“We aim to leverage technology to make social interventions more efficient” - Laetitia Launet Gallas, Llum Social

Llum Social is a social startup working to support vulnerable homeless people get access to critical services through a dedicated mobile app. Laetitia Launet Gallas, the founder, says that everything started from one volunteering experience with people experiencing homelessness.

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“One of the first things that stood out was realising that the vast majority had smartphones, yet they were still digitally excluded. 

Despite the growing number of apps, there seemed to be no solution that specifically addressed the needs of this group. It also became clear that the social support system seemed highly decentralised, making it difficult for vulnerable groups to access the support they required efficiently. 

This is why we aim to leverage technology to make social interventions more efficient, enabling better collaboration and helping vulnerable groups access the services they need in a more organised and effective way.”

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The app was launched through a pilot project in Palma, Mallorca, in September 2024, as part of the CRECE project led by the Spanish Red Cross.

“In this pilot, 15 users experiencing homelessness were able to access essential services such as meals, breakfasts, and haircuts using the Llum Social app, thanks to the collaboration of three local businesses—a café, a hair salon, and a pharmacy. 

The feedback was positive, both from the users and the Spanish Red Cross, and we hope to continue the project in future stages in Mallorca, as well as expand to other cities as we refine the platform based on these early experiences.”

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Next steps for Llum Social include launching the SaaS platform for public entities and NGOs, Laetitia says, which aims to help them manage social intervention programs better. 

“At the same time, we are actively validating the specific needs of these organisations to ensure the platform is aligned with their requirements.

We aim to expand the platform to other cities and partner with additional entities, broadening the reach of the services provided and increasing their impact. We’ll continue refining both the app and SaaS platform based on feedback from pilot projects, making sure that it meets the needs of both users and organisations.”

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In order to achieve these goals, Llum will focus on strong partnerships with public organisations and NGOs, in order to expand the reach of the solution and make sure it meets their needs. 

“To do so, we will rely on validated learning, continuously testing and refining our approach based on feedback from customers and users. 

Mentors and expert advisors also play a key role at this stage of our startup, providing valuable insight and helping guide strategic decisions as we continue to grow.”

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Motivation and inspiration are key factors in the development of a startup, and Laetitia says that the mission of the company is present in the day-to-day activities. 

“Staying connected to that purpose helps us keep moving forward. Being surrounded by other entrepreneurs going through similar experiences also brings motivation and support when things get challenging.

Being surrounded by other entrepreneurs and staying active in the ecosystem is a huge source of inspiration. There’s something powerful about sharing space with people who are also building, testing, and working to make a difference. It creates opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and see things from new perspectives, which is always motivating.”

An active ecosystem can make a great difference in the growth of the social-impact startup world. For it to continue to develop, Laetitia thinks that what we need are “more role models, examples of success, and accessible spaces for early-stage social entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow.”

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Thank you, Laetitia Launet Gallas!