The DELA Summit: Supporting Social Entrepreneurs for a Better Future

Last week, I attended the DELA Summit in Älmhult, Sweden—a remarkable gathering co-hosted by Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship.

The summit brought together a diverse group of changemakers, including eleven inspiring social entrepreneurs who are tackling pressing social challenges. These entrepreneurs presented not only the impactful work they have done so far but also their strategies for developing their approaches even further in the years ahead.

The DELA Accelerator

The DELA Summit is part of the DELA Accelerator, a global programme co-created by Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship to support social entrepreneurs to accelerate their impact by developing robust change strategies and offering a safe space to test and refine them. The social entrepreneurs participating in DELA all work towards an inclusive and sustainable future where everyone is seen and heard – challenging the root causes of exclusion and inequality.

The Dela Accelerator is comprised of three phases:

1. Strategy Phase
During the Strategy Phase, social entrepreneurs analyse the problem they are tackling, identify the systems change they are aiming towards, and develop a roadmap as well as an organisational strategy to achieve it.

2. Summit
The Dela Summit is a key moment in the Dela Accelerator where we come together to celebrate and transition from strategy to implementation.

3. Scoping & Experimentation Phase
In this phase, the social entrepreneurs experiment with an element of their strategy with the support of an expert team of IKEA co-workers.

My role was that of a Strategic Thought Partner in the DELA Summit, mentoring three of these social entrepreneurs as they refined their approaches, explored new opportunities, and navigated the complexities of scaling their impact. Engaging with these passionate individuals was an incredibly rewarding experience, offering rich insights into the intersection of purpose, business, and social change.

What did I bring with me? Most of all, a deep sense of hope and trust in humanity to navigate through the challenges of our lifetime. But also a few thoughts on the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, the importance of strategic thinking and adaptability, and why collaboration and community matter.

The Power of Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

Each of the social entrepreneurs at the DELA Summit has built their venture around a deep sense of purpose—addressing challenges such as access to education, dealing with discrimination, expanding the opportunities for those with physical disabilities and much more. Their commitment to making a difference is a powerful reminder that business can be a force for good, and that meaningful change happens when purpose and action align.

The Importance of Strategic Thinking and Adaptability

Having social impact requires more than just passion—it demands a clear strategy and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. During the mentoring sessions, I worked closely with three social entrepreneurs to help them challenge and refine their strategic thinking, strengthen their business models, and identify pathways to sustainable impact. These conversations reinforced the importance of aligning purpose with a well-structured strategy and operating model to maximise impact. It also pointed to the need to continously adapt to changing circumstances.

Collaboration and Community Matter

The DELA Summit underscored the power of collaboration. Bringing together social entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners creates a dynamic environment where ideas can flourish, connections can deepen, and new opportunities can emerge. The DELA Accelerator and Summit and provides a valuable ecosystem that helps social entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and accelerate their impact.

An Enriching Experience

Attending the DELA Summit was an enriching experience, both professionally and personally. The energy, creativity, and dedication of the social entrepreneurs were truly inspiring, reaffirming my belief in the power of strategic leadership and purpose-driven business. It was also a reminder of the importance of creating spaces where changemakers can connect, learn, and co-create solutions for a better future.

As we move forward, I look forward to seeing how these incredible entrepreneurs continue to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

If you want to learn more about the DELA Accelerator, the Summit and its mission, visit DELA Summit and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship.

Elisabet Lagerstedt

Elisabet Lagerstedt is the founder and director of Future Navigators. As a trusted advisor, consultant, and Executive Coach, she helps business leaders navigate beyond business as usual to build Better Business and co-create a better future - through insight, strategy, innovation, and transformation. Elisabet is also the author of Better Business, Better Future (2022) and Navigera in i Framtiden (2018).