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Overview

Sustainability assessment of startups is a comprehensive step-by-step framework designed to evaluate the sustainability of start-ups at various stages of development. It is tailored for businesses that either have sustainability at the heart of their business model or those that aim to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. The tool is based on established investor pre-screening and due diligence concepts, allowing for both preliminary and in-depth sustainability assessments. It caters to companies in the pre-seed/seed phase, as well as those in the start-up/growth phase, providing a framework to measure potential and actual sustainability outcomes. The results of the assessment can be utilized for a range of purposes, including capital acquisition, business model development, and enhancing sustainability in corporate culture and value chains.

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Dimensions

Resource type: This tool serves as a methodological instrument that can be used by start-ups and investors to assess and enhance sustainability practices.

• Tags: framework, criteria-based, qualitative, ranking-scale

Objective: The primary goal of this resource is to assess and report on the sustainability aspects of start-ups, helping them align their operations with sustainable objectives.

• Tags: assess, report, align

Target audience: The tool is designed for a variety of users, including entrepreneurs and investors, who are focused on sustainability in start-ups.

• Tags: entrepreneurs, investors, startups, advisors

Sustainability focus: The tool emphasizes all three pillars of sustainability, with a particular focus on aligning start-up activities with societal sustainability goals such as the SDGs.

• Tags: environmental-sustainability, social-sustainability, economic-sustainability, SDGs

Innovation type: While the tool supports various types of innovation, it is particularly relevant for business model innovation that integrates sustainability.

• Tags: business-model-innovation, wide-application

Entrepreneurship stage: The tool is applicable to start-ups at the pre-seed/seed stage and those in the start-up/growth phase, addressing different needs at each stage.

• Tags: ideation, development, startup, growth, pre-seed

Scope of relevance: The tool can be used globally, but it is especially relevant for start-ups that are aligning their business models with international sustainability standards.

• Tags: global

Methodological approach: The resource is based on established concepts used by investors for pre-screening and due diligence, offering a structured approach to sustainability assessment.

• Tags: qualitative-research, theoretical-frameworks

Skill development: Using this tool can enhance skills in sustainability assessment, strategic alignment, and impact management.

• Tags: systems-thinking, holistic-thinking, environmental-awareness, business-and-financial-skills

Source and credibility: The tool is developed from established practical concepts, ensuring a credible and reliable framework for sustainability assessment.

• Tags: reputable-industry-sources, practice, SDGs , academia

Prerequisites and requirements: The tool is designed for users with at least a basic understanding of business and sustainability concepts.

• Tags: beginner-level, intermediate-level

Collaboration level: The assessment can be conducted individually or by a team, depending on the size and structure of the start-up.

• Tags: individual, team, inter-department

A manual for the assessment can be found here.

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Resources