“Materiality is a concept that defines why and how certain issues are important for a company or a business sector. A material issue can have a major impact on the financial, economic, reputational, and legal aspects of a company, as well as on the system of internal and external stakeholders of that company.” Datamaran, Materiality Definitions: The Ultimate Guide

The Antler priority framework

The Antler framework below is designed to help startups navigate sustainability priorities from the outset. It outlines critical sustainability areas, offering insights into key opportunities and risks. This understanding is vital for effectively addressing sustainability concerns and communicating your strategies and challenges both within your company and to the wider world. As stakeholder expectations evolve, this framework aims to align your efforts with these changing demands.

<aside> 💡 Look at the sheet below and examine the industry vertical that aligns with your company’s offerings to uncover potential material issues (”High” priority) that may affect your company’s performance and trajectory. This proactive approach helps mitigate future challenges by addressing significant sustainability aspects early in your business journey.

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Some things to note:

• This framework draws inspiration from the SASB materiality finder, has been simplified for ease of use and is not exhaustive.
• The priority levels provided within this framework are derived from general industry trends and the most common issues faced by companies across various sectors.
• As your company progresses, your business priorities will inevitably shift. Regular reviews and adjustments of your sustainability approach are vital to ensure continued relevance and alignment with your mission, vision, and values.

Once a high-priority area is identified, learning how to approach it effectively becomes crucial. The other sections of this toolkit serve as your comprehensive guide, offering insights into best practices, strategies for implementation, and case studies for reference.

Whether you're looking to improve workplace culture, enhance data privacy measures, or reduce environmental impact, the toolkit provides actionable advice tailored to your industry's specific needs and challenges.

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For additional reference, VentureESG has developed a materiality map for VC firms' ESG heads, available here, along with its accompanying whitepaper.