The value of big data is being captured by large companies, but many small businesses are being left behind. One reason: Investors get more data from larger companies, so that’s where they place their bets. Startup and small business owners must think about their data as a new class of economic asset and understand their data helps investors assess them—which affects their ability to raise capital.

Ignoring OECD standards that require investors to conduct environmental and human rights due diligence can expose investors to substantial risks.

A growing number of investors are paying attention to environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, as evidence mounts that sustainability-related activities are material to the financial success of a company over time. In this webinar, three co-authors of the latest sustainability research report share findings and insights from their research into how professional investors are incorporating sustainability practices into their decision-making.

Investors are beginning to see a strong link between corporate sustainability performance and financial performance. That’s creating a bigger demand for better data, and better business models.

Most mainstream investors are unconvinced that sustainability leadership translates into profits and marketplace success. Despite rising importance on the corporate agenda, sustainability —as currently understood and measured — interests only a small niche of investors. The authors argue that a “back to basics” approach for measuring sustainability’s direct impact on revenue growth, productivity and risk would provide mainstream investors with the data that’s critical to their decisions.

Before investing in China, venture capitalists and private equity investors need to take the time to understand the differences between Eastern and Western business practices.