An Index with a Vision Towards the Future Impact Economy
At this year’s ChangeNOW 2026 event, Impact France unveiled the Impact 40/120 index, a ranking inspired by the French Tech Next 40/120 and launched in 2024. Its aim? To highlight high-growth start-ups that successfully combine economic performance with a positive social or ecological impact.
Each year, 120 start-ups are selected from thousands of innovative start-ups (all less than ten years old) based on a rigorous methodology that evaluates the company’s:
- Economic model
- Social and environmental contributions
- Potential value creation and distribution
Among this list of 120 start-ups, 40 impact companies are recognised as future impact unicorns, defined by Impact France as businesses capable of generating over 50 million euros in annual societal cost savings.
Selection is based on a detailed analysis that evaluates innovation, economic strength and social commitment to showcase the most inspiring players in today’s impact economy.
Percentage of Impact 40 Index impact companies supported by BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas: A key player in Financing and Supporting the Impact Ecosystem
For the third consecutive year since the creation of the Impact 40 index, BNP Paribas reaffirms its commitment to innovative impact companies that are shaping the future for good. In 2026, BNP Paribas supports 77.5% of Impact 40 companies and 75% of Impact 120 companies. This underscores the Group’s central role in supporting impact entrepreneurs and fostering a more sustainable, innovative economy.
Tailored, Long-term Support for Impact Entrepreneurs
Through the Group’s dedicated Act for Impact programme, BNP Paribas supports companies such as, Electra, Greenly, Les Alchimistes, Le Drive Tout Nu and Synapse Medicine. Act for Impact is an official partner of the Impact Fance Mouvement index alongside the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Banque des Territoires, LinkedIn, and Les Échos.
BNP Paribas was also present at ChangeNOW 2026 alongside Klim (regenerative agriculture and biodiversity), Kumulus Water (water management), Meet My Mama (social inclusion), Woodoo (sustainable construction, illustrating the diversity of social and ecological solutions at this year’s event.
