In brief: Venture firm Northzone adds sustainability head

Northzone, a global venture capital firm with roots in the Nordics, has hired its first head of sustainability. Stockholm-based Anna Skarborg has a background in impact investing, consulting and as a business founder. She also spent two years as sustainability director for family-owned industrial group Axel Johnson.

At Northzone, Skarborg will work with portfolio companies. “Her primary focus will be on value creation, working with founders to integrate sustainability from the start of their journey and ensuring that it is a key component in their business strategies and growth plans,” the firm said in a statement.

Despite its ability to influence companies at formative stages of development, the venture capital industry is generally seen as lagging behind other private markets segments in terms of institutionalising ESG. Expect a steady flow of senior ESG recruits by VC firms as it catches up.

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