”Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Barack Obama

The World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2023 highlights climate action failure as the most significant global risk. Yet, within this challenge lies an opportunity for startups.

Whether in Climate Tech, Cleantech, or beyond, every startup can contribute to solutions, starting with an awareness of their environmental impact and integrating sustainability into product design and operations.

Environmental challenges like climate change, natural resource scarcity, and pollution not only affect our planet but directly impact your company, employees, and supply chain. With the tech sector's rapid growth, its environmental footprint is expanding, predicted to account for 15% of global emissions by 2040. This growth outpaces the renewable energy capacity in many developing countries, highlighting the urgent need for action.

The unique position of startups:

Startups are at the forefront of innovation, capable of quickly adapting and implementing sustainable solutions. Your agility and fresh perspective enable you to address environmental challenges in ways that established companies cannot. This is not just about mitigating risks; it's about seizing the opportunity to lead in a green economy.

Investors and regulators see climate change and its impacts as a risk and are pushing for more emissions transparency and climate action from companies of all sizes. It will serve companies well to consider their environmental effect at the earliest stage.

Understanding the impact on your business:

Climate change translates to more than just global temperature rises; it affects your business directly. Supply chain disruptions, changing market demands, and the physical impacts of extreme weather events can all threaten the stability and growth of your startup. By understanding these direct impacts, you can better prepare and adapt.

Begin by assessing your startup's current environmental footprint. Simple tools and questionnaires available on our platform can help you gauge your impact based on your specific industry, size, and operations. This first step is crucial in moving from awareness to action.

The journey towards sustainability starts with small, actionable steps. Consider how you can reduce your carbon footprint, minimize waste, and optimize resource use from the outset.

Why does this matter to early-stage companies?

If a company prioritizes environmental effect early on a company, there are many benefits:

• Reducing environmental impact will help contribute to a stronger planet and a healthier society.
• Build stakeholder trust and a strong brand reputation with sustainability as a top priority.
• Attract mission-driven and eco-minded employees.
• Save money by implementing environmental initiatives.
• Deliver a competitive advantage to those who place sustainability as a lower priority (this may include offering a ‘greener’ product to the incumbent).