The Social Handshake – Fintech
What it is:
The Social Handshake offers a fintech platform that is designed to help employees donate to charity directly from their salary, while receiving the tax benefit. The payroll giving services allow employees to choose a charity and 100% of the donation goes directly to that charity.
This service allows employers to improve employee engagement and allows employers to contribute to a sustainable world with the help of their employees. Payroll Giving is a fringe benefit which allows employees to contribute to a sustainable and social world.
Who Made It?
The Social Handshake is based in Amsterdam and was founded in 2019 by Sandra van Beest, who is the company’s current CEO. She has a background in the NGO sector and as a BCG Strategy Consultant.
Company partners include Google for Startups, PWC, and more.
Funding status:
The company raised €1.1M of venture funding in a deal led by Velocity Capital Fintech Ventures and JEX.nl BV on May 19, 2022. Boralis also participated in the round. The funds will be used to further accelerate growth of the company.
Why we like it:
- We know from working with clients that ESG is a key focus for future initiatives
- This platform can be implemented in less than an hour, and after its setup, it will cost employers less than 30 minutes per month.
- These types of programs are key to recruiting young talent in a competitive marketplace (see below)
Did you know?
Nearly 6 in 10 (58%) of young professionals aged 18-34 gave through a workplace program in 2020, compared to only 37% of all professional donors Source