Game
Changers,
Lightbulb
Moments
Game
Changers,
Lightbulb
Moments
Impact Investment
The Lightbulb Trust invests in game-changing organisations that improve lives. We want to catalyse enterprises that take brand-new approaches to age old issues and to support inspirational leaders who have had ‘lightbulb moments’ – those big ideas that challenge traditional ways to solve a problem. Grounded by simple but revolutionary concepts, these bold initiatives respond to core issues in creative and pioneering ways, often harnessing technological tools to not only innovate society but also impact lives for the better.
Our Investment Thesis
We are a family trust that provides equity investments to early stage impact ventures, increasing opportunities and support for marginalised communities in order to reduce those inequalities that hinder social mobility in England & Wales. We add incremental value by being entrepreneur-centric, making thoughtful but quick decisions on investment, and enhancing organisational capacity through our supporting pro-bono partnerships.
Investment Criteria
- Business Model: Impact is the Business
Core product, system, or service must be positively impacting underserved communities. * - Team Attributes: Diverse and Inclusive Teams
Lived experience, underrepresented Founders, and/or deep expertise in the industry is critical. - Stage: Pre-Seed to Series A
Must have a solution in market with some measurable impact. - Geography: England & Wales
Must be active in those markets or have a clear pathway and plan to enter them. Higher priority given to ventures operating in London, particularly West London. - Industries: Education, Mental Health & Wellbeing, and Employment
Those directly and indirectly increasing opportunities for marginalized communities and reducing inequalities. - Returns: Social & Financial Impact
Must measure both the financial and impact returns.
* Please Note: We no longer fund buy-one-give-one business models.
Investment Principles
- Impact is our priority, namely social mobility, and we’ve been successful if our investments return what we put in.
- We are always up front, low maintenance, and entrepreneur-centric.
- We make decisions quickly – within 14 days of due diligence being completed.
- We are committed to all facets of equity, diversity and inclusion, and seek to empower marginalised communities through social justice.
- We seek to add value to our investees via introductions to angel investors, connections to potential clients, and introductions to relevant talent.
- We collaborate with other funders, social enterprises, and nonprofits.
Investment Operations
- We don’t lead rounds.
- We invest via equity and convertible debt.
- Our check size ranges from £5,000 – £100,000, with the average being £40,000.
- We seek to continually improve our principles and process and, where possible, seek to measure impact along IRIS+ Impact Themes and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Investment Pillars
To promote social mobility, we invest in ventures that make a positive impact in the three pillars below, either directly or through related areas. Higher priority is given to underrepresented founders and founders with lived experience.
Higher priority is given to underrepresented
founders and founders with lived experience
Latest News
Growing up in West London, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges young people face—whether it’s struggling with access to opportunities, mental
On the morning of November 27th, Lightbulb Trust hosted its annual breakfast with our partners, both longstanding and newly welcomed,
We had feedback from amazing partner organisations doing great things that they often struggle to capture learning and showcase their
Salary: £160 per day (£20 hourly rate) Hours: 2-3 days per month (flexible hours, with the possibility of increasing the number
