Impact Hub Amsterdam’s Post

When it comes to sustainability in venture capital, we believe that fostering transparency through sharing data and learnings is key. Cate Lawrence from Tech.eu wrote about our recent 2023 Sustainability Report, delving into important topics such as gender-diverse boards, cultural diversity, and startup ESG practices. 📰 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eSkqDwRn 🌿 Access our Sustainability Report: https://lnkd.in/ePn3Z-BD

Are you a startup in the green-tech ecosystem, focused on making a positive, profitable impact in the sustainability economy?🌍💪🏼 R-evolution and R-ventures are constantly on the lookout for disruptive innovations that can demonstrate a positive impact on the planet. ‘We believe that innovation, collaboration, and pioneering partnerships will open new doors to embracing a sustainable future.’ – Fredrik Andersson Guldkula Learn more >>> https://lnkd.in/gtpBTkwK 🌱 #revoplanet #GreenTech #Innovation #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Impact investing #Collaboration #Technologyinnovation**

Great piece on how startups and VCs need to approach #ESG by Hannah Leach and Johannes Lenhard of VentureESG on Maddyness yesterday. The part that resonated was how a #materiality lens shifts ESG from a compliance-driven activity to a strategic business consideration. This insight dovetails with an earlier post from Andreas Rasche about EU sustainability regulations forming an interrelated system. Stating, ¨You can approach each of the four regulations from a pure compliance angle, but you can also build a corporate mindset that acknowledges what is at the heart of this system: strategic decision-making and long-term value creation. It's a choice... ¨

👕Sustainable Start-Ups Gaining Momentum 💻Venture capital investors are increasingly setting their sights on sustainable and climate tech start-ups. q One VC sustainability investor in particular set forth a plan to reduce 10% of global carbon emissions by 2035 by investing in 100×100 companies. 🎥These are sustainability start-ups designed to mitigate 100 megatons of emissions in ten years while generating $100 million in revenue. 👌As the world evolves to adopt sustainability more holistically, it is no surprise that many lucrative, purpose-driven enterprises have sprouted as a result. 💫Sustainability has proven itself an evergreen investment theme rather than a passing trend. Just as ESG investing has long taken precedence with institutions and public companies, sustainability-focused investments are gaining momentum among VC investors as well.

Level Up Your Startup with ESG! Think you and your team are all set with a idea? Hold up! Have you considered the whole ESG thing? Don't worry, it's not just a fancy corporate term anymore. ESG that's Environmental, Social, and Governance is a big deal for tech startups these days, and investors are asking about it even if you are a early stage tech startup. ESG isn't just for the big guys anymore. It's the new cool for tech startups too. Investors and future employees want to see companies that care about the planet, their people, and how they run things. Why? Because ESG shows you're a responsible, future-proof company that avoids drama and builds trust. Plus, the world's going green, and ESG practices are the key to winning in the long run. Think ESG doesn't apply to your startup? Think again! From the cloud service you use to those old computers gathering dust, every decision has an impact. But ESG is way more than just being eco-friendly. It's also about how your company treats people. Is your team diverse and inclusive? How does your product or service affect the world? These are questions that matter. Ready to jump on the ESG bandwagon? Do some digging! Not all ESG stuff is created equal. Figure out what's most important in your industry and for the people you're trying to reach. Then, identify your biggest ESG risks and opportunities. Think data security for a tech startup or content moderation for a social media platform. Finally, bring up a plan to tackle those risks and grab those opportunities. This could be anything from using less energy in the office to creating a program that celebrates everyone's differences, or sourcing your stuff ethically. Remember, ESG isn't just a hashtag. It's about building a business that's good for the planet, good for people, and good for your long-term success. By taking action now, you're not just saving the world, you're setting your startup up to win in a market that cares about more than just the bottom line. #ESG #techstartup #sustainability #futureoftech #impact #environment #socialresponsibility #governance #startuplife #innovation #greentech #ESGintegration #responsibility #ethicalbusiness #ESGstrategy #ESGawareness #ESGimplementation #tech

🚀 Are you a startup with a digital solution that can bring transparency and accountability to carbon markets? Join the 'Trust in Sustainability II' accelerator programme, hosted by Canopy (CISL) and BSI, and take your business to the next level! 🌍    💠 Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eJvqwpkH 💠 ❌ Achieving net zero demands substantial carbon cuts, not delayed by offsets. However, offsetting is used globally, and current offsetting has issues with permanence, measurement, and enforcement, which this programme aims to improve.    ✅ This year-long programme offers unparalleled support to help you accelerate your growth, develop your solution, and find your product-market fit. Here’s what you can expect:    🌟 Training & Expertise: Receive cutting-edge training from industry leaders and sustainability experts. Learn the best practices to ensure your product delivers verifiable positive impacts and avoids greenwashing. 🌟 Mentorship & Networking: Gain access to one-on-one mentoring and network with leading sustainability experts, investors, and fellow innovators. Our mentors will provide personalized guidance to help you refine your business strategy and product offering. 🌟 Community: Join the CISL Canopy Workspace and become part of a vibrant community of like-minded sustainability startups. Benefit from peer support, collaborative opportunities, and continuous feedback. 🌟 Pilot Projects: Potentially partner with BSI on pilot projects to demonstrate and scale your solution in real-world scenarios, subject to evaluation and discussion.    Apply by July 25, 2024, and be part of a programme designed to foster trust in corporate climate action and accountability in voluntary carbon markets. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a significant impact.     💠 Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eJvqwpkH 💠   If you think this opportunity would suit someone in your network, please feel free to share it with them. 🎞 Please enjoy this video of our recent webinar about this year's programme to learn more! https://lnkd.in/dtY_QjkW   #CISL #Canopy #BSI #Sustainability #Startups #Accelerator #CarbonMarkets #Innovation #TrustInSustainability 

Sustainability and responsible business practices are more crucial than ever. 🌎 Companies utilizing open innovation show a remarkable 20% improvement in their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance metrics, driven by the adoption of innovative and responsible business practices. 🌱✨ Open innovation is not just a trend; it's a strategic approach to tackling global challenges. Through collaborative efforts, companies can develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance their ESG impact while driving growth and competitiveness. From reducing carbon footprints to improving social inclusivity and strengthening governance practices, the benefits are substantial and far-reaching. We've seen firsthand how these partnerships lead to tangible results. Corporates gain access to innovative technologies and fresh perspectives, while startups benefit from the guidance, scale, and the market reach of established companies. It's a win-win scenario that accelerates progress and drives meaningful change. Ready to learn more about the possibilities of open innovation and join us on this exciting journey? 🤝 https://lnkd.in/gHtTg7rZ #OpenInnovation #ESG #Sustainability #Startupbootcamp #Innovation #ResponsibleBusiness#SDGs #ESGgoals #innovationwillsavetheworld

Last week I facilitated a workshop on one of my favourite topics - Sustainability for Charge Incubator! We went through a lot of topics including the Circular Business Models and Circular product design, the 10R principle of Circularity, the UN SDGs, ESG reporting, and more! It's not enough to just talk about sustainability - you have to walk the talk! That's why the workshop focused on developing a sustainability strategy which states how to set impact goals, and how you measure, report and communicate progress to different target groups - be it the board, investors or customers. One of my favourite examples to mention when it comes to the 10R principle of circularity; Refuse - is the Patagonia campaign "Don't buy this jacket" which is a really powerful statement from a company that get revenue through selling durable outdoors wear! The campaign underlines their mission statement of being in "business to save our home planet!" It forces us to realize that the most sustainable thing at the end of the day is to consume less! Our current consumption rate is killing us. We consume much faster than the world can regenerate itself. Earth Overshoot day in Norway was less than a week ago - 12 of April. Whereas last year it was the second of August. Which means that if everyone were to live as we do in Norway we would need 3.5 the earths to sustain ourselves! This means that in order for new entrepreneurs to be competitive in the future they must take considerable actions to reduce their emissions and improving working conditions along the value chains and produce durable product that has several life cycles. The growing number of conscious consumers who knows how their consumption affects the environment, will choose durable products with a lower footprint - any day! That's also why making this data accessible is important in the buying process, which most companies, if not all should get better at! So next time you go to the store to buy something - ask yourself: Do I need this? Can buy a used one, repair an old one? Or can I atleast buy from someone who actively reduce their footprint while making it?

💚 Green at Heart Tools and Grants Now Accepts Applications from all EU Countries 🇪🇺 Over the past 12 months, Impact Hub Vienna, Impact Hub Madrid, Impact Hub Amsterdam, OekoBusiness Wien and City of Amsterdam have been developing an ESG management project tailored for SMEs and startups in the social economy sectors in the Austrian, Spanish, and Dutch markets. This tool assists teams in evaluating their current status and provides actionable recommendations for enhancing their sustainability scores. Exciting news - we still have available funds and have extended access to all EU countries! (€8,000 per company on average!) This funding can be used for various purposes such as improving energy efficiency, experimenting with sustainable materials, adopting eco-friendly packaging, seeking legal advice on environmental regulations, training your team on sustainability, developing a robust sustainability strategy, and more. Remember, the deadline for applications for the grant is October 27. Fill in the tool to discover your primary ESG opportunities, and based on the recommendation you get submit your grant application (sounds complicated but it is quite easy), and within 3 weeks, you'll receive confirmation and can kickstart your sustainability initiatives promptly. Interested in this opportunity? Check this notion page https://lnkd.in/dt2gRyTZ

Sustainable Investing: A Growing Trend in Today's Market! As the financial landscape evolves, investors are increasingly prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in their decision-making processes. This shift isn't just a trend; it's becoming a fundamental aspect of responsible investing. 🌍 Let's talk about why ESG Matters? 🌱 Investors are recognizing that companies committed to sustainability are often more resilient and better positioned for long-term success. With increasing consumer awareness and regulatory pressures, aligning with ESG principles is no longer optional—it's essential. Here are three ways startups can align with ESG principles to attract funding: 1. Adopt Sustainable Practices: Implement eco-friendly practices in operations, such as reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable sourcing. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also resonates with eco-conscious investors. 2. Foster a Diverse and Inclusive Culture: Emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion within your team and leadership. Investors are looking for companies that value social responsibility, as diverse teams often drive innovation and better decision-making. 3. Establish Transparent Governance: Create clear governance structures and ensure transparency in your operations. Regularly report on ESG metrics and initiatives to demonstrate accountability and build trust with potential investors. By embedding ESG principles into your startup's DNA, you can attract funding from a growing pool of socially responsible investors who are looking for sustainable, long-term growth opportunities. What steps are you taking to align with ESG criteria in your business? Let’s discuss! 💬 #SustainableInvesting #ESG #Startups #Investment #Finance #Innovation #CorporateResponsibility