Aligning impact with
commercial success
At Verdane, we firmly believe that our core value of respecting people and the planet creates the foundation for delivering superior future returns. We partner with companies positioned to succeed in the long term, in a more sustainable future economy when externalities are priced, regulations tightened, and consumer preferences changed. As investors and active owners, we are proud to champion this win-win approach.
Read our latest sustainability report
Sustainability at Verdane
In 2023, Verdane was certified as a B Corp. This accreditation reflects our commitment to building sustainable growth businesses and proves our intent to harness private capital to drive positive outcomes.
Bjarne Kveim Lie, Managing Partner at Verdane: “Our commitment to sustainability is part of the core fabric of Verdane and we are proud of this significant milestone.”
Respecting people and the planet is part of our company identity, and as such we want to be at the forefront of the green transition. We pledged to neutralise all our residual scope 1-3 greenhouse gas emissions through engineered, permanent carbon removal. We want to lead by example. To our knowledge, no other firm in our industry globally has undertaken a similar initiative.
In collaboration with Södra, the leading Nordic pulp and paper company, we have established Njord Carbon. This joint venture focuses on developing commercial-scale, high-quality permanent carbon removal projects using Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) technology. Njord Carbon aims to offer its first commercial carbon credits by 2028.
Harnessing private equity to do good
We actively work to be on the right side of history through our investment choices, value creation approach, and institutional investor partnerships.
More than half of the capital in Verdane’s funds raised since 2018 originates from non-profit institutional sources supporting public welfare through pensions and causes like the rights to education, democracy, and free speech.
Verdane is partly owned by the Verdane Foundation. The Foundation provides donations, and financial support, and makes selective investments, such as Bower, Katapult Ocean and Zcooly, focused on two areas: climate change and more equitable and inclusive local communities.
Verdane is a founding member of the Nordic chapters of Lvl20 and OutInvestors.
Our 2030 commitments
Our 2030 sustainability targets apply both at the firm and portfolio levels. We are dedicated to supporting businesses built on these principles, guiding them to become industry leaders and contribute to a sustainable future.
Respect the planet
As we navigate the next ten years and beyond, it is crucial to take bold steps to limit and mitigate the consequences of climate change. There is a unanimous agreement among experts that we must cut global emissions by half by 2030. It is our conviction that companies that excel in reducing their environmental footprint and pioneer sustainable business models will have an outsized impact on their respective markets.
Be the best place to work, for everyone
Securing and maintaining top talent remains a cornerstone of success for technology-enabled and socially conscious companies. The Employee Net Promotor score (eNPS) stands as a benchmark and research-backed indicator of organisational health. It enables us to monitor the level of employee engagement across our portfolio and compare the Verdane portfolio average against global benchmarks.
Create secure and responsible companies
Cybersecurity is now a prerequisite for doing business, with both customers and authorities understandably expecting higher levels of regulatory compliance than in previous years. At Verdane, we believe that companies demonstrating stronger cybersecurity standards have a competitive advantage over businesses that have failed to progress in this field.
Cyber threats are growing more complex and widespread every year, meaning that it’s crucial for companies to possess the means to prevent or reduce the impact of any attacks. Doing this builds trust with stakeholders and increases operational effectiveness.
Sustainable investment thesis
Innovative use of technology will be the single most important factor in reducing the resource intensity of our economies. At Verdane, we believe private equity has a critical role to play in scaling the technologies and business models of companies that will help enable this market transition.
Two mutually reinforcing megatrends
Today’s companies face ever-changing challenges and increasingly complex market dynamics. We recognise that the dual forces of decarbonisation and digitalisation are propelling growth and innovation. We chose to partner with companies driven by those two underlying megatrends.
Decarbonisation
As the effects of climate change worsen and environmental awareness grows, decarbonising our economies becomes a priority for governments, businesses and societies. We partner with businesses that contribute to decarbonisation with products and services that avoid or eliminate emissions and enhance the circularity of our economies.
Digitalisation
As the world becomes increasingly digital, businesses that can effectively harness technological innovation are primed for exponential growth. Technology is the catalyst for reshaping industries, creating new markets, and challenging business models. We recognise and invest in companies that drive digitalisation forward.
Digitalisation
focus areas
- Software
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare
- IT and infrastructure
- Consumer products
- Digital services
Decarbonisation
focus areas
- Energy transition
- Resource efficiency
Sustainability throughout the investment lifecycle
We have developed a best-in-class approach to integrate sustainability throughout the whole investment lifecycle. During the investment phase, we assess sustainability risks and value creation opportunities. Based on those findings, we work with our portfolio companies during the ownership period to drive sustainability performance and succeed our 2030 commitments. Our aim is to always exit a more sustainable business than the one we initially invested in.
Investment phase
| Step | Tests |
|---|---|
| Sourcing | • The 2040 test • Impact Screen • Exclusion list |
| Due Diligence | • Double materiality assessment • Value chain analysis • Maturity assessment • Impact scorecard SDG contribution • Cybersecurity maturity & posture scan • Organisational capability Assessment |
| Investment decision | • Sustainability assesment included in every DQM • Separate Impact Investment Committee for impact investments |
Ownership phase
| Step | Tests |
|---|---|
| Accelerate and build | • Implement a value-creation plan • Support strategic development • Track and benchmark performance • Facilitate portfolio company network |
| Exit | • Sell companies that are more sustainable than at entry |
Latest Insights
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News: Verdane partners with Sitoo, the leading Unified Commerce Platform vendor in Scandinavia to accelerate global expansion planVerdane partners with Sitoo, the leading Unified Commerce Platform vendor in Scandinavia to accelerate global expansion plan
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News: Verdane closes Idun II at €700 million hard cap to back companies that will create a more sustainable futureVerdane closes Idun II at €700 million hard cap to back companies that will create a more sustainable future
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News: Cropster and Verdane partner to accelerate coffee industry innovation and growthCropster and Verdane partner to accelerate coffee industry innovation and growth