Interview - Frédéric Trinel (EcoVadis)

EcoVadis is a French unicorn specializing in assessing companies’ sustainability performance. Co-founded by Frédéric Trinel, the company helps large corporations measure the ESG practices of their suppliers worldwide by analyzing criteria related to the environment, social issues, ethics, and responsible procurement. Its role has become central to international companies seeking to better manage their supply chains.The company is experiencing strong growth, driven by the increasing importance of ESG and regulatory issues. After raising $500 million in 2022, EcoVadis became France’s 27th unicorn. Its development is supported in particular by funds such as General Atlantic, through its BeyondNetZero strategy, which supports companies committed to the climate transition.Private equity provides EcoVadis with much more than just capital. It helps structure growth, recruit senior talent, professionalize the organization, and challenge strategic decisions. Investors also serve as sparring partners for management, offering an external perspective and international expertise. EcoVadis is currently pursuing a major initiative: the decarbonization of supply chains. The company helps its clients measure Scope 3 emissions—which often account for the majority of their carbon footprint—by collecting, standardizing, and verifying supplier data. This approach provides procurement and finance departments with reliable information to track decarbonization trajectories. In the medium term, EcoVadis is preparing for several growth options, including a potential initial public offering (IPO). But the main objective remains to strengthen operational excellence, increase its impact, and continue to support companies in their sustainable transition.