While we hope you keep returning to use the sustainability toolkit, we do acknowledge that you may prefer an easy one-pager reference for sustainability recommendations. These recommendation maps provide an overview of our recommended sustainability considerations and metrics by company growth stage.

The rest of the Antler sustainability toolkit will provide useful information on how to action and implement these recommendations.

We also share our recommendations for ESG frameworks and data platforms used by the VC industry.

Sustainability considerations we recommend by company growth stage:

This document has been prepared by Antler. It is designed to offer some recommendations for early-stage company best practices but is not an exhaustive list. Please contact your Antler coach for more details on how to develop your company’s ESG and impact roadmap.

There are some additional recommendations and suggestions for impact companies to consider, these include:

<aside> 💡 Definition reminder: Impact companies are intentionally created by founders who aim to address specific environmental or societal challenges. What sets impact companies apart is their ability to both demonstrate and quantify the positive outcomes of their products, providing clear evidence of their beneficial impact.

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Sustainability metrics we would recommend by company growth stage:

We would recommend tracking the below metrics at least on an annual basis.

ESG data platforms are pivotal for enhancing a company's sustainability efforts, social responsibility, competitive advantage, and adherence to regulatory standards. They furnish essential insights into ESG performance, spotlighting areas for improvement. Demonstrating robust ESG performance can significantly benefit companies by attracting socially conscious investors, customers, and top talent. Moreover, these platforms play a critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance, helping to avert potential penalties and safeguard the company's reputation and financial health.

Recommended ESG data platforms include:

• **Apiday:** Ideal for companies embarking on their sustainability journey, with a particular emphasis on educational resources.
• **Novata:** A platform used by PE and VC firms. Antler facilitates access to a subsidized account for Series B and above portfolio companies. Contact us to get started.
• **Upright:** Distinguished for its focus on quantifying the net impact of companies, offering detailed insights into sustainability performance.

ESG Frameworks used by VC GPs and LPs

Venture capital investors may refer to various ESG frameworks during discussions. Familiarizing yourself with these frameworks can provide a clearer understanding of your company's sustainability alignment in its early stages. Antler’s health checks align with these frameworks, assisting in gauging your sustainability considerations effectively.