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Invicta, a German-based social enterprise led by Eden Tadesse, has emerged as the winner of the Social Shifters' Global Innovation Challenge Fieldfisher grant.
The challenge saw young social entrepreneurs from around the world presenting innovative solutions to pressing global issues. Invicta’s digital platform, which connects displaced youth with career development opportunities, stood out among 850 sustainable impact projects evaluated by Fieldfisher volunteers.
They received a $3,000 seed fund from Fieldfisher to further develop their impactful initiative alongside ongoing pro bono support from the firm.
On her experience, Eden reflected:
"The Social Shifters programme was really enjoyable for me. The coaching team from Fieldfisher were great - they didn't just provide sound advice, but really helped boost my confidence as an entrepreneur. Their support was key in helping me refine and share Invicta's story more powerfully, highlighting our mission to connect refugees with meaningful career opportunities. I'm genuinely excited about how this experience will continue to amplify our work and impact the communities we serve."
Social Shifters is an international charity helping the next generation of young leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to tackle the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues in new ways. They inspire action, build confidence and skills, and help accelerate some of the most impactful youth-led sustainability projects on the planet.
Co-Founder of Social Shifters, David Haddow commented:
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of Fieldfisher, and for the contributions of their employee volunteers which have made a meaningful difference to 100's of young social entrepreneurs.
"Through connection with young people taking action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most, we experience sustainable development in practice, we gain fresh perspectives on the most current issues being faced by communities globally and, crucially, we realise that there are always solutions to complex social issues. There's never been a more important time to support these young founders with impactful ideas."
Just Purpose is Fieldfisher's social impact programme, with the key pillars comprising pro bono and community activities. The programme runs in tandem with the firm's Sustainability initiative, which focuses on how the firm can reduce its carbon footprint and make a positive environmental impact.
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Subscribe nowHead of Just Purpose, Millie Hawes, noted:
“Working with Social Shifters has given our people an invaluable avenue to live sustainable purpose by leveraging their insights and entrepreneurial skillsets to support young innovators and social thinkers. We live in a world of constant societal challenges; by bringing our global network of volunteers together with Social Shifters and the young catalysts of change, we hope to play even a small part in tackling the world’s most pressing issues.”
85 Fieldfisher volunteers globally tallied over 350 skilled-volunteering hours, each assessing 10 projects submitted by young social entrepreneurs from around the world. They analysed these projects based on their impact, innovation, feasibility, and scalability. The impressive array of submissions showcased a diverse range of solutions addressing critical global challenges, including:
- Education – access to quality education, digital learning platforms
- Disability Rights – inclusive technologies, accessibility solutions
- Sustainable Housing – affordable and eco-friendly housing options
- Waste Management – waste reduction strategies, innovative recycling solutions
- Renewable Energy – harnessing clean energy sources, energy efficiency.
Following the initial judging phase, 16 Fieldfisher volunteers then transitioned to a coaching role, providing pitching guidance to the shortlisted projects.
Dispute Resolution Associate and one of the finalist coaches, Paul Grelon, commented:
"Eden's initiative was well-defined, and she presented her ideas with such clarity and passion that we often found ourselves learning from her! With a little guidance from us, Eden's hard work paid off, and she successfully secured the Fieldfisher grant. I am excited to see how the firm will further support Invicta in achieving its vital social mission."
The Just Purpose team at Fieldfisher is set to continue its work with Social Shifters and additionally exploring other skills volunteering opportunities.
