Unreasonable Impact, a collaboration between Barclays and Unreasonable Group, has announced the new cohort of ventures for its 2025 UK & Europe programme. This initiative, active since 2016, supports growth-stage businesses through mentoring and networking.
The 14 selected companies are involved in areas such as biodiversity monitoring, sustainable materials, and energy efficiency. They have collectively raised over $350 million in funding. Notable participants include Material Evolution, Onego Bio, and Orbital Marine Power.
Material Evolution focuses on low-carbon cement alternatives using AI-driven technology. "Liz Gilligan, co-founder and CEO," leads the company with her expertise in sustainable concrete. Onego Bio produces animal-free egg protein via precision fermentation. "CEO Maija Itkonen" aims to disrupt the egg market with sustainable solutions. Orbital Marine Power develops floating tidal turbines for low-carbon electricity generation under the guidance of "CEO Andrew Scott."
Half of this year's cohort is female-led or founded by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. These companies generated $46 million in revenue in 2024.
Participants will engage with mentors and industry experts to address scaling challenges during a week-long residency that includes masterclasses and investor sessions. Post-programme support continues with access to advice from over 1,500 mentors and connections to more than 2,000 investors.
Barclays and Unreasonable believe high-growth entrepreneurs can tackle global sustainability challenges while creating future jobs. Since its inception, Unreasonable Impact has supported over 340 companies that employ more than 31,000 people and have raised over $14 billion.
"Daniel Epstein," CEO of Unreasonable Group, stated: “At Unreasonable, we believe that solving global challenges requires not just breakthrough ideas but the right ecosystem of support." "Deborah Goldfarb," Global Head of Citizenship at Barclays, commented: "Barclays is providing expertise to nurture some of the most innovative businesses of our time."
"Katharina Unger," CEO of LIVIN Farms, expressed excitement about joining the programme: “Joining Unreasonable Impact UK & Europe is an exciting opportunity for LIVIN farms.”
The ventures span seven headquarters across more than 30 countries and collectively employ 588 people. They report preventing the release of 111 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions due to their products and services.
The programme runs three regional events annually across different continents. The next one after the UK & Europe programme will be held in Malaysia in May 2025.