2024 marked a pivotal year for VP Capital. Building on our legacy of responsible investing, we introduced a bold, impact-first strategy that puts biodiversity, climate, and social equality at the heart of everything we do. Inspired by the Doughnut Economics model, our strategy aims to help create a world that stays within planetary boundaries while ensuring human wellbeing.
We believe that capital must be part of the solution. In 2024, we accelerated the transition towards regenerative, circular, bio-based, toxicity-free, net-zero, and inclusive solutions. These six solutions guide both our investment decisions and engagement strategies. From early-stage ventures to long-term participations and societal real estate, we integrated impact throughout our entire capital deployment cycle.
54% of our capital (outside our direct participations) is now aligned with one or more of our six solutions.
In absolute numbers, this is 365 (direct and indirect) investments that contributed to our solution areas
This means a significant step towards our 2028 target of 80%.
We assessed the maturity of our investments across three dimensions: biodiversity, climate, and social equality.
Across the three dimensions, climate is the most developed theme (with a 2.2 score out of 5, weighted by fair value of investment). The results reveal both strengths and areas for improvement – especially in biodiversity.
89% of roadmap goals and actions were completed by our direct participations– exceeding our 80% target.
We actively engage with 97% of our investments (beyond target of 90%), either through sharing assessments and insights, or through a direct role on boards and investment committees.
We strengthened our organisational DNA by translating our values into action:
We embedded impact into governance, with impact KPIs being board-level priorities.
We expanded DEI efforts, achieving gender parity in the workforce and setting clear 2028 targets.
We continued our B Corp journey and are currently awaiting our new re-certification score, with hopeful expectations it will be well above 125, as impact remains closely integrated across our strategy and operations.
Our vitality programme, formal DEI policy, and continued learning culture reflect our belief that real impact starts from within.
With global temperatures reaching alarming levels, we redoubled our efforts to reduce emissions. Our total CO₂ footprint fell by 21% in 2024. We are on track to achieve our science-based targets by 2030, with 67% progress realised to date.
Scope 1 and 2 emissions dropped significantly, thanks in part to our new climate-neutral HQ.
With the addition of Batenburg, Mediahuis and Van Heurck that had their science-based targets validated in 2024, now 93.4% of our direct participations and listed portfolio are now aligned with science-based targets.
Biodiversity is now integrated across our investment approach. In 2024, we conducted our first full biodiversity footprint analysis and identified key environmental hotspots. We also launched five biodiversity targets – from governance and strategy to capacity building and public disclosure – and continued our active engagement through the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge.
Our biodiversity footprint equals 26,470 PDF.ha.yr – roughly 37.000 football pitches – highlighting the urgency of our mission.
We redefined our philanthropic approach, blending strategic giving with long-term partnerships. Over EUR 1.6 million was donated, prioritising direct impact, systemic initiatives, accelerators and also community-rooted initiatives. Family members, including the next generation, continue to be involved through tailored giving programmes.
We believe in transparency and collaboration. Our new engagement tool enables deep dialogue with our portfolio companies. At the same time, we share our journey openly with other family offices, aiming to inspire collective progress. With 72 peer dialogues in 2024 (beyond target of 50) and an active voice at sector gatherings, we remain committed to building a more equitable and resilient financial system.
We are still learning. This report reflects both the progress we have made and the challenges we continue to face. Impact is not a destination – it is a journey that requires transparency, curiosity, and collaboration. We share this report in the hope that it sparks reflection, opens dialogue, and invites others to walk alongside us. If you are working on similar goals, we would love to exchange insights and learn from each other. Together, we can build a future that works for people and planet.
