In an panel facilitated by EquityMatch, a UK-based company connecting startups and investors, business experts explored how startups can weave sustainability into their business models.
Panelists included:
Jeffrey Beyer, Founder and Managing Director of Zest Associates
Stephanie Krubsack, Founder of Purevant Living and Women Who Kayak
Federico Magalini, Director of Sustainability Services at dss+ Consulting
Rajeshwar Bachu, sustainable investor and founder of Zero-Carbon GmbH
Dr. Christina Zhang, Vice Chair of the UN Metaverse Working Group on Sustainability
Key takeaways from this discussion included:
Integrating a value lens approach to sustainability in business can mitigate risks and provide cheaper, more attractive financing options. Sustainability research can also propel unexpected innovations in the cost-cutting side of a business.
Rather than just a differentiator, sustainability should be considered an essential for an exceptionally performing business. Consumers are increasingly favoring companies with strong sustainability positions.
Sustainable investing is rapidly growing, with a market valued at $2 trillion and projected to grow by 22% annually, new financing commitments emerging, and performance exceeding that of the S&P 500.
Startups are uniquely positioned to take advantage of emerging technologies like AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), flexibly integrating them into their operations. Blending sustainability and technology into their growth strategies will make them far more attractive to informed investors.