VSS believes that considering ESG factors helps us create a lasting impact for all of our stakeholders including investors, portfolio companies, employees and communities.

  • Consideration of ESG factors can help create value and mitigate a range of business risks.
  • Our ESG policy enhances and formalizes the consideration of ESG factors throughout the investment lifecycle, from initial screening to post-investment monitoring.
  • VSS takes a broad view of ESG factors, which vary by company and industry, and understands that materiality and relevance will differ across sectors and geographies.
  • VSS may evaluate a variety of ESG factors in its diligence screening of a potential investment (please see below):

Environmental

  • Emissions/pollution
  • Climate change
  • Energy efficiency
  • Hazardous materials
  • Waste management
  • Sustainability

SOCIAL

  • Employee attraction & retention
  • Diversity and discrimination
  • Human rights
  • Consumer protection
  • Product safety and liability
  • Supply chain management
  • Data protection and privacy

GOVERNANCE

  • Board composition/structure
  • Business ethics
  • Compliance/risk management
  • Accounting standards
  • Employee relations
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Succession planning