Seven venture capitalists successfully completed their CATAL1.5°T training
Towards Responsible Venture Capital Investments
On 23 and 24 October, the CATAL1.5°T Initiative, financed through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation for Development (BMZ) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), conducted comprehensive ESG (environmental, social and governance) training for venture capitalists. Venture ESG led the training, where also experts from Dalus Capital and Fondo de Fondos participated, consolidating a fundamental space to integrate responsible practices in the venture capital ecosystem.
Participants included Amplifica Capital, Co_Capital, 30N Ventures, SVX, Cometa, Mercy corps and New Ventures; the central training purpose was to provide investors with tools and knowledge to integrate ESG criteria into the work culture of VCs and in the stages of their investment processes, from decision-making to due diligence and post-investment monitoring. Johannes Lenhard and Hannah Leach, co-founders of Venture ESG, conducted the programme. They emphasized the importance of ESG principles in the operation of venture capital funds, noting that their effective integration can have significant material repercussions, as well as contributing to the strengthening and sustainability of start-ups. Participants highlighted the depth of the approach, which not only covered the minimum aspects of compliance, but underlined the importance of a sustainable and positive impact on the climate and technology investment ecosystem.
During the event, various topics and internal practices fundamental to venture capitalists were addressed, from investing to portfolio support. The programme also highlighted that ESG principles not only reinforce the ethical and social commitment of funds, but also offer long-term competitive advantages, aligning economic profitability with social and environmental responsibility. Practical examples, tools and perspectives on best practices complemented the experience.
As an insight, Diego Serebrisky, from Dalus Capital, shared how his fund has integrated ESG criteria and a firm commitment to inclusion and gender diversity. Dalus Capital has implemented a code of conduct that advocates zero tolerance for situations of harassment and has launched a call for scholarships exclusively for women at entry levels (fellows) with the aim of increasing their representation in high-level positions.
This experience shows how ESG criteria can be a catalyst for positive change within organizations and how inclusion and gender equality have become key aspects for investment funds in Latin America.
The attendees of the training positively valued the innovative approach of the course, highlighting that it addressed ESG criteria from a comprehensive and practical perspective, beyond the minimum compliance requirements. Participants agreed that this long-term vision, which links ESG impact to economic success, is essential to transform the way venture capital funds are managed in the region.
This initiative reaffirms CATAL1.5°T's commitment to strengthening the venture capital ecosystem in Latin America by promoting responsible practices that not only benefit investors and start-ups, but also contribute to the sustainable development and economic growth of the region.
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© GIZ/Josué García