The Role of Startups in Sustainable Development

ABSTRACT The study aims to understand how, to what extent, and through what mechanisms startups contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), distinguishing between impact‐driven initiatives and approaches in which sustainability is used instrumentally. To this end, a mixed‐methods methodology was applied, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis on a sample of 1864 startups accelerated by Y Combinator. The results indicate that the most addressed SDGs are SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well‐being), with an emphasis on clean technologies, low‐carbon models, data‐based climate monitoring, personalized and preventive medicine, mental health, and clinical data management. In contrast, goals related to biodiversity and reducing inequalities are less represented, revealing gaps and areas with potential for expansion. The study's contributions include identifying patterns and gaps in startups' engagement with the SDGs, reinforcing the importance of public policies and incentives to balance efforts in less addressed areas, and demonstrating the central role of digital technologies and data analysis in promoting sustainability.