Enviu: Starting World Changing Companies

Abstract. The Dutch company Enviu evolved from a small non-profit organization to a more flexible commercial firm that combined social changes with profits between 2004 and 2010, when 'Enviu' also became a brand associated with social and environmental projects led by enthusiastic employees and a large community of passionate volunteers. Despite its increasing recognition, the founder of Enviu saw that to achieve a greater social and environmental impact, the ventures Enviu chose to initiate would need to scale up and grow. Were impact-driven, sustainable ventures fundamentally different from high-growth potential business ventures? How should Enviu design and finance its growth strategy?