Ugly Duckling Ventures
ESG & responsible investing
We invest in young companies, so our ESG work is mostly about building good habits early rather than auditing mature processes.
Governance from day one
We help our companies establish functioning boards, sensible reporting and clear ownership structures early. Good governance is one of the cheapest advantages a young company can give itself.
Themes that matter
Several of our focus areas — medtech and resilience technology in particular — address health outcomes, security and societal robustness. We look for companies where commercial value and real-world usefulness point in the same direction.
People and culture
We work with founders on hiring, leadership and culture, and we expect the companies we back to treat their people fairly and to take diversity seriously in how they build teams.
Dealflow and access
Our whole thesis is about looking where others do not. That extends to founders who are outside the usual networks and geographies.
Exclusions
We do not invest in businesses whose core model relies on harm — including weapons targeting civilians, gambling-driven addiction, tobacco, or deliberate circumvention of sanctions and export controls.
Reporting
We report to our investors honestly, including on the things that are not working. Sustainability-related information is reported at fund level as part of our regular LP updates.
Questions? Write to hello@uglyduckling.ventures.