#Japan #Tokyo #SmartESG #Sherpa #ANA Holdings

Sherpa's Recently Announced Fundraising and CSO Dialogue with ANA Holdings

Sherpa & Company, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has made headlines with its recent announcement of successfully raising 1 billion yen in a Series B funding round. This significant achievement captures the attention of the business community and marks an important milestone for the sustainability-focused firm. The funding is led by existing shareholder WiL along with contributions from corporate venture capital (CVC) funds of ANA Holdings and Canon Marketing Japan, highlighting an innovative approach to investment in sustainability.

As part of this funding announcement, Sherpa has published an insightful dialogue between Tomoko Hoya, Group Chief Sustainability Officer of ANA Holdings, and Naho Nakukubo, Chief Sustainability Officer of Sherpa. Published on the ESG Journal platform, this two-part series touches on the importance of sustainability strategies within businesses, the role of human capital in enhancing corporate value, and the technological advancements that are driving new opportunities in ESG reporting.

The CSO Dialogue: Fostering Sustainability Through Collaboration

Part 1: Learning from ANA's Sustainability Strategy

In the first part of the dialogue, Hoya discusses ANA Holdings’ strategic approach to promoting sustainability within the organization. Emphasizing the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), she shares insights on how these principles have driven further business success. The conversation serves as an inspiration for companies seeking to leverage human capital to enhance their market position.

Hoya states, “People hold infinite potential, and embracing this can create profound changes in how we approach our business challenges.” Her perspective invites a deeper exploration of how diversity and collaboration can cultivate a more sustainable corporate culture.

Part 2: Advancements in Sustainability Disclosure and Technology

The second part of the dialogue shifts focus to the significance of sustainability disclosures in promoting corporate value. Hoya and Nakukubo highlight the evolving nature of these disclosures—from obligatory reporting to dynamic conversations with stakeholders. This forward-thinking approach is pivotal for nurturing trust and transparency in business environments.

Furthermore, the discussion addresses how advancements in technology and the use of artificial intelligence heighten the effectiveness of ESG reporting. Technology emerges as a crucial element in data analytics, offering companies the means to derive actionable insights from their sustainability efforts.

Sherpa’s role as a provider of targeted sustainability solutions, via platforms like SmartESG, is instrumental in enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of ESG compliance and reporting. As they continue to innovate in this field, there is an increased expectation for businesses to proactively engage with their sustainability initiatives.

The Collaborative Future Ahead

This recent dialogue and funding achievement indicate a promising trajectory for Sherpa and its partners. By integrating insights from established industry leaders like ANA Holdings, Sherpa aims to harness collective experiences to tackle pressing societal issues more effectively.

The goal is to foster a collaborative environment where businesses are not just investors but also active participants in a sustainable future. As companies like ANA integrate Sherpa’s solutions into their operations, the pathway toward achieving greater ESG compliance becomes clearer and more actionable.

Concluding Thoughts

As sustainability becomes a determining factor of competitive advantage, firms like Sherpa are positioning themselves for leadership in the space. The collaborative efforts seen in their recent fundraising round and the insightful dialogue with ANA Holdings are just beginning to shape a new frontier in how businesses perceive and implement sustainability strategies.

Both articles in the dialogue series can be accessed here:

• - Part 1
• - Part 2

For interested stakeholders and firms seeking to enhance their sustainability initiatives, Sherpa's innovative approaches promise to open new avenues toward achieving corporate social responsibility goals more effectively than ever before.

About Sherpa & ANA Holdings

Sherpa & Company, established in September 2019, specializes in developing and providing its sustainability-focused platform SmartESG, along with consulting services. Their mission remains dedicated to advancing corporate sustainability through technology and expert guidance.