Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Finance for Startups
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be speaking with an expert in the field of sustainable finance. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your connection to this topic? GUEST: Hello, I'm Dr. Jane Smith, and I've spent the last 15 years working in sustainable finance, focusing on integrating ESG principles into business strategies. I'm also the lead instructor for the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Finance for Startups. HOST: That's fascinating! With so much buzz around sustainable finance these days, what current trends are you seeing that are most relevant to this course? GUEST: There's growing interest in impact investing and green bonds, which align with the course's focus on securing funding for startups while prioritizing environmental and social impact. We also cover B Corp certification, a rising trend in missions-driven businesses. HOST: Impact investing and green bonds sound like great opportunities for startups. However, there must be challenges in implementing sustainable finance principles. What do you find most difficult for your students or in your own experience? GUEST: One challenge is changing the mindset of traditional finance professionals to embrace sustainable finance. Another is the lack of standardized ESG data and metrics, making it difficult to measure and compare impact. HOST: It's essential to overcome those challenges to drive innovation in this area. Now, looking toward the future, where do you see sustainable finance heading in the next 5-10 years? GUEST: I believe sustainable finance will become the norm, with more regulation and transparency around ESG factors. Startups embracing these principles early on will have a competitive advantage in the future. HOST: That's an exciting outlook for the industry. Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your insights on the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Finance for Startups. It's been a pleasure learning from your expertise! GUEST: Thank you for having me. I encourage anyone interested in sustainable finance to explore this course and take the first step towards transforming their startup.
