Sprints aims to create value for its investors and portfolio companies whilst remaining aware of its responsibility towards both society and the environment. We choose to invest in resourceful companies that prioritise not only their customers but also the environment and society at large. We are convinced that these companies are likely to be the most successful in building a loyal customer base, having an engaged workforce and seeing high growth, thus creating the most value for their owners in the longterm.Investing responsibly is an integral part of our work and we believe that upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is crucial to developing best-in-class companies that deliver long-term value to their customers.We integrate ESG principles into our investment process and operating philosophy. We strongly believe in collaboration and engage with our portfolio companies on ESG matters on an ongoing basis, as appropriate to each company’s specific situation, to advance and improve their ESG position. We will make every effort to encourage our portfolio companies to engage with our ESG policy and to commit to pursuing our ESG values. Additionally, we will endeavour to work with partners, market participants and suppliers who implement such ESG values themselves.This process is essential for us to accomplish our investment objective of achieving high returns sustainably with high consistency and a low risk of capital loss.
Sprints is committed to integrating ESG factors throughout its own corporate operations by:
Pre-Investment
During the pre-investment due diligence phase, the Sprints team will evaluate a target company’s current ESG status to identify any strengths, issues and ESG-related value creation opportunities early on. Additional ESG-related due diligence may be conducted with the support of external advisors.
Discussions around ESG and any concerns identified during a target company’s evaluation are key components of the investment committee’s decision-making process. The incorporation of ESG suggestions into relevant transaction documents may be considered to secure and formalise commitments from the target company.
As applicable on a case-by-case basis, the ESG considerations that will be incorporated into our investment due diligence process include, but are not limited to, the following:
Pre-Investment
Social
Governance
Exclusion Criteria
In addition to the ESG considerations outlined above, Sprints’ investment due diligence process includes criteria to exclude companies that operate in sectors such as gambling, adult entertainment, tobacco and controversial weapons.
Post-Investment
Building on the pre-investment ESG analysis, Sprints will work with the management teams to address and resolve any potential issues or risks that have been identified. To further assess the progress made on a company’s ESG journey and potential related action, a detailed questionnaire that forms part of the investment evaluation is issued to our portfolio companies during the post-investment phase on an annual basis. If new areas for potential development become apparent, we encourage and support actions for improvement.
Our ultimate aim is to assist in implementing a self-sustaining ESG engagement at the portfolio level, adding value from the point of investment to value creation and beyond exit.
Sprints is a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI). The firm also assesses and discloses its ESG considerations publicly to comply with the European Union’s Sustainability Related Financial Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).Sprints does not make political donations and is not affiliated with any political parties
Sprints is committed to being transparent with all its stakeholders about its ESG initiatives, successes, and goals. Our ESG report will provide updates regarding our ESG programme on an annual basis. In addition, we value regular, frequent engagement with our stakeholders on ESG matters.
Sprints’ Managing Partner and Operating Partner have ultimate responsibility for overseeing the development and consistent implementation of the ESG Policy within the firm and throughout the investment and value creation process.
The company retains ESG advisors to ensure that it remains abreast of best practices and developing regulation in the space.
All Sprints employees receive training on how to identify and manage ESG risks and opportunities on an annual basis.
This ESG policy will be reviewed on an annual basis. We recognise that ESG activities are of an ongoing nature and encourage continuous improvement in ESG performance both at firm and at portfolio company level.
