The Public Value Hub is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with PHINEO, Germany’s leading think-and-do tank for social impact, and UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s largest center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, the three organizations are launching the Public Value Academy, a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen purpose-driven startups through training, impact measurement tools, and access to capital.
A growing number of founders in Germany, and across Europe, are no longer content to build companies that only generate financial returns. They want to drive real, measurable societal and environmental change. But the path for impact entrepreneurs remains full of structural barriers: from limited access to tailored financing, to a lack of visibility, to the overwhelming complexity of measuring impact and building scalable, value-driven business models.
At Public Value Hub, we believe purpose driven founders are incredibly motivated, but without the right ecosystem and tools, even the best ideas struggle to grow. That’s why we created the Public Value Academy: to give impact startups the infrastructure and tools they need to thrive.
Each partner brings unique expertise and a shared belief in the power of entrepreneurship for the common good:
• UnternehmerTUM brings over two decades of excellence in startup support. Based in Munich, it helps more than 100 startups each year launch, scale, and connect with investors, corporates, and research partners through its programs, incubators, and deep industry network. Through a unique combination of deep tech expertise, access to venture capital, and one of Europe’s most advanced startup infrastructures, UnternehmerTUM provides founders with everything they need to grow and plays a vital role in turning ideas into scalable solutions that tackle today’s biggest challenges.
• PHINEO is Germany’s leading think-and-do tank and consultancy for impact. With deep expertise in measuring, scaling, and financing social change, PHINEO supports mission-driven organizations, public institutions, and social enterprises in translating values into tangible, measurable outcomes. As the issuer of Germany’s respected “Wirkungssiegel” (Seal of Impact), PHINEO has become a trusted voice in the field of impact analysis and strategy. Their work helps organizations not only understand and communicate their societal contribution, but also unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and funding.
• Public Value Hub is an experienced education provider dedicated to advancing impact entrepreneurship as a force for systemic change. Their mission: to improve the world using the tools of entrepreneurship. Their programs are designed not only to teach business fundamentals, but to foster deep-purpose ventures that aim for measurable, lasting social impact. From developing inclusive and sustainable business models, to launching social startups that improve societies for all, the Public Value Hub champions a new kind of entrepreneurship, one that proves doing good is not only the right thing to do, but a smarter investment.
Backed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the Public Value Academy is set to directly support over 250 startups in its first three years, with hundreds more indirectly benefiting. Here’s what participants can expect:
• A modular learning program covering:
o Social Business Model Design
o Impact Measurement & Management (IMM)
o Sustainability Management & ESG Reporting
o Public Value Creation
o Diversity and Governance
o Impact Fundraising
• A digital impact measurement tool for measuring and analyzing impact, using standards like IOOI and SROI
• Curated matchmaking events connecting startups with impact investors and funding partners
At its core, the Public Value Academy is more than just a training program. It’s a signal to the broader ecosystem. A call to rethink what it means to build and fund a startup in the 21st century.
This initiative aims to foster a culture where social impact, scalability, and entrepreneurial ambition are no longer separate goals. Instead, they’re seen as interconnected drivers of innovation and societal progress.
With this new partnership, the Public Value Hub, PHINEO, and UnternehmerTUM are writing a bold new chapter for impact entrepreneurship. From education and infrastructure to impact measurement and capital access, the Public Value Academy is about creating the right conditions for public value to flourish at scale.
Together, we’re building an economy where purpose and profit don’t compete, they collaborate.
The Public Value Academy will start delivering its services beginning in the second half of 2025. But you can already join our growing community of impact-driven entrepreneurs and investors! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on program developments, upcoming events, and exclusive insights.
The Public Value Hub is A non-profit dedicated to fostering public value and impact-driven entrepreneurship through education, research, and policy engagement. The development of the Public Value Academy is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) as part of the Nachhaltig Wirken (NaWi) funding program. The duration of the project is December 2024 to December 2027.
24/7 educational courses including proprietary video, audio and multimedia content. Gamified learning experience for maximum success.
Tailor-made content from international mentors with experiences in business, academia and public administration.
Content module can be combined, expanded and added to fit individual learning styles and goals.
Platform will be used for subsequent projects with other target groups and stakeholders.
