CSR and Sustainability
This document contains information under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). These are regulations that VONK Ventures must comply with as a fund. CSR and sustainability are not an obligation for fund management, but rather an intrinsic motivation.
With VONK Ventures, we are committed to supporting breakthrough technologies that contribute to a better, sustainable future. We are happy to engage with entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders to share and continue to improve our vision — aiming for positive impact on people, the environment, and society.
The European Parliament and the Council have developed a template for sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector in addition to Regulation (EU) 2019/2088. The information below follows that template.
No significant harm to the sustainable investment objective
VONK Ventures believes it is important that the innovations supported by our fund change the world in a positive way only. We actively monitor that the companies we invest in, as well as the entrepreneurs, act in accordance with our investment objectives regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. To this end, we assess and ensure the company does not have a negative impact on one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as adopted by the member states of the United Nations in 2015.
Sustainable investment objective of the fund
VONK Ventures aims to contribute to a sustainable, innovative and resilient economy by investing in Dutch Deep Tech companies with a positive impact on people, society and/or the environment. The fund does not exclusively focus on a single sustainability aspect, but stimulates a broad spectrum of technological progress, contributing to multiple societal transitions at the same time. The fund aims to make ten investments per year in promising Deep Tech companies with a demonstrable contribution to one or more SDG goals.
Investment strategy
VONK Ventures uses a structured approach to venture building:
- The selection procedure assesses ventures on five pillars: technology, market, organization, finance and impact. Only companies with demonstrable positive social and ecological added value are eligible.
- In addition to capital, VONK Ventures offers active guidance on topics like strategy, organization, and follow-on investments. This results in sustainable growth while securing good governance and transparency in the participation as well.
Proportion of investments
The fund aims to make 100% of the investments in companies that contribute to the sustainable objectives and have a positive impact score according to the internal assessment methodology.
Monitoring of sustainable investment objective
Sustainability is an integral part of the selection and follow-up. Prior to the investment, an impact score is determined for every company. During the collaboration, the fund management monitors progress through quarterly reports and direct contact with the entrepreneurs.
Methodologies
VONK Ventures uses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations as a framework. The assessment takes place on three levels:
- Product: The direct impact of the technology or service on the SDGs.
- Operation: The business operations, governance, diversity, and handling of raw materials.
- Controversy: Any negative incidents or social issues.
For each of the above levels, a score from +++ (strongly positive) to --- (strongly negative) is assigned. The lowest individual score determines the final score, because VONK Ventures believes that sustainable goals are indivisible.
Data sources and processing
All relevant information is collected from the participation itself and checked by the fund management. If necessary, data is verified through public sources, benchmark reports, and/or external experts. The assumptions and analyses are shared and discussed with the Investment Committee.
Limitations of methodologies and data
Although VONK Ventures strives for objective and reproducible impact measurement, reports from startups can vary in detail and frequency. However, through continuous involvement and periodic monitoring, deviations are quickly identified. The impact of this limitation on the total impact score is therefore considered to be small.
Due diligence
For each proposed investment, an investment memo containing a separate section on impact, both on a social and environmental level, is drawn up. This memo is reviewed and approved by the Investment Committee before the investment is confirmed. Combined, the memos form a consistent and verifiable sustainability archive of the fund.
Engagement policy
From the initial contact with a startup, VONK Ventures discusses its sustainability vision and expectations. After the investment, the fund maintains close contact with the management team, including periodic progress meetings on impact, governance, and social contribution.
Achieving the sustainable investment objective
VONK Ventures currently does not make use of external verification of the sustainability goals, but the fund management is actively exploring opportunities for future external validation. However, the direct and structural involvement of the fund management in all participations ensures that sustainability is continuously applied in practice.
Contact us
If you have any questions about our sustainability-related fund information, please contact us at info@vonk.ventures.