The SDGs 2023 have become a benchmark for what a better world would look like, but where are the startups in this conversation?

By 2030, we’re supposed to have achieved some of the most ambitious goals in human history:

• End poverty

• Achieve gender equality

• Ensure access to quality education

• Take urgent action on climate change

These are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — a blueprint for a fairer, safer, and more sustainable world. But here’s the problem: 2030 is less than 5 years away, and we’re nowhere near where we need to be.

Governments are involved. NGOs are involved. Big corporations have started to pay attention.

But what about startups?

Startups Are Quietly Building the Future

One key thing that Startups need to understand is that they don’t need to be policymakers or development agencies to impact the world.
They’re already impacting the world — in product creations, hiring practices, pricing models, and marketing messages.

Every day, the Startup world comes up with something innovative; they shape the tools, systems, and culture that define how people live and work.
Therefore, they should understand that they are not too small to matter.

So the question is: Will startups build with purpose, or just with speed?

“We’ll Think About Impact Later” — A Myth That Hurts Everyone

One of the most common startup mindsets is:

“We’ll do good later. Right now, we’re just trying to survive.”

And I get it. Early-stage life is messy. You’re bootstrapping, testing, trying to stay alive.

But here’s what I’ve learned working in the social impact space:

The earlier you bake in purpose, the easier it is to scale with integrity.

It’s harder — not easier — to “do the right thing” when you’re big, profitable, and over-leveraged.

What if you committed to donating 1% of your revenue now, when you make $500/month?
That’s $5. Manageable. Purposeful. Powerful.

When you wait until you’re making $5M… suddenly it feels too big to move

You Might Already Be Contributing (You Just Don’t Call It That)

Let’s be honest: most startups aren’t ignoring the SDGs — they just haven’t framed their work and marketing to sound that way.

A fintech tool offering micro-loans to small business owners?
➡️ Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

A mental health platform making therapy more accessible?
➡️ Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

A startup led by women, prioritizing equity in hiring?
➡️ Goal 5: Gender Equality

You don’t have to become an NGO to align with the 2030 goals.
You just have to think about what you’re building — and who you’re building it for.

What You Can Do (Even Without a CSR Budget)

Impact doesn’t have to be expensive. It has to be intentional.

Here’s where you can start — today:

• Donate a small % of revenue to a cause aligned with your mission

• Partner with a grassroots nonprofit doing real work

• Build internal hiring or pay equity practices aligned with your values

• Think about your environmental footprint — even in small ways

• Reflect on your product’s long-term social effect

• Or simply, take 2 minutes to fill this reflection form I created for startups

The Future Has a Deadline

The SDGs aren’t just a policy document. They’re a real, urgent call to action — and they affect your customers, your communities, your future markets, and most importantly, you as an individual.

Startups have the speed. The tools. The cultural power. The numbers.
But will you use it?

You don’t need a team of 50. You don’t need millions in funding.
You just need to start thinking about what it means to build with purpose — and not just profit.

Dear Startups,

This is my CSR love letter to you.

A reminder that the future isn’t just being predicted — it’s being built.

Are you going to contribute to the 2030 goals… or not?

Let’s Talk

If you’re a startup founder or team member thinking about how to align your work with real-world impact, I’d love to support you.

Whether it’s designing a lean CSR strategy, partnering with grassroots initiatives, or building purpose into your operations — you don’t have to figure it out alone.

📩 Reach out: hello@impactwithayo.com
💬 Or connect with me on LinkedIn