No investor will invest in a less sustainable idea or company, this was the bottom line of sustainability training conducted by Nermina Ljevakovic, the Chief Financial Officer for TechBridge Invest.
A business is said to be sustainable when it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.It is basically the management and coordination of environmental, social and financial demands and concerns to ensure responsible, ethical and ongoing success.
For a startup to be sustainable it must factor in the Sustainable Development Goals as envisioned by the United Nations Member States in 2015 which is a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
The training on sustainability is in line with the social and environmental impact goals for TechBridge Invest including;creation of jobs, innovating affordable products that solve problems for underserved populations and to actively search for and assist business ideas that reduces emissions, wastes or at the least do no harm to the environment.
Sustainable Development Goals provide all businesses with a framework through which to translate the world’s needs and business solutions. These solutions will enable companies to better manage their risks, anticipate consumer demand, build positions in growth markets, secure access to needed resources, and strengthen their supply chains, while moving the world towards a sustainable and inclusive development path.
For investors to invest in a company it is key that they understand its sustainability, risk profile and sustainability-related business opportunities. Hence SDGs tend to be a driver for investor and consumer behavior.
Startups should live to achieve sustainable development goals in order to thrive and create long lasting impact in the society. There is a dire need for startups to adopt circular economy policies which in the long run tend to reduce demand. Responsible consumption and production will help businesses achieve more while using few resources.
Entrepreneurs should embrace science,technological and innovation trends that support sustainable development. The world should put the Information Technology revolution into relevant use to achieve societal sustainability.
Generally as startups try to achieve their development goals or success they should also consider the well being of other people which will eventually contribute in making a difference in the society.
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