The case describes the ascend of EcoVadis in the market for supply chain sustainability ratings as well as its competitive position in 2023. EcoVadis is a platform that allows corporations to get transparency on the sustainability practices and status of their suppliers, and simultaneously allows suppliers to show their sustainability credentials to their corporate buyers. Founded in 2007 by Pierre-François Thaler (INSEAD MBA, 1999) and Fréderic Trinel, it had achieved unicorn status in 2023. The case ends with a review of the key strategy issues that the company is facing in 2023.
The case allows a discussion of how sustainability can be a business opportunity, having a positive impact on society and customers, while also meeting business objectives. Further, the case addresses platform creation, competition and strategy in the realm of business sustainability. In addition to featuring the analytical issues and challenges of platform creation, it also discusses the organizational aspects of starting and growing a startup in a very new market space.
- Sustainability
- business sustainability, business sustainability ratings
- Artificial Intelligence for sustainability
- digital platform
- competitive strategy
- startup, scaling of startup
- impact
- unicorn
- Good Health & Well-Being
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Q22024
