Earlier this month, we opened the call for the 12th edition of the Tech for Impact Awards. This was the opportunity for us to look back and build something new while keeping what makes this program unique. We decided to reach out to those who have successfully completed the competition.
What’s the news since they won the Tech for Impact Awards? We went to meet Daniel Dinizo, Co-founder and CEO of Naturloop, who has been granted the Award for Responsible Business sponsored by PWC Switzerland.
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Out of the many other support programs in the ecosystem, why did you apply specifically to the SEIF Tech for Impact Awards?
The SEIF Awards is a great platform for showcasing technological innovation with significant impact. It allowed us to pitch in front of impact investors, and corporate partners. The coverage and promotions we’ve received broadened our network.
Is there any advice you received from the jury and/or corporate partner that you found has helped you in reaching new milestones? Can you tell us more about it?
Since winning the Tech for Impact Award for Responsible Business sponsored by PWC Switzerland, the organization has been helping us tremendously through consulting, and advising in a wide range of topics. From accounting, auditing, generating sales, and defining corporate structure. The knowledge we’ve received proved to be valuable as we get closer to our next investment round.
Can you tell us a bit more about your recent travel to the Philippines and how your learnings from this experience support the development of NaturLoop?
The focus of traveling to Philippines was to refine our supply chain strategy and develop partnerships for building the first Cocoboard® manufacturing facility. By being present on the ground, we were able to personally meet the local team helping us to ensure the social impact of our venture, while securing a stable supply of coconut husks. We also met with coconut processors, and government agencies to discuss the support they could give for establishing the first factory. Overall, the trip made our mission feel more tangible, and the relationships we’ve built solidified.
Would you recommend other impact tech startups to apply for the SEIF Awards? And why?
Yes! Just to be able to present our vision alongside other impressive startups is already an honor. We’ve met incredible people, and it has been inspiring. The feedback we’ve received from the jurors also helped us to see the areas where we could improve, or spend more time thinking about.
PWC Switzerland (…) has been helping us tremendously through consulting, and advising in a wide range of topics. (…) The knowledge we’ve received proved to be valuable as we get closer to our next investment round.