:46:20.128Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.535Z

Alternative financing options for impact-driven startups include crowd revenue-based financing, traditional revenue-based financing, and crowdlending. These models offer flexibility and allow founders to retain control while scaling their businesses. Key players like We Do Good, Brainforest, and GoParity provide tailored support, emphasising the importance of understanding cash flow needs and building relationships with investors to align funding strategies with business goals.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/alternative-financing-options-with-we-do-good-brainforest-and-goparity2024-10-23T14:53:31.492Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.543Z

For a year, in partnership with Appy People, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and the Maternity Hospital Lucrécia Paim, maze’s team has been conducting feasibility work on funding a maternal health intervention in Angola - Monami - through outcomes-based commissioning (OBC) [i] to improve and scale Monami's intervention and therefore contribute to better maternal health outcomes in Angola.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/learnings-from-the-monami-feasibility-study2024-07-24T12:27:52.010Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.670Z

ESG can be misunderstood as an adversary to business growth and profitability. However, this perception is far from accurate. Embracing ESG principles can be a powerful driver of business success, fueling profitability and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders in the long run. Mitigating risks and strengthening stakeholder ties are just a few examples of how running a business responsibly can be a strategic advantage. It’s Blackrock research who says it: during the Covid-19 pandemic, sustainable indices outperformed their parent benchmark⁍. ESG is not the enemy; instead, it's a business's ally in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

Rita Farohttps://maze-impact.com/stories/making-csrd-your-business-ally2024-05-10T16:06:06.074Z2025-11-18T17:40:16.850Z

Outcomes-based commissioning (OBC) emerges as a viable solution for addressing social and environmental issues. OBC is a contractual mechanism that ties service provider payments to achieving specific social and environmental outcomes, shifting the focus from activities to results.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/outcomes-based-commissioning-has-come-to-stay2024-04-02T08:50:23.746Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.798Z

At maze, we believe that our most valuable investment lies in our team. Our team comprises individuals dedicated to making a difference, contributing to something bigger than themselves, and ultimately being the drivers of a positive impact on people and the planet.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/maria-e-francisca-from-interns-to-analysts2024-03-18T10:15:56.059Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.647Z

A sneak peek into the MSM investment process — what founders can expect from us

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/msm-investment-process2024-03-19T13:33:11.727Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.736Z

Dive into the world of Blue Bio Value, growth programmes fostering blue biotechnology startups and R&D projects for a sustainable economy based on our ocean's resources. Explore impactful initiatives for both acceleration and ideation programmes and join the movement towards a prosperous future for our planet and society.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/blue-bio-value-explained-scaling-blue-biotech-solutions2024-02-27T15:12:28.354Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.688Z

Meet the 107 ventures shaping the space where education merges with state-of-the-art technology, paving the way for innovations that promise significant financial dividends and foster profound societal advancements.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/107-edtech-startups-mapped2023-12-04T16:19:01.895Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.694Z

In this article, join us in navigating the landscape of Age Tech as we map out the up-and-coming startups, suggest industry segmentation, and reveal key trends, like disruptive health services and the rise of home-based care.

Mafaldahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/118-age-tech-startups-mapped2023-11-21T11:15:19.405Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.616Z

Explore the integration of impact-driven product development with the Impact Management Project (IMP) framework, focusing on sustainable solutions for social and environmental challenges. Learn how impactful products drive profit while benefiting stakeholders and the planet, enhancing user experiences and promoting long-term sustainability.

Gonçalo Salgadohttps://maze-impact.com/stories/does-impact-design-better-products2023-08-24T13:52:04.868Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.700Z

Learn how a data-driven approach revolutionises venture capital sourcing, focusing on high-quality impact opportunities. Learn how MSM's investment funnel structure evolved through strategic analysis, emphasizing relationship-building with co-investors and portfolio companies.

Gonçalo Salgadohttps://maze-impact.com/stories/our-data-driven-approach-to-vc2023-08-24T13:59:58.497Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.859Z

To test this hypothesis, we setup an empirical study to test if diligence — in the form of founder reporting — equates to performance. In short, based on our portfolio, we found out that diligent, timely and high-quality reporting is a trait of high-performing venture teams.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/does-founder-reporting-predict-venture-performance2023-06-04T17:05:08.670Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.889Z

Getting a go-to-market strategy right is key for all founders. With this article, I aim to reinforce six important aspects before crafting one. By doing so, I hope to support impact founders in adjusting their initial steps to fulfil their impact ambition.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/6-steps-to-build-your-go-to-market-strategy2023-06-04T16:17:32.638Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.724Z

We are proudly an impact venture capital fund at our core. For us, incentives matter a lot and we have designed our remuneration mechanism as fund managers accordingly, by placing equal incentives on both the financial and impact performance of our portfolio.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/putting-money-where-your-mouth-is-impact-incentives-for-fund-managers2023-06-04T16:45:47.347Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.867Z

The Agenda for impact 2030 is a national strategy that sets 5 measurable objectives and 14 recommendations to grow the Portuguese social innovation and impact investment ecosystem.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/agenda-for-impact-2030-how-portugal-developed-social-innovation-and-plans-to-remain-the-european-leading-example2023-04-18T11:31:46.770Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.641Z

A startup pilot program is when a corporation decides to test internally an innovative solution created by a startup for a business challenge they are facing. Generally, startup pilot programmes happen in the context of a startup acceleration programme or in partnership with innovation departments of the corporation itself.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/running-a-startup-pilot2023-06-04T16:12:22.083Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.657Z

As Head of Platform at maze, a European impact investing firm based in Lisbon, we have been applying a product mindset to test our platform initiatives at our venture capital (VC) fund (MSM) and scale our impact.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/how-to-apply-a-product-mindset2023-06-04T16:01:24.537Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.809Z

This article is the second of two posts for VC platform managers and investors, explaining how we have built a platform to help deliver global social and environmental outcomes.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/how-we-built-a-vc-platform-to-serve-impact-founders-across-europe-part-22023-05-25T15:00:31.612Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.750Z

This article is the first of two posts for VC platform managers and investors, explaining how we are building a platform to deliver bolder social and environmental outcomes.

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/how-we-built-a-vc-platform-to-serve-impact-founders-across-europe-part-12023-04-18T11:31:46.770Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.853Z

What is maze?

Cristina Almeidahttps://maze-impact.com/stories/our-8-year-impact-report2023-04-18T11:31:46.771Z2025-09-03T09:22:11.778Z