ESG_VC

Today, in partnership with the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA), we're publishing the most comprehensive benchmarking of ESG performance in start-ups... Over the past six months, we've been working with the team at the BVCA and our partners at Marriott Harrison to compile and analyse data from 587 portfolio companies backed by leading venture capital firms across the UK and Europe. The findings offer a detailed analysis of ESG performance across early-stage companies, and how this performance differs by stage, sector, and geography. Key takeaways from this year’s report include:   🌳 Over the past year, the proportion of start-ups measuring their carbon footprint has almost doubled… 🗒️ Start-ups are investing heavily in people, talent and training, with 57% now offering study support to staff and 47% offering internships, apprenticeships or trainee programmes… 🤖 Responsible use of AI is an increasing focus for start-ups – 31% now offer training or codes of conduct on the topic – but is this keeping pace with the boom in generative AI?   For more of these insights, check out the full report via the link below! Thank you also to all of our contributors: Act Venture Capital, Astanor Ventures, Atempo Growth, Atomico, Beringea, Cambridge Innovation Capital, Clarendon Fund Managers, DeepTechXL, Fidelity International Strategic Ventures, Frog Capital, Gresham House Ventures, Highland Europe, IRIS Ventures, Mercia Ventures, Molten Ventures, Nesta, Oxford Science Enterprises, Par Equity, Pembroke VCT, Volution, and YFM Equity Partners. #ESG_VC #sustainability #responsibleinvesting

🌎 BIG NEWS 🌎 Our updated ESG_VC framework has launched!! Each year we refine and evolve the framework, and this year is no different (you can take a look at what's new for 2025 below).👇 First things first, a huge thank you to Henry Philipson for his support and knowledge on getting this over the line, as well as Suzi Gillespie, the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA), and everyone else who has taken their time to provide feedback and expertise into this year's updates. Who's the framework for? 🤷♀️ Aimed at early-stage companies, the framework is designed to provide an entry to ESG scoring, from Seed to Growth stage, across companies spanning B2B and B2C sectors, resulting in a tangible ESG score and a list of key areas to address to improve ESG performance. So, what's changed for this year in our framework? ⌛ First off, it's shorter - less time for companies spent reporting and more time spent creating value through ESG is our number one objective. 🔗 We've separated out our supply chain metrics to make it easier for companies to spot questions that are material to them. ✍️ We've begun to ask companies to provide evidence wherever they can - ensuring that policies have substance. 📝 A new policy dropdown will help portfolio companies to quickly identify the policies they have - and the ones that they're missing. 👥 We've made some changes to the diversity data that we capture - our members have asked for more data on founder diversity, while we've reduced the breadth of data points captured to ensure we're only asking for data that is material to early-stage companies. 🔥 Burning to know more? Luckily, we put on a webinar yesterday to answer all your questions, which you can find linked in the comments Download the new framework at www.esgvc.co.uk

💥 Yesterday, we launched the revised ESG_VC Measurement Framework for 2025 💥 ESG_VC carries out annual updates to the ESG_VC framework, so that we can respond to feedback from users, keep pace with the evolving regulatory landscape, and align wherever we can with other industry standards such as Invest Europe's reporting template and the ESG Data Convergence Initiative metrics. So, what's changed for this year in our framework? 🔗 We've separated out our supply chain metrics to make it easier for companies to spot questions that are material to them. ✍️ We've begun to ask companies to provide evidence wherever they can - ensuring that policies have substance. 📝 A new policy dropdown will help portfolio companies to quickly identify the policies they have - and the ones that they're missing. 👥 We've made some changes to the diversity data that we capture - our members have asked for more data on founder diversity, while we've reduced the breadth of data points captured to ensure we're only asking for data that is material to early-stage companies. Big shout out to Emily Havers and Henry Philipson for leading on the changes. The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) research team will be collecting and aggregating the data - deadline 14th February 2025 - and publishing an updated report in the Summer. For anyone interested in learning more, I've linked our webinar explaining the updates in the comments, along with last year's research report. And you can download the framework yourself at www.esgvc.co.uk #ESG_VC #sustainability #data #research #venturecapital #startups

✍️ Yesterday, we launched the revised ESG_VC Measurement Framework for 2025 - so I thought I'd share an insight into what's changed... ✍️ Emily Havers has been leading the charge on this year's updates, so I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to her for starters. We carry out annual updates to the ESG_VC framework, so that we can respond to feedback from users, keep pace with the evolving regulatory landscape, and align wherever we can with other industry standards such as Invest Europe's reporting template and the ESG Data Convergence Initiative metrics. So, what's changed for this year in our framework? ⌛ First off, it's shorter - less time for companies spent reporting and more time spent creating value through ESG is our number one objective. 🔗 We've separated out our supply chain metrics to make it easier for companies to spot questions that are material to them. ✍️ We've begun to ask companies to provide evidence wherever they can - ensuring that policies have substance. 📝 A new policy dropdown will help portfolio companies to quickly identify the policies they have - and the ones that they're missing. 👥 We've made some changes to the diversity data that we capture - our members have asked for more data on founder diversity, while we've reduced the breadth of data points captured to ensure we're only asking for data that is material to early-stage companies. For anyone interested in learning more, I've linked our webinar explaining the updates in the comments. And you can download the framework yourself at www.esgvc.co.uk #ESG_VC #sustainability #data

📣 We’ve got a big ESG_VC event planned for Tuesday next week – featuring the latest updates to our measurement framework, news of our 2025 benchmarking with the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA), and an introduction to our new platform partners… 📣 On the afternoon of Tuesday 26 November, we’ll be gathering 200+ VCs for the latest update on the ESG_VC Measurement Framework – from what it covers to how it informs industry-leading research, and how you can now work with our accredited data collection partners. This will be our first event delivered in partnership with our cohort of platform partners: Apiday, Novata, and PortF. I’m excited to share with our members how these partners can support a big step up in your ESG initiatives. Join us for a jam-packed event that will feature: 🟢 An update from Suzi Gillespie of the BVCA on how you can take part in our 2025 research – we analysed ESG performance in c.600 VC-backed companies in 2024 and we’re looking to deliver an even more ambitious piece of research next year… 🟢 Insights from Emily Havers of Fidelity International Strategic Ventures on the updates that have been made to the framework and what it means for our members, their portfolio companies, and the broader ecosystem. 🟢 Perspectives from Emily Matthews of Oxford Science Enterprises and Nina Foote of Volution on how the ESG_VC Measurement Framework has supported their work on ESG. 🟢 Presentations from our platform partners: Edouard Audi of Apiday, Conor O'Laoire’Laoire of Novata, and Alex Lu of PortF. It’s going to be a good one so do register. Link to sign up in the comments! #ESG_VC #sustainability #venturecapital

We're delighted to announcing our first licensing of the ESG_VC Measurement Framework in partnership with Novata. A core part of ESG_VC’s work focuses on benchmarking ESG performance within start-ups – to do this, it developed the ESG_VC Measurement Framework, which is now used by 100s of VC firms globally. ESG_VC’s framework – designed specifically for early-stage companies and VC investors to address the unique needs and challenges that they will face when thinking about ESG – will now be available in Novata’s platform to help startups measure the metrics that matter. #ESG_VC #sustainability #data

It was great to see so many of our members last night at our event hosted in partnership with Marriott Harrison and Dawn Capital, and chaired by Henry Philipson of Beringea. #ESG_VC #sustainability #ESGstrategy

📣 Calling all investors, we want to hear your ESG views Take part in our inaugural investor survey in partnership with Marriott Harrison, the leading independent venture and growth specialist. Link to complete here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e5VetHrD 💻 Why complete the survey? 1️⃣ Your input will provide invaluable insights into the current landscape of ESG practices within the venture ecosystem. Help us understand how investors are integrating ESG considerations into your internal processes and supporting portfolio companies. 2️⃣ Have a say in the trajectory and evolution of ESG_VC. Your feedback will guide us in better serving your needs 3️⃣ Your responses will contribute to our annual research partnership with the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA). Be part of the dialogue driving industry-wide change, with the results set to be published anonymously in early June. Please note, the findings of this research will be entirely anonymous and aggregated, and it should be a brief and simple questionnaire to complete. #ESG #ESGinVC #ESGinVentureCapital

Happy Earth Day! 🌏 We're celebrating with our Carbon Accounting webinar taking place this Wednesday! You can still sign up using the link below 👇 Carbon accounting can often feel daunting, time-consuming and laden with jargon Our webinar, aims to demystify Carbon accounting exploring the business, stakeholder and data practicalities behind a successful carbon accounting strategy. Listen to insights from industry experts and seasoned professionals whose organisations are already tracking their carbon emissions🌱 🍃 Alexis Normand and CEO, Greenly | Certified B Corp 🌳 Karen Kerrigan - COO, Moneybox 🌱 Rowena Humphreys - Sustainability Director & Consultant 🎙 Hosted by Emily Havers - Fidelity International Strategic Ventures 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eVX-PKQ4 #ESG #CarbonAccounting #VentureCapital #Sustainability #EarthDay

Looking to kickstart your carbon accounting journey? 🌍 Register for our upcoming Carbon Accounting 101 webinar Carbon emissions accounting is a fundamental step in any sustainability journey, but knowing where to start when it comes to methodologies, best practices and data collection can often feel overwhelming. This webinar is your gateway to demystifying the process and unlocking actionable insights! Whether you're just starting your carbon accounting journey or seeking to deepen your expertise, our powerhouse panel of seasoned professionals and industry experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Join us for an immersive session filled with practical tips and invaluable insights for success! 🍃 Alexis Normand - Co-founder and CEO, Greenly | Certified B Corp 🌳 Karen Kerrigan - COO, Moneybox 🌱 Rowena Humphreys - Sustainability Director & Consultant 🎙 Hosted by Emily Havers - Fidelity International Strategic Ventures What's on the agenda? ✅ Steps towards your carbon calculations: understanding different emissions factors and sources ✅ How to leverage the right teams and technology for efficient data gathering ✅ How to bring your organisation and key stakeholders along on your carbon reporting journey ✅ How to analyse carbon footprint data and identify hotspot areas for improvement ✅ Open Q&A 🔗 Register here and secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/eVX-PKQ4 #ESG #CarbonAccounting #VentureCapital #Sustainability