Sustainable investing has been gaining momentum, with investors focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making financial decisions. The private markets, which include venture capital, private equity, and other non-publicly traded investments, have not been immune to this trend. Some private market investors are now seeking opportunities that not only offer the potential to meet investment goals, but also align with their values and promote sustainability.

Why Sustainable Investing Can Matter

Sustainable investing, also known as responsible or ethical investing, is an investment approach that considers ESG factors alongside traditional financial metrics. These factors can be important in assessing the long-term viability and impact of a business. Sustainable investing matters for several reasons:

• Aligning Values: Many investors today want to put their money into ventures that reflect their values and beliefs. Sustainable investing may allow individuals to invest in companies that share their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
• Impact: Sustainable investing has the potential to drive positive change in the world by directing capital towards companies with a mission to improve society and the environment.
• Addressing Environmental Challenges: Sustainable investing can contribute to addressing pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, and resource depletion. By directing capital toward environmentally responsible companies and projects, investors can help companies who have a goal to reduce the negative impacts on the planet.
• Promoting Social Equity: Sustainable investing can support companies that prioritize fair labor practices, diversity and inclusion, and community development. This helps promote social equity and may contribute to reducing disparities in income and well-being.
• Encouraging Ethical Business Practices: By investing in companies with strong governance and ethical standards, investors can incentivize businesses to maintain transparency, accountability, and responsible management practices.
• Financial Performance: McKinsey reports that numerous studies have shown a positive correlation between strong ESG performance and higher equity returns[1]. Investing in sustainable companies may provide an option to help an investor meet their long-term investment goals. However, past performance does not guarantee future results.

Sustainable Investing in Private Markets

While sustainable investing is often associated with publicly traded stocks and bonds, it has also been gaining traction in the private markets. These investments can offer unique opportunities for sustainable investors.

• Venture Capital: Startups and early-stage companies can be a place for innovation and disruptive solutions to sustainability challenges. Investors in venture capital funds can back companies with innovative products and services aimed at solving environmental and social issues.
• Private Equity: Private equity investors can actively engage with portfolio companies to improve their ESG participation. By influencing business strategies, governance, and operational practices, private equity can play a role in driving positive change.
• Real Estate: Sustainable real estate investments focus on eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings, as well as properties located in communities that prioritize sustainability. These investments can help deliver a positive environmental impact.
• Alternative Assets: Private market investors can diversify their sustainable portfolios by considering alternative assets such as renewable energy projects, impact funds, and social enterprises.

Key Principles of Sustainable Investing for Private Investors

Now that we understand the importance of sustainable investing in the private markets, let’s delve into the key principles that private investors may want to consider when evaluating these opportunities.

Define Your Goals and Values

The first step in sustainable investing is to define your goals and values. What causes or issues are most important to you? Are you passionate about environmental sustainability, social justice, or corporate governance? Understanding your values can help you align your investments with what matters most to you.

Educate Yourself

Before making any investments, it can be important to educate yourself about sustainable investing. This includes understanding ESG factors, the various approaches to sustainability, and the latest trends in the private markets. Many resources, such as books, online courses, and financial advisors, can help you in your research. To learn more about ESG factors, check out our recent blog, ESG Investing & Venture Capital.

Evaluate ESG Factors

When assessing potential investments in the private markets, investors may consider looking at the company’s commitment to ESG factors. Analyze its environmental practices, social impact, and corporate governance. Consider factors like carbon footprint, workplace diversity, and ethical governance. This evaluation can help guide you toward businesses that align with your values.

Seek Impactful Opportunities

While financial returns can be considered a focus of investing, sustainable investors often seek opportunities that allow them to both meet their financial goals and be a part of positive social or environmental impact. Look for investments in companies and projects that have a clear and measurable commitment to making the world a better place.

Engage with Investment Managers

Private market investors often rely on investment managers to guide their investment decisions. Engage with your investment manager about your sustainability goals and preferences. Together, you can identify investments that align with your values that could potentially help meet your financial objectives.

Monitor and Measure Impact

Sustainable investors may want to regularly monitor and measure the impact of their investments. Understand the progress companies are making in achieving their sustainability goals in driving positive change.

Challenges and Considerations

While sustainable investing in private markets may offer many advantages, there are challenges and considerations that investors should be aware of:

• Limited Liquidity: Private market investments are illiquid and may require a long-term commitment. Investors should be prepared to lock up their capital for extended periods.
• Impact Measurement: Measuring the impact of private investments can be challenging. Investors may need to work closely with companies to ensure they meet their sustainability goals.
• Risk-Return Tradeoff: Achieving both financial growth and sustainability goals can be challenging. Private investors may want to carefully balance these objectives.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable investing in private markets offers an opportunity to align your financial goals with your values. As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of ESG factors, private investors can help companies drive positive change. By understanding the key principles of sustainable investing, defining your values, and actively engaging with investment managers, you can create a sustainable investment portfolio that reflects your ethics and aspirations. Remember that sustainable investing is a dynamic field, and staying informed and adaptable can be important. As the private market landscape continues to evolve, so too could the opportunities for private investors.

Are you looking to invest in sustainable startups? Sign up for a MicroVentures account to start investing!

Want to learn more about ESG investing? Check out the following MicroVenture blogs to learn more:

• Sustainable Investing: Aligning Goals with Purpose
• Impact Investing 101
• ESG Investing & Venture Capital
• Investment Strategies for Ethical Investing

 

[1] https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/the-importance-of-esg-as-a-key-drive-of-corporate-performance#:~:text=According%20to%20McKinsey%2C%20studies%20show%20that%20strong%20ESG%20performance%20is%20positively%20correlated%20with%20higher%20equity%20returns%20and%20reduction%20in%20downside%20risk

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The information presented here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as, comprehensive offering documentation for any security, investment, tax or legal advice, a recommendation, or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, an interest, directly or indirectly, in any company. Investing in both early-stage and later-stage companies carries a high degree of risk. A loss of an investor’s entire investment is possible, and no profit may be realized. Investors should be aware that these types of investments are illiquid and should anticipate holding until an exit occurs.