October has been an important month for the CLARIFAI project as it has taken key steps toward shaping the future of impact investing through artificial intelligence. The team had the opportunity to present the project at two major events: the Kick-Off Meeting in Brussels, organised by the European Commission, and The Gap in Between, held in Valencia.

The Gap in Between in Valencia on October 21st

 The CLARIFAI team joined The Gap in Between, held at La Marina de Valencia. The panel “The Future of Impact: Insights from Leaders in Investment and Innovation” convened leading investors, founders, and ecosystem pioneers to discuss how intentionality, data, and technology are transforming impact investment.

Featuring Christina Figiel (BetterVentures), Juan Fuentes (EBAN), Tom Novotny (Impact Angel), Johan Morales (Zubi), and Venkata Gandikota (InnoFrugal AI for Impact), explored the nuances of aligning financial sustainability with genuine social and environmental outcomes. Speakers emphasised that intentionality and impact must be embedded within the business model, coexisting with financial validity. They noted that not every investor fits every founder, especially in impact investing, where greenwashing risks remain.

The discussion highlighted the importance of proxy metrics, education, employment outcomes, and gender and diversity considerations, including board composition, as key impact levers. The panel also underscored the role of communication and the limitations of single KPIs, while exploring the potential of AI-driven assessment.

During the session, Tom Novotny introduced TAU20, an AI-powered platform designed to make impact assessment more transparent, efficient, and actionable for both startups and investors. Closing remarks highlighted TAU20’s role as a next-generation impact intelligence tool and invited participants to collaborate in shaping the future of responsible, data-driven investment.

Introducing CLARIFAI to the European Innovation Community in Brussels on October 22nd

Shortly after Valencia, the CLARIFAI team participated in the Kick-Off Meeting for projects funded under the ESF-2024-SOC-IMP – Actions to Develop Impact Performance Intelligence Services for the Social Impact Investing Market Actors. The event took place at the Youth Hostel Jacques Brel in Brussels and was organised by the European Commission’s DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).  

Besides networking with sister projects, one of the most engaging moments was the pitch session, where the team presented TAU20 to the jury panel. Projects were distributed between two panels; the session featured Liz Fleming (Chief Ecosystem Officer, South Summit), Cyril Gouiffes (Head of Social Impact – Equity Investments, EIF), Rob Symes (CEO, Fortell), and Claus von Riegen (former Head of Strategy, New Ventures & Technologies, SAP). The team was also able to engage with Giulio Pasi (Call Coordinator), Axel Specker (Project Officer), and Brigitte Fellahi (Head of Unit, DG EMPL).

About CLARIFAI

The CLARIFAI project is developing an AI-powered SaaS platform to enhance decision-making in the impact investment market, particularly for early-stage startups often overlooked by traditional ESG metrics. Through comprehensive market research, stakeholder engagement, and real-world testing, the platform is being designed, prototyped, and refined based on user feedback, with a scalable business model and go-to-market strategy in place. By analysing qualitative impact data with AI, CLARIFAI aims to improve transparency, standardisation, and efficiency in impact investing, helping investors and startups make smarter, faster decisions while reducing impact-washing. As adoption grows, the platform will align with global standards, foster market trust, and drive data-driven innovation, ultimately transforming the sector with scalable tools that enable sustainable, long-term social and economic impact.

About EBAN 

EBAN – European Business Angel Network – is the European association for business angels and other early stage investors. Our mission is to drive successful and responsible early stage investing by providing our members network connections, best practices and representation towards governmental stakeholders. Our association is a network of networks that gathers thousands of professional investors across Europe and the rest of the world.