Sustainability that Adds Up. Building Viable and Responsible Startups

Sustainability is no longer a mere added value; it has become a key driver of competitiveness and business viability. In a landscape shaped by new regulatory requirements, shifting consumer habits, and the growth of impact investment, startups face the challenge of incorporating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria without losing sight of growth and profitability.

With a distinctly practical approach, this report highlights applicable tools, real-life case studies, and empirically validated methodologies, while also grounding them in the theoretical frameworks that support them. Throughout the document, we examine the core elements of an effective strategy in the entrepreneurial context: from mapping the regulatory, social and financial environment, to defining what it truly means to be a sustainable startup in operational terms. Common myths are debunked, and the triple bottom line is presented as a guiding framework. A step-by-step roadmap for sustainable integration is also provided, tailored to the different stages of startup development, alongside key insights on how to measure impact through comparable and specific metrics. In addition, strategies are explored for attracting impact investment, building a sustainable value proposition, and communicating transparently while avoiding greenwashing. Real-world examples further demonstrate how sustainability can act as a driver of innovation and competitiveness.

To enrich this applied perspective, the report features contributions from professionals with diverse experience in sustainability, entrepreneurship and investment, offering complementary viewpoints:

• Stephanie Checo, consultant specialising in sustainability and entrepreneurship with organisations such as SocialNest and the EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology), contributes insights on agile methodologies that combine impact and scalability from the earliest stages.
• José Carlos Ferrer, founder and director of YCSO, a consultancy in sustainability and corporate diplomacy, serves as an adviser to the United Nations and the EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group), and lectures at both national and international universities. His expertise spans practical implementation as well as the regulatory framework of corporate sustainability.
• Mar Domínguez, founder of Bluease, a startup developing digital tools for measuring and managing sustainability in the events sector, combines environmental activism with the creation of sustainable technological solutions.
• Myriam Estarrona del Río, co-founder of Open Value Foundation, an organisation focused on strategic philanthropy and impact investment, brings experience in project evaluation and strategic support to maximise scalability and financial sustainability.

This report is designed for those seeking to build purpose-driven companies without compromising economic viability or growth ambitions.

Download the full PDF to access tools, insights and real-world examples for integrating sustainability into your project from day one.