Helping to tackle the world’s problems
A textile company transforming trash into thread and a venture employing a wind system that generates high-voltage energy without turbines are amongst projects being supported to tackle societal and environmental problems.
The second in our series of accelerator programmes is being launched in New York to support entrepreneurs create a significant number of jobs in the green economy.
The accelerators are part of a new partnership announced in September between Barclays and the Unreasonable Group, a leading platform for entrepreneurs solving global challenges with highly-scalable models.
By supporting ventures that have scalable solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges with our resources and mentorship, we will not only help to address significant societal and environmental issues, but will also facilitate creating the jobs of tomorrow.
CEO of Barclays Americas and Global Head of Capital Markets
The accelerators focus on scaling up entrepreneurial solutions to pressing societal and environmental problems that have the potential to employ thousands of people worldwide. Each participating venture is committed to creating 500 plus jobs in the green economy within the next five years.
Entrepreneurs attending the US programme range from Thread, a textile company that transforms trash into thread, to Accio Energy, a venture employing a wind system that generates high-voltage energy without turbines.
During the two-week programme, entrepreneurs will receive mentorship from business experts and serial entrepreneurs. These include Hunter Lovins, President of Natural Capital Solutions and Time Magazine Hero of the Planet for 2009, Tom Chi, co-founder of Google Glass and Google’s self-driving car, and Steven Berkenfeld, Managing Director at Barclays.
Joe McGrath, CEO of Barclays Americas and Global Head of Capital Markets said: “Scale-ups are fundamental in driving economic growth. It’s an honour to partner with Unreasonable to create an accelerator programme in the US to help alleviate unemployment and grow the green economy. By supporting ventures that have scalable solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges with our resources and mentorship, we will not only help to address significant societal and environmental issues, but will also facilitate creating the jobs of tomorrow.”
Watch highlights from October’s UK Accelerator