The World Economic Forum’s UpLink Annual Impact Report assesses the performance and impact of UpLink, its platform for scaling early-stage, purpose-driven ventures. Published in March 2026, the report covers UpLink’s global network of 574 ventures across 75 countries and examines venture growth, investment, partnerships, market expansion, environmental and social outcomes, and the role of UpLink’s Innovation Ecosystems in connecting entrepreneurs with investors and industry partners.
Key Insights
UpLink includes 574 ventures across 75 countries, supported through 11 Innovation Ecosystems and an Investor Community of 77 investors.
Figure 2 on page 7 shows Asia as the leading expansion target for ventures at 45.2%, followed by Europe at 41.1% and Africa at 30.4%. Investors also prioritize Asia, at 31% in Figure 3 on page 8.
Ventures raised $858.8 million in 2025. Figure 8 on page 20 shows that the 109 ventures funded in both 2024 and 2025 increased their combined capital raised by 53%, from $345.6 million to $528.8 million.
Business growth was strong: 77% of revenue-generating ventures reported higher revenues, 73% advanced to a new product stage, 65% entered new markets and 80% established new commercial or R&D partnerships.
Figure 9 on page 21 shows that sales revenues represented 39% of venture funding sources, followed by equity financing at 30%, grants and public funding at 23%, and debt at 6%.
Table 2 on pages 26–27 reports significant environmental and social impact, including 4.3 billion litres of wastewater treated, 326,920 tonnes of plastic waste collected or reduced, 166,681 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided or reduced, and 37,047 people supported in adapting to climate change.
UpLink also reported 8 million tonnes of CO2e removed or sold through carbon markets, 127 million hectares of land or aquatic areas protected or actively managed, and 8,989 tonnes of seaweed and bivalves produced or sold.
Collaboration is central to the model: 31% of ventures collaborated with other UpLink Ventures and 26% with ecosystem partners. More than 392 strategic business connections were facilitated, mainly for potential collaboration and market expansion.
UpLink plans to expand its systemic and place-based Innovation Ecosystems, including water, nature, circularity and longevity initiatives, while extending the Yes/Cities model to Bengaluru and Boston.
The report contains several inconsistencies. The executive summary reports 67 in-person events and more than 550 participants, while page 12 reports 68 events and more than 660 participants. It also states a 96% increase in event participation, whereas Figure 4 on page 12 shows an increase from 472 to 813 participants, approximately 72%. In addition, the footer on page 2 incorrectly states “March 2025” despite the report being dated March 2026.