#Interview
Impacc from Hamburg converts donations into investments in African startups. “We now know that there are still many entrepreneurial people who find scaling donations interesting,” says founder Till Wahnbaeck.
The non-profit Hamburg company Impaccwhich was founded by a team led by former Welthungerhilfe boss Till Wahnbaeck, converts donations into investments in African startups.
“2025 was a real year of scaling for us. We were able to double our income, i.e. the donations raised, as well as our investment volume. We were also able to expand our portfolio from nine to 13 African startups,” says Wahnbaeck.
In an interview with deutsche-startups.de, Impacc maker Till Wahnbaeck looks back in detail on the past year.
2025 is just over. What was the highlight for you in the last few months?
2025 was a real year of scaling for us. We were able to double our income, i.e. the donations raised, as well as our investment volume. We were also able to expand our portfolio from nine to 13 African startups and show with our first exit that our approach works: not just spending donations, but using them as entrepreneurial capital that has multiple effects.
What didn’t go well for you in 2025?
We noticed that our organization was not yet positioned in the way our business model required. That’s why we readjusted the structures and built up more staff in the African countries. This means we are closer to the startups we support.
Which project is at the top of your agenda in 2026?
Basically: more of what works. We want to continue to grow and double the mobilized capital – i.e. donations raised – again. This also includes expansion into other African countries, such as Rwanda. With all of this, we are gradually getting closer to our goal of supporting 1,000 African startups, which in turn will create a million jobs in Africa. And a topic that is becoming increasingly important to me: being able to show our donors even better how their capital bears fruit in the startups and how they develop.
What are your economic expectations for 2026?
Our proof of concept time is over. We now know that there are still many entrepreneurial people who find scaling donations interesting. At the same time, we see that other smart business models are emerging in Ethiopia, Kenya and Co. that offer real added value and create jobs locally. I am therefore optimistic about 2026 and expect a significant increase in the willingness to donate among our target group.
What do you personally have planned for 2026?
Crossing the Alps is on my list. And when it comes to apnea diving, I would like to finally break the 20 meter mark.
Tip: You can find more reviews and outlooks in our Annual review.
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