The startup ecosystem is made up of different business profiles and a segment that has gained more visibility is that of social impact companies, whose purpose is to solve social problems, as is the case of Incentiv.me, an ABES member, which connects social projects that wish to raise funds with companies and individuals interested in investing their taxes through tax incentive laws.
Douglas Lopes
Electrolux, Nubank, SulAmérica, IN – Inteligência de Negócios, Grupo Potencial are among the more than 100 companies that promote social enterprises through Incentiv.me. To talk about the startup's evolution in the market and its differentials, the ABES portal interviewed its CEO, Douglas Lopes.
– How did the idea of creating Incentiv.me come about? Have you had any need to pivot since the founders started the project?
We started by creating and carrying out social projects. During this process, we identified that the ecosystem was disconnected. Many companies with untapped potential in the use of incentive laws, while many amazing projects died on paper (60%). Thus, we change the focus, that is, we pivot. Today, we are a TaxTech and, in general terms, it means that we are a startup that uses technology for tax innovation. We joined ABES because we develop social technologies, offering software that solves real social problems.
– What is a TaxTech?
These are startups that offer technological solutions for the tax sector, which involve the payment of taxes, fees, charges and tariffs to the government. It is important to highlight that we are a startup that plays an important role in strengthening transparency and social control, bringing more efficiency to the entire collection process, application of resources and accountability. Incentiv.me is specifically focused on the laws to encourage social projects from different verticals, such as sports, culture and health.
Douglas Lopes, in an interview
– Has the startup received any capital contribution since its launch or support from an accelerator/incubator/funds?
Yup. In 2018, we raised our first round of R$ 1.4 million, led by Harvard Angels, with co-investment by Anjos do Brasil and Insper Angels. In early 2019, we participated in the Braskem Labs Open Innovation Program and, in 2020, we won the Santa Catarina State Research and Innovation Foundation (FAPESC) Award.
– How many cultural projects encourage me have you supported so far? Can you name a few?
To date, we have enabled 379 projects in several important verticals. In the health area, the Pequeno Príncipe Hospital and the HCP – Pernambuco Cancer Hospital. In sports, the Guga Kuerten Institute and the Institute for Research and Entrepreneurial Projects (IPPE). In culture, OSESP and Orquestra da Maré in RJ, in addition to the Social Opportunity and Vocation Institute in the area of training young people for technology. We also raise funds for several APAEs, which work for inclusion, in addition to nursing homes, schools and day care centers across the country.
– Does Incentiv.me only operate in São Paulo or in other locations as well?
We have bases in Florianópolis (SC) and São Paulo (SP), but we operate on a national level. We have teams present in 12 states and 35 cities. We are proud to serve projects and companies throughout Brazil.
– What are the main market objectives and challenges to be overcome?
Our goal is to move R$1 billion reais for social projects by 2024 and we have great challenges related to technology, processes and people management. We recently launched the solution monitor, in the SaaS model, which facilitates the management of these projects by investors and promotes transparency, governance, accountability and insights into the results of the portfolio.
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