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Are you ready to scale your impact?

What we are looking for

100x is looking for the next generation of social unicorns - organisations affecting positive change on the scale of billions. We are looking for radical thinkers, the visionaries and the entrepreneurs who crave a new, better world.

Eligibility

We also consider

  • Impact achieved to date that has reached at least 50,000 end-users (B2C) or indirectly impacted at least 500,000 people (via B2B or B2G channels), with clear evidence of delivery and uptake
  • If you're operating with a team of 4 or more full-time paid employees
  • If you've raised at least USD 250,000 in capital from any source
  • You have established partnerships supporting scale - with government, NGOs, multilateral organisations, or commercial distributors that support scale or systems integration

Selection Criteria

100x is looking for the next generation of social unicorns - organisations affecting positive change on the scale of billions. Our selection process is rooted in a holistic evaluation of both the people and the model. Here are the key criteria we consider:

Addressable Impact

Identified and evidenced impact opportunity that is sizeable and can create system-level change

Established proof-of concept

Developed and delivered a model with evidence to suggest it is the ‘right solution'

Outstanding Leadership

We want to back social entrepreneurs who demonstrate grit, potential for growth and ambition for the future

High Velocity of Change

Growing traction and there is a sense of solution being on the precipice for explosive growth

Distinctiveness of Solution

A model that is compelling and bold

Cohort Fit

Alignment with our programme offerings, cohesiveness across the portfolio, and willingness to be an ambassador for 100x

Through these criteria, we aim to select ventures that not only have innovative solutions but also leaders deeply committed to driving positive social and environmental change. We value proximity to communities, inclusive approaches, and the capacity to affect systematic transformation.

Not required

  • We aim to have 70% of our portfolio to come from emerging markets and value applications where founders and/or senior team members be based in the region the organisation operates in
  • We want to back organisations that are female-led, have considered gender in their product or service designs, and reflect a global market of leaders

What to expect

Online application and review

Our Round 1 application window is open for 6 weeks. But we encourage ventures to apply as soon as possible. 

After each application is received, it is carefully reviewed by our team. Based on our appraisal, we select up to 70 teams to move to the next stage. Those who won't have made it through will be notified in December 2025. 

Initial interview and Round 2

Based on the initial application teams will be selected to move forward into Round 2 of the application process, where a more detailed question form will need to be completed. Interviews will also be arranged via email—this is usually a short online conversation (20 minutes) with the founders or senior leaders of the venture to understand more about you as individuals, your solution and your plans for the future.

 

Detailed due diligence

Afterwards, teams will be selected to move forward into the due diligence phase of our application process. At this point, each of the team will need to decide whether they want to increase the amount of time and resource dedicated to the application process significantly.

We review the responses diligently and hold more in-depth conversations with teams (alongside our due diligence partner) should we have more queries about your application. This usually takes 2-3 hours of online conversation with follow-up supply on specific areas we need to further our understanding in. For the current application cycle, the due diligence process will happen between February and May 2026.

Cohort selection

We have an independent selection committee that reviews and makes the ultimate selection decision for each cohort. The outcome will be communicated to you in July 2026.

If your application for the cohort is unsuccessful, you're welcome to apply for future cohorts.

Programme starting

You will be connected to our Programme team if invited to join our cohort, who will onboard you to the programme. There will be two programmes for the 2026/27 Cohort; the Autumn Programme-starting in September 2026 and the Spring Programme starting in Feb 2027. We will communicate in good time to let you know which programme you belong to. This will allow time for you to plan and complete logistical details as the first week of the programme is usually held in-person at the London School of Economics (where our office is based).

Frequently asked questions

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Impact Areas