The future of impact investing in Central and Eastern Europe is already taking shape. The first joint CEE Impact Report 2026, co-created by ImpactCEE and KPMG, provides a unique look into a rapidly evolving ecosystem where financial performance and positive social and environmental impact go hand in hand.
Based on research covering impact enterprises, fund managers and investors across the region, the report explores whether impact investing can generate competitive returns while addressing some of society's most pressing challenges. The findings point to a market that has moved beyond proof of concept and is building momentum, with growing companies, measurable impact outcomes and the first signs of investor returns.
CEE Impact Report 2026
Where should Europe move in an increasing competition between China and the United States? How do we build an impact unicorn? How can a large corporation change direction when its shareholders and management genuinely want to move beyond ESG-washing and pursue a regenerative, sustainable path?
About the report
The report reveals that impact-oriented enterprises are demonstrating both commercial traction and measurable impact growth. Across the participating portfolios, enterprises recorded strong revenue growth while simultaneously expanding their social and environmental outcomes, challenging the notion that businesses must choose between profit and purpose.
Key findings include:
61 impact enterprises analysed across the region.
30.03% aggregate three-year revenue CAGR among participating enterprises.
19.82% median growth in primary impact indicators and 41.10% growth in secondary impact indicators.
Impact investments spanning sectors from healthcare and education to food systems, accessibility and climate solutions.
Real stories behind the data
Beyond the market analysis, the report features inspiring case studies that demonstrate how impact investments are creating tangible value throughout the region.
57hours shows how an outdoor adventure platform scaled its business while promoting social inclusion, gender equality and more sustainable tourism. Following investment, the company increased revenue more than fivefold while delivering measurable social outcomes.
Hedepy highlights how digital innovation is making mental healthcare more accessible. The platform delivered more than 301,000 therapy sessions in 2025 and expanded access to mental wellbeing services across eight European countries.
Unverschwendet demonstrates how business growth can help tackle food waste, saving over 1.5 million kilograms of food since its founding while building a commercially viable business model.
These stories bring the report's findings to life and illustrate how impact-focused enterprises are creating meaningful change while pursuing sustainable growth.
A collaboration built on shared ambition
The CEE Impact Report is the result of a long-term collaboration between ImpactCEE and KPMG. Together, the two organizations combine ecosystem knowledge, market insights and advisory expertise to strengthen understanding of impact investing in Central and Eastern Europe and support the development of a more mature and scalable impact ecosystem.
As highlighted in the report, ImpactCEE and KPMG share a vision of helping businesses, investors and institutions create sustainable economic value while contributing to positive social and environmental outcomes. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim not only to describe the ecosystem, but to inspire action, foster dialogue and accelerate the growth of impact investing across the region.
Read the full report and discover how impact and commercial success can grow together.
