At ImpactCity, we are loyal supporters of social enterprise Samasource that aims to reverse global poverty by giving work. That’s why we’re happy that it decided to establish its European office in The Hague at the start of last year. Samasource founder Leila Janah goes out of her way to advance impact across the board. Read her guest contribution below to hear her thoughts on the added value The Hague is bringing to her business.
Earlier this fall, I found myself in Amsterdam to chair the jury for the GreenChallenge, the world’s largest prize for sustainable businesses. It’s funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery. You can think of it as “gambling for good.” People enter into a lottery and if their zip code is selected, everyone who entered shares the prize money. The rest goes to charities selected by the Dutch people. It’s genius, and they give away over €400 million a year, making it the third largest philanthropic funder in the world.
“In our effort to build a more inclusive and fair economy, it’s refreshing to be surrounded by not only like-minded entrepreneurs, but The Hague policymakers as well” – Leila Janah, founder at Samasource
Progressive
This is just one example that proves just how progressive this part of the world is. You may have read Samasource opened an office in The Hague at the start of last year, making it the launch pad for our European operations. We were able to do this because of our partnership with the The Hague Business Agency and our shared enthusiasm for the rich business and talent landscape.
The location is also quite beneficial as we’re able to quickly connect to other parts of Europe like Paris, where the exciting startup hub, Station F, recently launched, and Germany, where there’s high demand for work related to autonomous vehicles.
“There are so many incredible companies, entrepreneurs and overall innovators in The Hague that could change the face of this planet for the better” – Leila Janah, founder at Samasource
An inclusive and fair economy
Something else I find fascinating is The Hague’s mission to become known as the international ImpactCity. In our effort to build a more inclusive and fair economy, it’s refreshing to be surrounded by not only like-minded entrepreneurs, but policymakers as well.
There are so many incredible companies, entrepreneurs and overall innovators in The Hague that could change the face of this planet for the better. I often talk with friends and colleagues about how we might replicate this in San Francisco. I think of San Francisco as The Hague’s “sister city” in that we’re starting to see more social businesses pop up and maintain a similar open-minded culture. Perhaps one day!
Proud
By placing roots in The Hague, we are able to proudly do business – and do good – in the Netherlands and beyond. You can read more about the work Samasource is doing in The Hague and around the world in the recent release of ImpactCity’s Bookazine Welcome to ImpactCity The Hague.
Leila Janah is the founder and CEO of Samasource and LXMI, two ventures with a shared social mission to give work as a means to reverse global poverty. Samasource is located at the World Trade Center in The Hague. Visit its website to learn more.
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