Reckitt Launches Social Impact Investment Program in the US

• Reckitt, the U.K.-based consumer goods company behind Lysol and Mucinex, began a social impact initiative in the U.S
• The initiative, named Catalyst, is five years long and involves £10 million ($13.3 million) in funding and mentorship for start-ups
• Serena Williams to participate in venture choice and advise selected founders as Reckitt's first entrepreneur in residence

Reckitt, the UK-based consumer goods company with brands like Lysol and Mucinex, is launching a social impact investment platform in the US named Catalyst.

The five-year program involves a guarantee of £10 million ($13.3 million) in funding, as well as mentorship support for early-stage firms and underrepresented founders.

The aim is to assist 200 founders and reach 5 million people with health and hygiene solutions by 2030. Three U.S. startups will be part of the first cohort.

As quoted by Jérôme Lemaire, Reckitt North America's President, Catalyst is committed to developing grassroots entrepreneurship with a high emphasis on impact.

The first U.S. cohort comprises of Ema, a platform empowered by AI that is centered on women's health, Zócalo Health, a Latino-serving provider, and Attane Health, a nutrition startup.

Lemaire said the scope of the startups selected is a reflection of the initiatives wants to offer solutions tailored to the specific community needs. Eligible U.S. companies are permitted to apply through Reckitt's website.

Tennis superstar and investor Serena Williams has been appointed Reckitt's first entrepreneur in residence. She will participate in venture choice and advise the selected founders.

Serena, who founded Serena Ventures in 2017 to invest in women and people of color founders, stated that enabling support—in the shape of investment, mentoring, and conviction—can spark powerful solutions for underrepresented communities.

Jérôme highlighted the importance of partnerships with entrepreneurs who understand local needs, especially since global healthcare infrastructure is under strain and climate change makes it harder to reach. In America alone, many communities are left without access to basic healthcare services.

Through Catalyst, Reckitt plans to invest in over two dozen U.S. businesses, providing seed capital or advisory support, as appropriate. The program is more focused on impact than on volume and can reinvest in past participants.

Since its inception in 2020, Catalyst has empowered more than 60 entrepreneurs from 13 countries. The program works in collaboration with Acumen America, Yunus Social Innovation, and the Health Innovation Exchange, a United Nations–aligned platform that brings together startups, investors, academia, and governments.