Scott Lawson of SOW Asia, Philo Alto of AVA, and Doris Leung of Diamond Cab
[September 22, Hong Kong] – Chivas Regal, the world’s original luxury whisky, today announced the launch of The Venture II – a global search for social entrepreneurs whose businesses and ideas use enterprise and innovation to inspire positive social change. Locally, The Venture II represents a renewed quest for Hong Kong’s most driven change-makers. The Venture was first launched in 2014 and propelled Hong Kong’s Diamond Cab to the finals in San Francisco, USA. This year, Chivas Regal Hong Kong will host a series of inspiring events in the lead-up to the selection of a finalist who will represent Hong Kong’s best social enterprises globally.
The Venture II is an initiative with an international focus on providing aspiring social entrepreneurs with US$1 million of financial assistance, global exposure for their company or idea, and support from world-famous business mentors. Chivas Regal will provide mentorship and financial backing to those who aim to succeed in business whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. Up to 20 of the most promising social entrepreneurs from around the world will be invited to the Accelerator Week in Silicon Valley, California – home to some of the world’s leading start-ups. These finalists will meet with leading tech companies, receive mentorship from experts, and then pitch for a portion of the US$1 million in funding to create and advance transformative and positive social change.
The inaugural year of The Venture saw more than a thousand social entrepreneurs apply for US$1million in funding and sent Hong Kong’s Doris Leung of Diamond cab to the Accelerator Week and The Final Pitch event in San Francisco. During Accelerator Week, the 16 global finalists polished their pitches and engaged in discussions, hosted by inspirational leaders such as Moving Brands, Google, and Duarte. The finalists pitched the potential of their start-up to an expert judging panel that included actor and social entrepreneur Adrian Grenier. Algramo from Chile was awarded the largest share of the fund, receiving US$300,000 to further develop the pioneering food distribution enterprise.
Registration for The Venture II is straightforward. Hong Kong applicants need to complete the registration form at www.TheVenture.com. The Venture II is open to the public; it is not limited to those who own a company. The hopeful entrepreneur without a company can also pitch their idea by submitting a video (max. 2 min.) or a presentation deck introducing the business and describing how the business works. The business must aim to affect positive social change; such as a tangible contribution to the betterment of others, or our environment, etc. All applications must be submitted by November 20, 2015 (Friday).
On October 20th, Chivas Hong Kong will host a dynamic Town Hall discussion hosted by entrepreneur and philanthropist Yana Peel that will offer Hong Kong entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain specific and poignant advice from industry-leaders, and opportunities to meet like-minded peers and mentors. In January, five Hong Kong finalists will be invited to present their visions to a panel of judges, each of whom will evaluate the plan for its ability to create impactful social change through a financially viable business model that has potential to scale. The judging panel will consist of local leaders who have successfully navigated the business world. The business that demonstrates the most potential to remain successful while generating positive change will be showcased on www.TheVenture.com. Here, applicants will be able to view short documentaries about other social entrepreneurs from around the world, providing insights into their success, as well as articles with advice and features about the business of ‘doing good’. Starting on April 2016, TheVenture.com will offer the public a chance to judge the finalists through voting and crowd-sourced funding.
Richard Black, Global Brand Director, Chivas Regal, says: “Chivas Regal has continuously invested their profits into others like them; those who are committed to making a positive impact on society. The brand is not only committed to crafting their world-famous whisky, but also to inspiring profound and positive changes in global communities. Chivas Regal is dedicated to passing on their socially-responsible beliefs and values to the next generation, inspiring them, and educating them on the importance of pursuing business initiatives as a force for good.”
With over a million US dollars in funding and resources provided by Chivas Regal, The Venture II will enable promising and aspiring social entrepreneurs from around the world to realize their idea’s potential, gain exposure for their business, and begin making the positive impact our world needs.
To find out how to pitch your idea for social change, visit www.TheVenture.com.