Impact Startup Association Welcomes 81 New Members, Reaches 325 Total by 2026

Expanding the Impact: ISA Grows to 325 Members

The Impact Startup Association (ISA) has made headlines with the announcement of its expansion to 325 member companies as of the 2026 fiscal year. This growth comes as 81 new startups have officially joined the association, showcasing an increasing interest in impact-driven enterprises aimed at solving societal issues and promoting sustainable growth.

The ISA, founded in October 2022 with only 23 initial members, has seen incredible growth over the past three years, expanding its membership by more than 14 times. The influx of new members is emblematic of a broader trend, led by a rising awareness among companies about the potential for positive impact and social change. The existing members include not only startups but also significant corporations, collaborating to address various social challenges by leveraging each organization's unique resources.

The association consistently advocates for impactful policy changes, highlighted by its recent contributions to the Japanese government's 'Basic Policy' released in 2023. For the first time, this policy has embraced support for impact startups, indicating a governmental shift towards recognition and backing for socially-minded enterprises. Moreover, the government continues to prioritize startup support and impact investing under the new administration led by Takai, evident in directives focusing on societal problem-solving.

ISA’s collaborative efforts extend beyond policy advice. The organization has forged impactful alliances with various stakeholders, including the Keizai Doyukai and the New Public Interest Union, promoting the implementation of 'cooperative capitalism'. The association is also a founding member of the 'Impact Consortium' driven by the Financial Services Agency and actively participates in entrepreneurial education initiatives in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency. This multifaceted collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships between large firms and impact startups as they co-create solutions to domestic and international issues.

As ISA looks towards the future, it emphasizes the role of its members in sustaining this momentum. Each new member has a specific mission, with a strong focus on creating positive societal impact. The criteria for membership involve a commitment to constructing solutions that address recognized societal challenges, orientation towards growth, and active engagement in association initiatives.

Upcoming new membership opportunities are projected for autumn 2026, with an interest pre-entry form already available for potential members. The ISA encourages interested parties to register through their website and follow its social media channels for more information.

ISA continues its commitment to creating a robust impact startup ecosystem that promotes sustainable development as outlined in its mission. The association's growth reflects a collective desire among sectors to engage with crucial social issues.

About the Impact Startup Association

The Impact Startup Association is dedicated to connecting companies that seek to balance societal problem-solving with sustainable growth. Their operational pillars include sharing knowledge, forming collaborative networks, making policy recommendations, and actively communicating their mission. The ISA thrives on the cooperation of over 325 member companies and is increasingly recognized as a vital player in the burgeoning impact economy, fostering continuous growth and innovation in social entrepreneurship.

For more details about the ISA, please visit the following resources: