Social Nest Foundation

What Social Nest Foundation does

Social Nest Foundation (legal name: NEST SOCIAL FOUNDATION) is a Spanish nonprofit foundation established in 2010 and headquartered in Valencia, with a secondary office opened in Madrid in 2025. It operates as a multi-sided impact-ecosystem platform that connects four stakeholder groups — impact-driven startups, corporates, impact investors, and public institutions — through a portfolio of acceleration programs (Raise X Impact, Green X, Jump Startup), open-innovation programs co-developed with corporates (Horizonte Rural with COVAP and Central Lechera Asturiana), annual convening events (The Gap in Between, Impact Week Bilbao, Fi Impact Investing Forum), and an impact-investing ecosystem program that curates deal flow for investors such as Zubi Labs, Alphamundi, and Triodos. The foundation's flagship annual gathering, The Gap in Between, scaled from its first edition in 2023 to 1,000+ attendees from 78 countries in 2024, with €2M+ raised collectively by the first-edition winners. It is also a SpainNAB board participant (the Spanish arm of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment) and a partner of global organizations including GIIN, Ashoka, GSG, 4YFN/MWC, EIT Food, and Unicef Spain.

The foundation's revenue mechanics are diversified across three streams: public grants and subsidies (EU HORIZON-CSA funding of €37,812.50 in 2023 and a €52,212 grant from Spain's Ministerio de Trabajo y Economía Social in 2025), corporate partnership and sponsorship (Caixa Popular, Danone, Repsol, Triodos, Iberia, L'Oréal, COVAP, CAPSA, DKV), and program/event fees. Distribution is primarily community-led and event-driven, with marketing conducted via LinkedIn, Instagram, a newsletter, and a resources portal (resources.socialnest.org). It is not a technology product company — there is no proprietary platform architecture, no API/SDK, and no AI/ML capability — and operates with a small team (1-10 employees) led by founder and President Margarita Albors and CEO Marta del Castillo.

Name

Social Nest Foundation

Legal name

NEST SOCIAL FOUNDATION

Website

https://socialnest.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Social Nest Foundation is a Spanish nonprofit impact-ecosystem platform that connects impact-driven startups, corporates, investors, and governments through acceleration programs, open-innovation initiatives, and flagship annual events such as The Gap in Between, operating from Valencia and Madrid since 2010.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Impact Ecosystem Platform

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Impact Investment & Social Finance Programs (BPADAOAJ), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

Keywords

• Impact ecosystem platform
• Social entrepreneurship programs
• Startup acceleration services
• Corporate open innovation
• Impact investing convening

Headquarters

HQ city

Valencia

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public grants and subsidies: Social Nest Foundation receives public funding from European Union programs (e.g., HORIZON-EIE-2022-CONNECT-01, HORIZON-CSA Innonexus project) and Spanish government ministries (Ministerio de Trabajo y Economía Social, plan integral de impulso a la economía social). Funding is tied to specific projects such as the innovation scouting platform.
2. Program and event fees: The foundation generates revenue through program participation fees, event ticketing, and sponsorship from corporate and institutional partners for initiatives such as The Gap in Between, Horizonte Rural, Raise X Impact, Green X, and the 4YFN Impact Programme.
3. Partnership and sponsorship: Corporate partners and institutions sponsor and co-develop programs with the foundation, contributing financial and in-kind support in exchange for access to the impact ecosystem, startup deal flow, and visibility.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Social Nest Foundation is a nonprofit impact ecosystem platform that designs and runs acceleration programs, open innovation challenges, and convening events to connect impact-driven startups with corporations, governments, and investors. Its portfolio includes Corporate Programs, Startup Programs (Raise X Impact, Green X, Horizonte Rural), the Impact Investing Ecosystem, Tech X Impact, and the flagship annual gathering The Gap in Between, complemented by the Fi Impact Investing Forum and a Resources Center.

Product overview

Social Nest Foundation operates as a global platform providing the resources, opportunities, and tailored guidance that entrepreneurs, corporates, governments, and investors need to create solutions to social and environmental challenges. The organization offers a portfolio of interconnected programs: Corporate Programs and Startup Programs facilitate open innovation between large organizations and impact ventures; The Gap In Between serves as the flagship annual event for systemic change; Impact Investing Ecosystem connects investors with quality dealflow; Raise X Impact and Green X provide acceleration pathways; Horizonte Rural addresses agricultural sector innovation; and the Resources Center and Transparency Portal support knowledge sharing and accountability. The platform functions as a multi-sided market connecting diverse stakeholders in the impact economy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Gap in Between: Annual gathering event bringing together impact startups, corporations, investors, governments and civil society to address systemic challenges facing society.

Products and services

• The Gap in Between Annual flagship gathering that brings together impact startups, corporations, investors, governments, and civil society to co-create solutions to society's most pressing systemic challenges, featuring a Startup Challenge with a 10,000 euro prize to the winning startup.
• Corporate Programs Innovation programs that help corporations resolve impact and sustainability challenges, access startup networks, validate products, and implement sustainable solutions with expert mentorship and co-creation with impact startups.
• Startup Programs Acceleration programs connecting impact startups with corporations to solve sustainability challenges, providing mentorship, funding opportunities through corporate venturing, and project collaboration with purpose.
• Impact Investing Ecosystem Programs connecting investors with quality deal flow, information access, and investment opportunities in impact-driven enterprises worldwide, including the Fi Impact Investing Forum.
• Tech X Impact Initiatives focused on leveraging technology to drive social and environmental impact solutions, connecting tech innovators with impact opportunities.
• Raise X Impact 5-week acceleration program helping impact startups prepare for their first investment round through expert training in business models, investment processes, finance, social impact mediation, legal aspects, and pitch development.
• Green X Program providing green entrepreneurs in the Valencian Community with training in idea validation, product development, market fit, technology, finance, legal aspects, change theory, leadership, and pitching.
• Horizonte Rural Open innovation program addressing challenges in the livestock sector including technological optimization, environmental sustainability, and generational renewal, with pilot project funding up to €10,000.
• Fi Impact Investing Forum Annual investment forum connecting impact investing leaders from Spain and Latin America to promote capital mobilization toward impact-driven enterprises.
• 4YFN Impact Programme Programme organized in partnership with 4YFN (MWC Barcelona), featuring an Impact Summit and 4YFN Impact Awards to showcase digital startups with positive impact within the broader Mobile World Congress ecosystem.
• Transparency Portal Public transparency platform disclosing funding sources including EU grants (Innonexus HORIZON project €37,812.50 in 2023) and government aid from Spain's Ministry of Labour and Social Economy (€52,212 in 2025).
• Resources Center Digital library containing reports, case studies, and videos on impact entrepreneurship including reports on scalable social business models, financial innovation for impact enterprises, and success stories of impact companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Winners of The Gap in Between first edition raised over €2 million in total financing following participation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• US Embassy in SpaincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe US Embassy in Spain partnered with Social Nest Foundation on the Jump Startup program (2020) to mentor startups from the Valencian Community with international growth potential and connect them with the US entrepreneurial ecosystem, culminating in participation in the SelectUSA Summit in Washington DC.
• TechstarscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechstars served as a collaborative partner in the Jump Startup program, providing mentorship and connections to the US startup ecosystem alongside the US Embassy and Social Nest Foundation.
• Caixa PopularcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCaixa Popular co-launched the Green X program with Social Nest Foundation to support green entrepreneurs in the Valencian Community, providing a 2,000 euro prize to the best initiative. Also a supporter of The Gap in Between and Valencia Startup Week.
• Open Value FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpen Value Foundation collaborated with Social Nest Foundation on the Fi Impact Investing Forum, serving as a co-organizer and bringing its network of impact investors to the event.
• Zubi Group / Zubi LabscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZubi Group and its venture builder Zubi Labs are key ecosystem partners, providing mentorship, investment, and collaboration across multiple programs including Raise X Impact, The Gap in Between, Valencia Startup Week, and ecosystem visits. Founder Iker Marcaide serves as a mentor and thought leader.
• SpainNAB (Consejo Asesor para la Inversión de Impacto)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial Nest Foundation (represented by Margarita Albors) participates in the SpainNAB board as a vocal member. SpainNAB is the National Advisory Board for Impact Investment in Spain, affiliated with the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG), working to unite market actors and build a community committed to impact investment in Spain.
• Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGSG is the principal global platform for impact investment, chaired by Sir Ronald Cohen. Social Nest Foundation participates through SpainNAB and directly through events featuring GSG leadership as speakers. Spain joined GSG in June 2019.
• Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGIIN is a key ecosystem partner referenced as part of the Fi Impact Investing Forum collaboration network. CEO Amit Bouri participated in Fi20 as a speaker.
• AshokacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAshoka, a global leader in social entrepreneurship, is a partner of The Gap in Between and participated in multiple programs. Head of Partnerships Ana Dubóis spoke at the 2024 edition. Ashoka was also a supporter of the first edition.
• WayraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWayra (Telefónica's open innovation hub) is listed as a supporter of The Gap in Between, contributing to the event ecosystem.
• Fundación ONCEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFundación ONCE is a key partner supporting The Gap in Between and broader impact ecosystem activities, contributing expertise in social inclusion and accessibility.
• COVAPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOVAP (Sociedad Cooperativa Andaluza Ganadera del Valle de los Pedroches) partnered with Central Lechera Asturiana and Social Nest Foundation to launch Horizonte Rural, an open innovation program for the dairy/livestock sector addressing technological optimization, environmental sustainability, and generational renewal.
• Central Lechera Asturiana (CAPSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral Lechera Asturiana co-launched Horizonte Rural open innovation program with COVAP and Social Nest Foundation, seeking technology and sustainability solutions for the dairy sector.
• Generalitat ValencianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe regional government of Valencia is an institutional supporter of The Gap in Between and collaborator on impact investing ecosystem initiatives, including co-funding reports on financial innovation models for impact enterprises.
• Valencia City Council (Ayuntamiento de Valencia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerValencia City Council supports The Gap in Between through Valencia Innovation Capital and actively participates in ecosystem development initiatives. Councillor Paula Llobet opened the 2024 edition.
• Valencia Provincial Council (Diputación de Valencia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe provincial council is an institutional supporter of The Gap in Between and contributes to the broader impact ecosystem development in the Valencia region.
• IberiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIberia Airlines is listed as a supporter of The Gap in Between, providing airline support for the event.
• L'Oréal GroupeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerL'Oréal Groupe is listed as a supporter of The Gap in Between 2024.
• EIT FoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEIT Food, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology's food innovation initiative, supports The Gap in Between and related ecosystem activities.
• Unicef SpainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnicef Spain is listed as a supporter of The Gap in Between.
• Danone (via Danone Communities)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanone (via Danone Communities and its Scale the Impact accelerator with Social Nest Foundation) collaborates on programs supporting nature-based solutions and regenerative food systems. General Manager Valerie Mazon spoke at The Gap in Between 2024.
• Triodos BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTriodos Bank (via Adam Kybird, Fund Manager of Triodos Food Transition Fund) participates in The Gap in Between as a speaker, contributing expertise on food system transition and impact finance.
• GSMA / 4YFNcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner4YFN (Four Years From Now), the startup-focused program of MWC Barcelona, partnered with Social Nest Foundation to launch the 4YFN Impact Programme, including the Impact Summit and 4YFN Impact Awards, in 2021.
• Elea FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElea Foundation co-organized the Fi Gathering Zurich (April 2024) with Social Nest Foundation, examining nature as a social and financial asset.
• Casa do Impacto (Lisbon, Portugal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial Nest organized the visit of Casa do Impacto (Portugal's leading triple-impact entrepreneurship entity) to Valencia, facilitating connections with the local ecosystem and exploring collaborative actions between the Portuguese and Spanish impact ecosystems.
• EOI (Escuela de Organización Industrial)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEOI is listed as a supporter of The Gap in Between.
• DKVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDKV is listed as a partner/supporter of Social Nest Foundation's ecosystem activities.
• RepsolminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRepsol is listed as a partner/supporter of Social Nest Foundation's ecosystem activities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Impact Hub: Global network of impact-focused coworking spaces, accelerators, and incubation programs for social entrepreneurs. Directly comparable as both are multi-sided platforms connecting startups, corporates, and investors in the impact economy, with similar event-driven GTM and ecosystem convening role.
• Open Value Foundation: Impact-investing focused foundation co-organizing the Fi Impact Investing Forum with Social Nest. Directly comparable as a private foundation driving impact capital mobilization in Europe and Latin America, with overlapping programmatic focus.
• B Lab Spain: Spanish arm of the global B Corp certification movement, supporting purpose-driven businesses through certification and ecosystem programs. Comparable to Social Nest in serving impact-driven companies in Spain with corporate partnership models, though B Lab focuses on certification rather than acceleration.
• Casa do Impacto: Portugal's leading triple-impact entrepreneurship hub, providing incubation, acceleration, and ecosystem convening for impact startups. Directly comparable to Social Nest as a national-level impact platform; the two organizations have an active cross-border partnership, underscoring their peer status.

Broad incumbents

• Ashoka: Global nonprofit network supporting leading social entrepreneurs; directly comparable to Social Nest as both operate as social entrepreneurship platforms with fellowship programs, ecosystem convening, and partnerships across impact investors and corporates. Ashoka is significantly larger and global; Social Nest is a regional European operator with overlapping mission.
• Impact Europe (formerly EVPA): European industry association for venture philanthropy and impact investing with hundreds of member organizations. Comparable as a larger, established impact ecosystem convener in Europe, with similar event programming and corporate/investor partnership focus.

Emerging players

• Wayra (Telefónica): Telefónica's corporate open innovation hub and accelerator, investing in and supporting early-stage startups globally. Comparable as both run corporate-linked startup programs and ecosystem events, though Wayra focuses on telecom/tech while Social Nest focuses on impact.
• 4YFN (GSMA): Startup-focused program of MWC Barcelona connecting founders, investors, and corporates. Comparable as Social Nest co-organized the 4YFN Impact Programme; both run tech/startup events with corporate sponsorship, though 4YFN focuses broadly while Social Nest focuses on impact.

Others

• Toniic: Global network of impact investors (family offices, foundations, individuals) facilitating peer learning and deal flow in impact investing. Listed as a Social Nest partner; comparable as an ecosystem connector for impact capital flows, with overlapping investor engagement.
• SpainNAB (Consejo Asesor para la Inversión de Impacto): Spain's National Advisory Board for Impact Investment affiliated with the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG). Comparable as a peer ecosystem actor where Social Nest's founder holds a board seat; both organizations promote impact investing in Spain and Latin America.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/socialnest_org
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC53opNM8r0UW5LgJBBJny2A
• Facebookfacebook.com/Socialnest
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/socialnest
• Instagraminstagram.com/socialnest_org

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Social Nest Foundation