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From idea to impact, founding a business in ESG – The journey of ESG360 and Alessa Berg

Founded by Alessa Berg, ESG360 is transforming how organizations understand and act on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. Through its data-rich climate and ESG risk management software, ESG360 empowers companies of all sizes to predict and mitigate risks, thereby enhancing enterprise value while advancing social impact and sustainability goals. Alessa, an experienced entrepreneur and investor, leverages her diverse background to drive positive change in the sustainability industry.

Alessa Berg – Founder of ESG360

Bridging the Gap: From Insight to Action

The inspiration behind ESG360 stemmed from Alessa’s deep understanding of the gaps in the ESG landscape. Through her interactions with corporates, investors, and entrepreneurs, she identified a critical challenge: the difficulty companies face in gathering comprehensive ESG data and transforming this information into actionable strategies. ESG360 addresses this gap by providing an innovative platform that moves beyond talk, helping companies implement meaningful net-zero and sustainability actions. This shift from words to action is essential, especially in a world where environmental urgency demands immediate, tangible solutions.

Building a Cohesive, Complementary Team

The ESG360 journey highlights the importance of building a cohesive team that complements one another’s strengths. Alessa formed ESG360 alongside co-founders she had worked with previously, emphasizing the value of familiarity and complementary skill sets. In a high-pressure startup environment, knowing that co-founders are aligned in values and can fill different roles naturally is crucial for success. Alessa stresses the importance of not becoming enamored with an idea too early but rather testing it in the market to ensure it is truly viable before fully committing.

The company has continued to grow by focusing on diversity in skills, which has been instrumental in shaping its inclusive company culture. Alessa notes that creating a positive work culture—defined by shared values and a collaborative spirit—is just as important as having a talented team. ESG360 prioritizes a culture that encourages reflection, continuous improvement, and honest communication, ensuring that everyone can contribute to the company’s mission effectively.

An Entrepreneurial Journey Rooted in Impact

Alessa’s background is steeped in both entrepreneurship and investment. Starting her journey at a young age, she was always drawn to the idea of creating change on her terms. Her career in private equity and venture capital gave her an understanding of the impact investment landscape, which she has carried into her ventures, including ESG360 and Top Tier Impact, a global ecosystem of leaders in sustainability.

Top Tier Impact, which Alessa founded prior to ESG360, was born out of a passion for mainstreaming the sustainability and positive impact paradigm. She wanted to see sustainability become the default lens through which investments are made and businesses are managed, rather than being treated as a separate or niche concern. This same passion drives ESG360, positioning it as a leader in making sustainability accessible and actionable for organizations around the globe.

Leading with Empathy and Inclusivity

A core aspect of ESG360’s approach is its focus on empathy and inclusivity, both internally within the company and externally with its clients and partners. Alessa believes that empathy is a critical skill for any successful founder or leader, especially when engaging with diverse stakeholders, from employees and clients to investors. Her leadership style is about aligning with the core values of her team, being true to herself, and empowering others to do the same.

Navigating traditionally male-dominated industries such as venture capital and tech, Alessa has faced challenges but has used them to shape a well-rounded leadership approach. She encourages staying true to oneself and emphasizes that successful leadership involves bridging gaps in understanding, valuing diversity, and fostering an environment where everyone can excel. ESG360’s inclusive culture attracts a diverse team, which Alessa sees as a strength in tackling the multifaceted challenges of sustainability.

Sustainability as a Central Business Imperative

For Alessa, sustainability isn’t just an add-on—it’s central to the way ESG360 operates and delivers value to its clients. With increasing regulations and a growing understanding of environmental urgency, companies are being pushed to incorporate sustainable practices. ESG360’s platform aids organizations in this transition, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are not only implemented but embedded across all levels of the business. The focus is on education and empowerment: sustainability teams become educators within their organizations, helping all departments align and act on ESG goals.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on her journey, Alessa shares key advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those still in academia. She encourages future founders to carefully consider the skills they need to develop—both hard skills relevant to their chosen industry and the soft skills essential for leadership and empathy. For those interested in the startup world, gaining experience that aligns with their future goals, while being open to continuous learning, can make the journey more rewarding and impactful.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

ESG360, under Alessa Berg’s leadership, is more than a tech company; it is a force for systemic change in how businesses perceive and act on sustainability. By creating a platform that turns ESG goals into tangible actions, Alessa and her team are empowering organizations to not only mitigate risks but also enhance their positive impact on society and the environment. ESG360 champions the idea that inclusivity, empathy, and sustainability are not just buzzwords—they are the building blocks of a better business future.

Watch the story and get inspired:

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