Venture capital is a vital part of the financial ecosystem and a significant engine for job creation and innovation. It is extremely influential in how we will all live in the future, plays a critical role by supporting the next generation of business leaders and companies, and it funds innovation to advance technological solutions that may help solve some of society’s greatest challenges.

While ESG has become increasingly mainstream for investors as part of a broader wave to embrace purpose and stakeholder capitalism, ESG adoption has tended to lag in venture capital. This is starting to change, however, with ESG moving from being a “nice to have” into a deeper understanding of the true value created by ESG integration, creating a sustainable culture that attracts investors, employees, and customers.

In this episode of ESG Insights, I am joined by Rhiannon Davies, Founding and Managing Partner of the seed-stage venture capital fund, Sandpiper Ventures. Rhiannon has over 20 years of experience as a leader in international business and holds/has held a number of executive and board director roles in private, public, and non-profit organizations. Rhiannon is an active volunteer and community leader working to promote diversity and sustainability in the early-stage technology ecosystem through her work with Sandpiper Ventures and more.

Sandpiper Ventures (Home - Sandpiper Ventures) unlocks capital and innovation through greater diversity of investors and strong connections to global markets, contributing to a stronger ecosystem, stronger economy, and an approach to investing with better businesses, deals and higher investment returns.

Welcome as we discuss ESG in venture capital, to understand the drive to incorporate ESG, the challenges, and the progress being made.