Sustainability
We promote the long-term sustainable success of businesses in a responsible manner
Our responsible approach
As responsible members of the communities in which we operate, one of our missions is to create sustainable value for investors and stakeholders in the portfolio companies owned by the Accent Equity Funds.

This mission imbues every aspect of Accent Equity's sustainable investment approach - from evaluating investment opportunities and development work within the portfolio companies to reporting, follow-through and eventual exit.

We believe that the incorporation of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) aspects into our business model and a focus on sustainability issues are significant components to build lasting values.

Our approach to sustainability rests on a set of overall principles and four foundation stones aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals where we believe our impact would be most significant.

This approach is expressed in Accent Equity's responsible investment policy applied by the Accent Equity Funds. The policy contains guidelines and principles for the role of sustainability throughout the investment cycle.

View/download our policy

Our values and principles are outlined in our code of conduct: View/download
We are committed to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement
Accent Equity has committed to set science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

We acknowledge the critical role financial institutions and corporations play for climate change mitigation and strongly believe that the commitment to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) is a necessity to create resilient companies with sustainable returns.

View press release here.

Our overall principles
  • Consideration of environmental, public health, safety and social issues associated with potential investments, as well as during the period of ownership
  • Accessibility towards and engagement with relevant stakeholders
  • Continuous growth and improvements of portfolio companies to achieve long-term sustainable development which benefits multiple stakeholders
  • Reliance on bona fide governance structures allowing for appropriate insight, audit, risk management and minimisation of conflicts of interest
  • Minimisation of adverse impacts of portfolio companies from environmental, public health, safety and social issues
  • Maintaining of strict policies that prohibit bribery and other improper payments according to law and the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention
  • Respect for human rights of those affected by the investment activities an taking steps to guard against investments benefiting companies that utilise child or forced labour or maintaining discriminatory policies
Sustainability Report
We strive for transparency in the approach for incorporating sustainability issues throughout the investment cycle, and regularly monitor progress and outcomes.

The sustainability report contains data on and description of Accent Equity's status and progress, as well as the current portfolio companies.

The 2022 report can be found here.

Our four foundation stones
The four pillars provide a clear, simplified structure on how we address the sustainability issues where we believe our impact would be most significant.
  • Non-discrimination and gender equality
    We recognise that the principles for employment should be based on personal capabilities and qualifications, without discrimination related to sex, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation or age. We also recognise that evidence supports that diverse and inclusive workplaces tend to make better business decisions and make more attractive workplaces.

    We promote diverse workplaces, and has a zero-tolerance of any form of discrimination or harassment.
  • Safe and sustainable work environments
    We recognise that all workplaces should be safe and secure, and supportive of a healthy work-life whether physical, mental or social, and that minimising the risk of occupational injuries or illness is a fundamental part of creating sustainable value.

    We promote safe work environments in all portfolio companies, including prevention of injuries and work-related illness. We encourage portfolio companies to seek adherence to these practises by their respective business partners, suppliers and customers.
  • Environment and Climate
    We strive to reduce environmental risks and climate impact by conducting regular evaluations of risks and opportunities in portfolio companies' business, processes, products and supply chain as well as incorporating environmental and climate analyses in the process for investment evaluations and decision-making.

    We encourage all portfolio companies to develop their practices so as to reduce the carbon intensity and energy use, and minimise waste generation.
  • Anti-Corruption and conflicts of interest
    We do not tolerate any form of corruption or bribery. Wherever we operate, effective controls and measures are enforced and required of the portfolio companies, by:

    • Establishing systems of internal controls;
    • Prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing or any violation of sanctions-related rules; and
    • Encouraging training of employees, including on processes for escalating and reporting issues.
    We recognise that business activities that create a conflict between owners or other stakeholders and employees' personal interests are unacceptable and expects Accent Equity Partners, employees and portfolio companies to maintain a high level of integrity.

    We require appropriate systems to be in place within portfolio companies to report and escalate any suspected wrongdoings, including suspicion of bribery, fraud or other criminal activity, miscarriages of justice, health and safety risks, damage to the environment and any breach of legal norms or professional obligations.

    We support and exercises such powers as it may have to protect whistle-blowers.
Sustainability-related disclosures
As the alternative investment fund managers of Accent Equity 2017 AB and its feeder fund, Accent Equity 2017 L.P., (in this section, jointly the "Fund"), it is one of Accent Equity's missions to create sustainable value for investors and stakeholders in the portfolio companies owned by the Fund. We are committed to adhering to the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) ((EU) 2019/2088) and believe that the incorporation of ESG considerations into our business model is a significant component to build lasting values.

The Fund is a financial product that promotes environmental or social characteristics and classifies as an Article 8 product in the classification of the SFDR.

For further information, we refer to our SFRD disclosures regarding the Fund and our investment-making process: View/Download
Accent Equity has been a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment since 2012 and was then one of the first signatories in Sweden. As signatories to the PRI, we are committed to abide by and promote the following guiding principles for advising responsible investment and will actively advise and support the Accent Equity Funds to adhere to these PRI Principles in making and managing investments.
  1. To incorporate ESG issues in the processes for investment analyses and decision-making processes;
  2. To be active owners and to incorporate ESG issues into ownership policies and practices;
  3. To seek appropriate disclosures on ESG issues by the entities in which the Accent Equity Funds invest;
  4. To promote acceptance and implementation of the PRI Principles within the investment industry;
  5. To enhance effectiveness in implementing the PRI Principles; and
  6. To report on activities and progress towards implementing the PRI Principles
    Do you want to learn more about how we incorporate ESG aspects into our business model?

    Contact our Sustainability team