The KnOWLedge Project

In 2023, led by Sofinnova Partners, the European Life Sciences VC community collaborated to create a unified ESG data collection model focused on areas of material relevance to the innovative life sciences companies we collectively support. This initiative known as the KnOWLedge ESG Life Sciences Project, has significantly improved the efficiency of ESG data collection. All participating VC firms are now asked the same questions and expect data in the same format streamlining the process and enhancing data consistency.

This project emphasizes the progression of key material topics for companies in the life sciences innovation sector. By focusing on the same topics and KPIs, participating firms aim to improve data quality and achieve better compliance with reporting standards.

Currently, the KnOWLedge ESG Life Sciences Project involves 23 VC firms, with exposure to ~500+ companies. Its questionnaire addresses the most relevant ESG matters for the Life Science investment industry, aligning with established industry questionnaires and disclosure standards, such as the Sustainable Financial Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), InvestEU and FranceInvest.

The 2025 version of the questionnaire has been updated to reflect the latest ESG developments in the industry. It has also been carefully reviewed to ensure it is fit for purpose for both portfolio companies and investors.

The Knowledge Project remains open to new participants as fee-paying members. Membership provides access to benchmarking data, opportunities to contribute to questionnaire development as well as participation in knowledge sharing initiatives and industry events. The 2025 questionnaire is available for investors to use and to download. If you are interested in joining the project, please get in touch with Sarah Lafaye.