Dutch Startup Qdrop Revolutionizes Impact Investing Measurement
The Netherlands, Monday, 19 August 2024.
Qdrop, a Dutch startup, is transforming impact investing by offering affordable, data-driven impact reports. This innovative approach combines ten sustainability standards, including IRIS+ and SDG frameworks, to provide customizable impact metrics for investors, challenging traditional methods and addressing the growing demand for measurable sustainability data.
The Challenge of Greenwashing
Annemieke Teune, co-founder of Qdrop, emphasizes the necessity of data proof in sustainable agriculture to avoid accusations of greenwashing. With the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) last year, companies making impact claims are now required to provide data for compliance. While Teune acknowledges that SFDR is a positive step, she also points out that it primarily focuses on risks rather than showcasing positive change.
Comprehensive and Customizable Impact Reports
Qdrop’s solution integrates ten sustainability standards, including IRIS+, GRI, and the SDG framework, resulting in the collection of 800 to 900 impact data points. This extensive database allows investors to select relevant metrics tailored to their specific objectives, such as climate effects or social impact, for customized reporting. This approach not only simplifies the reporting process but also ensures accuracy and relevance, making it a viable alternative to traditional methods involving complex Excel sheets and costly consultants.
Focus on Impact Investors
Initially engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including consultants and NGOs, Qdrop is now primarily focusing on impact investors. The startup’s founders, Annemieke Teune and Marjoleine van der Peet, have undergone extensive coaching for product development through an MRP program at ROM Inwest. Senior Business Developer Jorn Eiting van Liempt provided valuable personal coaching and advice, which Teune highlights as crucial to their growth process. ‘Jorn stands always ready and delivers quick advice when we have questions,’ she states.
Future Growth and Market Potential
The market for impact reporting is still young but is expected to see significant growth in demand. As more investors and companies seek to demonstrate their sustainability efforts with tangible data, Qdrop plans to expand its solutions to a broader range of companies. This strategy aligns with the growing interest in sustainable investing, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z, who prioritize climate change and social responsibility. According to a report, 67% of UK investors consider sustainable investing important and are willing to hold such investments for longer periods.
Conclusion
Qdrop’s innovative approach to impact reporting is a game-changer in the field of sustainable investing. By making impact measurement affordable and customizable, Qdrop not only challenges traditional methods but also meets the increasing demand for transparency and accountability in sustainability claims. As the market for impact reporting evolves, Qdrop is well-positioned to lead the way in providing reliable and effective solutions for investors seeking to make a measurable difference.