Mark Anderson
The UK startup scene has never been more vibrant, with England playing host to a remarkable array of innovative new companies across every industry. One particularly interesting area is the emerging field of charity tech startups originating in and around 2020. These forward-thinking ventures, headquartered in England, are harnessing technology in inventive ways to create social impact and drive change in society. Let’s take a closer look at these promising startups combining technology and compassion.
Charities have long been a cornerstone of British society, stepping in where government and private sectors cannot or will not act. In the modern era, however, charities have the potential to be more than just passive recipients of donations. Armed with technology, they can become proactive agents of change, leveraging digital platforms and applications to streamline their operations and maximise their impact. From virtual volunteering to fintech solutions and blockchain-based projects, there’s an incredibly wide range of startups operating in this space.
One additional factor that sets these startups apart is their unwavering emphasis on ethical practices. Whether it’s about maximising the percentage of every donation that goes to support a good cause, ensuring donor transparency, or undertaking initiatives with sustainable and long-term impacts, these startups provide a blueprint for doing good in a digitally interconnected world. Here are some stellar examples:
DonatePal
Founded in 2020, London-based DonatePal is part of the new breed of online fundraising platforms. The online portal connects people who want to make a difference with charities that perform the necessary work on the ground. Despite being relatively new, DonatePal has already garnered a significant online presence, as can be seen on their Facebook and LinkedIn pages, and via their Twitter handle @donatepalapp.
vHelp
Fintech application vHelp, co-founded by Patricia Salume, and Randa Bennett simplifies the reimbursement process for charities and voluntary groups. Based in London, the startup provides an effective tool for volunteers, staff, and service users, improving expense processing and providing a complete audit trail for all transactions. Learn more about vHelp workings by keeping up with their social media posts on Facebook, LinkedIn, or @vhelp1 Twitter.
iDEA
London startup iDEA is leveraging e-learning to make a difference. While further information on the startup is currently sparse, keeping an eye on their Facebook, LinkedIn, and @idea_award Twitter may yield more insight.
Rhodium Creative
Rhodium Creative, co-founded by Dan Ridge, stands at the intersection of marketing and charity. This London-based company provides marketing and advertising solutions to purposeful organizations, blending digital innovation with strategies to fuel meaningful initiatives. The Rhodium story can be further explored through their LinkedIn and @RhodiumCreative Twitter accounts.
Serendipity App
Co-founded by Jonathan Frank and Jorge Higueras, the Serendipity App is reshaping the charity giving user experience. Filled with features, this mobile-native product integrates fintech with a range of social features. More insights into how Serendipity works can be gleaned from their Facebook and LinkedIn posts.
MUNCH Project
Yet another London-based startup, MUNCH Project, combines charity with cryptocurrency. Keep an eye on this one via their Facebook, LinkedIn, or by checking out their tweets at @munchtoken.
Help
Help, co-founded by Thomas Egger, is a grant-making foundation supporting initiatives in education, world health and population, and community giving. Check the website to learn more, or follow their social activities through Facebook, LinkedIn, or @HelpINT on Twitter.
QS World Merit
Finally, QS World Merit is part of the charity and non-profit movement making waves in London. Again, while more specifics are currently lacking, their online presence via Facebook and LinkedIn shares important updates about this dynamic startup.
In conclusion, the UK startup scene is flourishing, particularly with regard to innovative ventures embracing technology to create social impact. The blend of technology and charity is inspiring, proving that startups can do more than provide products or services – they can also make the world a better place.
