‘Reframe Training’ is a first-of-its-kind fit-for-purpose training originally developed with KfW Capital and the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt in 2022. Updated and personalised from cohort to cohort since the initial pilot, the focus is still on enhancing VCs’ responsible investing and ESG practices.
The goals of this ‘full body workout’ training programme are simple: educate participating VCs on both the basics of RI and ESG and help with its concrete implementation across fund processes. We focus on four concrete goals and principles:
Establish a baseline
There is much confusion between ESG, impact, ethical and responsible investing, and many other concepts and practices.
Defining and rationalising what RI, ESG and impact stand for is a first step towards common practice and avoiding ESG-washing.
We will provide evidence and examples for the ESG business case in VC to lay the baseline.
Move to action
Moving from a common base, the focus will be on concrete action and implementation for VC investors and portfolio teams.
As part of the training course, we will introduce practical tools for VCs (e.g. our materiality napkins and board guidance) and demonstrate best practice of their adoption across VC functions.
Learn by doing
Each of the sessions will not only consist of an easy-to-understand explanation of key concepts and tools, but also of an interactive exercise, case study, or application.
Split up into smaller breakout groups or in the full plenary, we will spend time practicing how ESG and impact play a role in VCs’ practical day-to-day roles concretely.
Bring industry in
Most key learnings will draw on external speakers to share short, pointed, and specific examples from their own investment practice.
Building on the network of industry leaders from our ecosystem and the LP we are co-hosting with,, this set of practitioners, investors, and LPs adds another layer of depth to the training experience.
Testimonials
The 'Leading in ESG' training was a unique opportunity for us to take a step back and look at our overall ESG strategy, validate the work we are currently doing, and help prioritise where to focus next. It was also value add in upskilling members of our investor relations and investment teams and help frame for them the bigger picture of the importance of integrating ESG in venture investing. Johannes, Hannah and the team at VentureESG are experts in their field and their perspectives on ways to overcome the associated challenges with ESG sparked so many new ideas!
Ashleigh Brown
Atomico
Participating in the first Leading in ESG training cohort was enormously valuable in deepening our understanding of the importance of ESG considerations in seed investing. The training provided us with practical tools and resources to improve the way we integrate ESG analyses into our investment process. On a personal level, we enjoyed the perspectives shared by the various external speakers as well as those of the VentureESG team: with backgrounds in both academia and the investment profession, their approach feels more holistic and flexible, particularly when compared to written-only resources available elsewhere.
Moritz Nathusius
Cherry Ventures
VentureESG's Leading in ESG Training is an absolute must-have for any private market professional looking to integrate ESG into their fund operations. The training was collaborative, provided exceptional tools to create practical ESG frameworks, and included an interactive case study that gave us the opportunity to share perspectives with fellow participants. The addition of speakers from the Venture and LP world rounded out an exceptional agenda. The training exceeded my expectations - I highly recommend it!
Andrea Schmitz
Knickerbocker FG
What to expect:
Some key insights from the sessions
Want to learn more about our next cohort, or are you interested in a bespoke session for your whole VC or LP team?
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