According to the Social Innovation Monitor (SIM), as of December 2024, Italy has 711 certified startups delivering significant social impact. These operate at the intersection of nonprofit organisations and for-profit enterprises, falling into three main categories: Innovative Startups with a Social Vocation, Benefit Companies, and B Corps.
This represents an 11.1% increase from the 640 companies recorded at the end of 2023. In contrast, the number of other startups fell by 8.4% from 10,052 at the end of 2023.
Startups that officially declare their positive social impact through certifications such as Benefit Corporation or B Corp now make up 7.2% of the total, up markedly from 3.1% in 2020.
These ventures feature higher female involvement, with women holding 22.6% of leadership roles.
On average, social impact startups employ 1.6 people and generate €157,100 in revenue – exceeding the €142,100 average for traditional startups.
A rising number of Italian startups are excelling not only in social and environmental impact but also in economic performance. The Social Innovation Monitor highlights 13 top performers, noted for robust revenue growth, headcount, and funding.
These leaders report average revenues of €8 million, annual growth of 173%, and 22 employees – a 10% rise. They also secure substantial non-debt financing, averaging €4.7 million. Over half (61%) of these top social and environmental impact startups base a key part of their business on software.
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For further details, you can download the full Social Innovation Monitor report (in Italian) at the following link: https://socialinnovationmonitor.com/startup/report-sulle-startup-innovative-a-significativo-impatto-sociale-2025/