Can Startups Thrive with Sustainability as a Core Principle?

A New Playbook for Growth and Impact

During SF Climate week, our High Tech and Sustainability Committees invite you to the event: "Can Startups Thrive with Sustainability as a Core Principle? A New Playbook for Growth and Impact"

The traditional startup playbook prioritizes rapid growth, often at the expense of sustainability. But is that still the only path to success?

This panel discussion will explore whether startups can embed sustainability into their DNA from day one while remaining competitive—and whether established companies can pivot toward sustainability without sacrificing profitability.

Is there a tradeoff between growth-first and planet-first? Or can companies truly "do good and do well"? What are the real barriers—funding, consumer demand, or execution? And ultimately, what does a new playbook for sustainability-driven startups look like?

This conversation will provide founders, investors, and business leaders with tangible insights into navigating the intersection of profit and purpose.

Panelists:  

- Eric Buatois, General Partner at BGV

- Simon Boag, Co-founder & Co-CEO, Aro Homes

- Zoé Bezpalko, Senior Sustainability Manager, Product Design and Manufacturing, Autodesk 

and more..

Join us for this thought-provoking discussion and discover how businesses can drive both impact and innovation in a rapidly changing world.

Event Location