As VCA members, do we need to require our portfolio companies to make public net zero pledges?

Portfolio companies of VCA members are not required to make public net zero pledges.

The primary goal of the VCA's approach to net zero alignment is to encourage early, stage-appropriate actions that put venture-backed companies on a glide path to net zero alignment. The VCA's approach focuses on 'highest-value' interventions as they relate to board strategy for climate-related risks and opportunities, emissions measurement, and target setting— with a focus on aggregating the relevant resources and community required to facilitate implementation.

While portfolio companies are welcome to make a public 'net zero by 2050' pledge, it's not required. Instead, VCA frameworks provide a playbook of tactical actions that portfolio companies can take to ramp up to net zero alignment, beginning at any stage.