Sound Governance Structures

Sound corporate governance structures form the basis of Kinnevik’s sustainability efforts. We work actively to uphold the highest ethical standards, compliance and business conduct, both on a Kinnevik level and in relation to our portfolio. In addition, being a financially strong company enables Kinnevik to efficiently drive our sustainability strategy.

Implementing Sound Governance Structures in Our Portfolio

Many of the companies in our portfolio are in the early stages of their operational and sustainability development, and im- plementing sound business conduct structures is central to the long-term success of these businesses. This work is part of a broader effort to create holistic and bespoke ESG strategies to enable sustainable growth.

During 2023, we have worked together with the Boards and management teams of our three new portfolio companies (Enveda, Aira and Charm Industrial) to set up more structured pro- cesses to improve governance and controls. We also continued to work with all our existing companies to improve their internal control environment, risk management, compliance frameworks and cyber security. We have supported several new and existing companies in conducting a materiality assessment using the SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) framework. Determining material topics is a first step in setting an effective sustainability strategy including roadmap and KPIs to monitor progress made.

Governance Structures at Kinnevik

Kinnevik’s Board of Directors is responsible for our overall strategy, including how sustainability is an integrated part of our value creation, and is well informed about Kinnevik’s policies and procedures. Further, the Board of Directors is specifically responsible for identifying risks and opportunities related to sustainability, including climate change, that may impact Kinnevik, our portfolio and strategy, and for defining appropriate guidelines to govern Kinnevik’s conduct in society. This is embedded in the work and delegation procedures of the Board of Directors.

All Kinnevik employees have individual annual objectives which form the basis for their short-term incentives. These are derived from our overarching corporate targets which in 2023 included targets related to sustainability. For example, members of the investment team have individual annual objectives tied to driving climate and diversity, equity and inclusion engagement in their respective portfolio companies.

Key Policies

Code of Conduct

All employees, representatives of Kinnevik and third parties engaged with Kinnevik are expected to fully comply with our Code of Conduct. Kinnevik has an onboarding process for new employees that introduces them to the Code of Conduct, which includes anti-corruption, anti-bribery and business ethics, and to other key policies and procedures. In addition, Kinnevik conducts mandatory annual Code of Conduct training for all employees. The Code of Conduct is shared with all relevant suppliers on a yearly basis. 

Code of Conduct

Sustainability Policy

In the Sustainability Policy, we outline Kinnevik’s expectations in relation to our investee companies’ sustainability performance.

Sustainability Policy

Lobbying Policy

Kinnevik’s policy is to actively engage in open dialogues with local governments, authorities and key policy makers. The purpose of such dialogues is to contribute to and improve the policy landscape and society as a whole. Among other things, Kinnevik participates in public consultations in areas of importance to Kinnevik and our portfolio companies.

Tax policy

Kinnevik works actively with responsible tax and Kinnevik shall maintain the highest standards of tax compliance and all tax affairs shall be managed in full compliance with local law and international guidelines. 

Whistleblower Policy

Read more here

Diverisity & Inclusion

Kinnevik’s policies, processes and rules relating to diversity and inclusion are outlined in Kinnevik’s corporate policies, including the Employee Handbook, Talent Management Policy and Work Environment Handbook. Read more about the key aspects of diversity & inclusion at Kinnevik