Embracing ESG for a Sustainable Future in Venture Capital
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are reshaping the global investment landscape, becoming integral to the strategies of forward-thinking companies and investors alike. At Startup Wise Guys, we are proud to present our inaugural ESG Report for 2023—a milestone reflecting our commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive growth across the venture capital ecosystem.
With insights from our founders, partners, and key stakeholders, the report not only underscores the principles that fuel responsible business but also highlights areas of greatest ESG potential for early-stage ventures, as well as the significant factors that can hinder progress. These reflections provide a nuanced perspective on the critical role ESG plays in strengthening long-term resilience for startups and their communities.
Explore how our dedication to ESG aligns with evolving market expectations and the vision of our global founders, and join us in building a sustainable future.
Sustainability as a Core Priority
Startup Wise Guys takes a balanced approach to sustainability, integrating responsible growth with global impact. Our portfolio reflects diversity and a commitment to meaningful change (few numbers from the report):
Explore some of the Impactful Startups to Watch in our portfolio, making waves in sustainability:
Our portfolio is a testament to innovation with purpose, featuring startups that are reshaping industries and driving impactful solutions for a sustainable future. From agriculture and energy management to waste reduction and sustainable packaging, these companies are tackling critical challenges head-on. Each venture exemplifies our commitment to fostering businesses that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance best practices.
Discover how these startups are advancing their missions and setting new standards in their fields:
➤ Agritrack: The agriculture process automation platform tracking quality from farm to fork, aiming to reduce food loss and food fraud
➤ BeeSage: Data-driven beekeeping for productivity and sustainability
➤ BeWo: A sustainability reporting platform (SaaS) that enables companies to calculate and track their carbon footprint
➤ blue auditor: An ESG management and risk assessment platform for real estate to support sustainable transitions
➤ Effa: A short-term use eco-friendly toothbrush made of paper
➤ Esgrid: The ESG data infrastructure for sustainable procurement and finance
➤ Freshsens: Combines Controlled Atmosphere, IoT & AI for optimal storage and profit for fresh produce
➤ Klimashift: An AI-powered facility operating system helping enterprises decarbonize small and medium-sized buildings
➤ Kwota: Carbon Credits Marketplace enabling digital validation and trading of recycled material CO₂ savings
➤ Map My Crop: A SaaS AI-ML based Crop Monitoring Platform
➤ MonaTek: IoT-powered energy management system for real estate and factories
➤ Nature Preserve: Cost-efficient supply chain management platform for agri-food companies to manage products and carbon footprint
➤ Ringy: An ecosystem for refurbishers with a mission to reduce electronic waste by extending device lifecycles
➤ Ringo Eco: A scalable reuse service to eliminate packaging waste
➤ Scrapays Inc: On-demand disposal of recyclable waste with independent businesses
➤ Sensegrass: A soil intelligence platform for fertilizer management, using AI and sensors for real-time soil health analysis
➤ Skeleton Technologies: Powers energy savings with ultracapacitors
➤ S.Lab: Produces 100% biodegradable packaging from hemp and mycelium as a plastic alternative
➤ Trashify Tech: AI-powered systems for smarter waste management in material recovery facilities
➤ Vool: An EV charging solution offering smart, dependable, and cost-effective charging
➤ Yaga: An easy, secure platform for anyone wanting to sell items online
➤ Zerow: A platform focused on reducing waste in the fashion industry
“We see a tendency that ESG strategies derive from the company’s desire to get access to growth funding and thus arise normally after acceleration and further develop as a company matures. So we are standing with founders pointing out the ESG fundamentals early on”
