Want to learn the best business insights from remarkable speakers at Slush 2023, but don’t have the time to watch the full speeches on YouTube?
You’ve come to the right place. Below is a summary of a speech by Michelle You (climate tech founder of Supercritical), Sierra Peterson (founding partner of Voyager VC), and Kat Borlongan (former Chief Impact Officer at Contentsquare).
(psst: the notes were automatically generated with Wudpecker's AI notetaking tool. If you'd like to check these notes + transcript + audio recording without needing to log in, press here.)
<p class="h1-rich">🤏 TL;DR</p>
A panel of experts discussed the current state of sustainability practices, the business case for sustainability and climate action, options for companies to consider, and the role of investors in advising portfolio companies. Action items include measuring carbon emissions and developing a plan for reduction, investing in early-stage carbon removal technologies, educating oneself on sustainability practices, and integrating climate action into company operations and culture at an early stage.
<p class="h1-rich">✨ Summary</p>
Introduction
- Introductions of the panelists: Sierra Peterson, Kat Belongin, and Michelle
- Discussion on their backgrounds and experiences in the industry
The Current State of Sustainability Practices
- Report findings on the implementation of sustainability practices in VC-backed startups in the UK
- Importance of measuring emissions and having a plan for reduction
- Challenges faced by software companies in understanding their emissions
The Business Case for Sustainability and Climate Action
- Importance of sustainability in risk exposure and securing stable production
- Opportunities for decarbonization in the global economy
- Employee expectations and the impact on employer branding
Options for Companies to Consider
- Considerations for early-stage founders in implementing sustainability practices
- Measuring emissions and identifying sources of emissions within the business
- Working with suppliers and investing in carbon removal technologies
Role of Investors in Advising Portfolio Companies
- Investor perspective on the importance of sustainability commitments
- Advice for founders on navigating sustainability options
- Educating oneself and taking action at both the corporate and personal levels
Common Pitfalls and Challenges
- Pitfalls of siloing climate initiatives and not giving them proper attention
- The importance of taking any action, no matter how small
- The need for climate initiatives to be cross-functional and integrated into the company
Conclusion
- The importance of taking action and being educated about sustainability
- The evolving role of sustainability in business and its impact on every company
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