Ethics Committee
Fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion in the Finnish startup ecosystem
Startup Foundation, the Finnish Business Angels Network, the Finnish Startup Community, the Finnish Venture Capital Association, Slush, and Aaltoes established an Ethics Committee. The Committee’s role is to foster diversity, equality, and inclusion in the Finnish startup ecosystem and compile actionable recommendations for the entire industry.
The Ethics Committee
provides guidance and process for using anonymous reporting channels.
compiles best practices for preventing and intervening in harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the startup field, including a Code of Conduct template.
regularly monitors and measures how diversity, inclusion, and equality are experienced in the startup ecosystem.
Survey: Experiences of inappropriate behaviour and practices in the Finnish startup industry
Startup Foundation, The Finnish Startup Community, Finnish Venture Capital Association, Finnish Business Angels Network FiBAN, Slush, and Aalto Entrepreneurship Society, conducted a survey to investigate and address inappropriate behaviour and practices within the Finnish startup ecosystem.
The aim of the study was to identify necessary actions for making the industry a more inclusive and safe environment for all.
We thank everyone who participated in the survey. Your responses provided valuable insights into our field, helping us identify actions we need to take to promote equality, inclusion, and diversity.
The survey was carried out and analysed by Inklusiiv, a DEI expert organisation.
Code of Conduct
The Ethics Committee strongly recommends that you establish and word out the rules and values of your company to streamline accepted and unaccepted behaviour. One way of doing this is establishing a Code of Conduct for your organization and going it through with your team on a regular basis.
Each organization is different, and that is why we’ve collected a few examples of Code of Conducts that you can freely use and edit to your own needs. Please note that Code of Conducts are not legally binding unless explicitly stated otherwise, and these are merely suggestions of what your organization’s Code of Conduct could look like.
Examples:
FIBAN - Code of Conduct
Suomen Startup-yhteisö - Code of Conduct (FI), Code of Conduct (EN)
Maki.vc - Code of Conduct
Whistleblowing
Share your good practices with us!
Does your organization have a Code of Conduct to share that others could benefit from?
Please let us know and share your example and good practices with the Ethics Committee as it benefits the whole startup ecosystem! Get in touch.
Examples:
FiBAN's notification channel is intended for reporting FiBAN-related inappropriate behavior and unethical practices anonymously to create an inclusive and safe environment for anyone taking part at FiBAN-related events and activities. In addition to the notification channel, FiBAN has appointed safety contact persons for all events. The anonymous channel is hosted by the Finnish Chamber of Commerce.
Access the channel here or on the footer of FiBAN’s website at www.fiban.org