Ex-Goldman’s Kathy Matsui Starts ESG Venture Capital Fund

The transcript discusses the formation of a team focused on integrating ESG principles into startups, emphasizing the importance of diversity and sustainability. It highlights the role of women in promoting ESG, Japan's position in gender diversity, and the challenges of board diversity. The team aims to generate superior financial returns by embedding ESG in their investment process, working closely with portfolio companies to achieve their ESG goals.

What was the primary motivation for the founders to focus on ESG in startups?

• To focus solely on financial returns

• To exert more impact and integrate ESG in startups

• To retire and relax on a beach

• To avoid the challenges of corporate governance

Why is the all-female team not actively promoted as a unique selling point?

• There is no demand for female-led teams

• The team lacks experience in ESG

• The focus is on the mission, not gender

• The team is not actually all-female

What is a significant challenge for Japan in terms of ESG and gender diversity?

• Lack of interest in ESG

• Excessive focus on startups

• High productivity levels

• Lagging behind in global gender rankings

How can early integration of ESG principles benefit startups?

• By increasing operational costs

• By making them more attractive to investors

• By delaying growth opportunities

• By focusing solely on CSR activities

What is the main goal of the fund in terms of financial returns?

• To generate average returns

• To focus only on ESG without financial goals

• To achieve superior financial returns through ESG integration

• To avoid working directly with portfolio companies

How does the team plan to work with portfolio companies on ESG goals?

• By avoiding any direct involvement

• By focusing only on financial metrics

• By partnering and creating roadmaps for ESG goals

• By writing a check and leaving them to it

What is a key factor in driving sustainable growth in startups according to the team?

• Focusing solely on short-term profits

• Integrating ESG as a central business strategy

• Reducing the workforce

• Avoiding market opportunities