These 10 startups show profession’s focus on innovation, ESG – Journal of Accountancy

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

The annual Startup Accelerator sponsored by AICPA and CPA.com has made a sizable expansion into environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

The 2022 accelerator features 10 early-stage technology companies that are developing innovative solutions for the accounting space. Previous accelerators included five participants, but the 2022 version adds a second five-startup cohort working to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

“The Startup Accelerator has always been about identifying emerging trends, and ESG is a tremendous opportunity for the accounting profession,” said Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, president and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, in a news release. “The expansion of this year’s program to include a second cohort focused on ESG is reflective of the growing opportunity for CPAs and firms to elevate their role as trusted advisers, as well as the Association’s commitment to the space.”

Each of the 10 companies selected for the 2022 Startup Accelerator will receive a $25,000 grant, participate in a six-month curriculum, receive guidance from expert advisers, and have the chance to showcase its solution at AICPA ENGAGE, the accounting’s profession’s largest conference.

The participants picked for the 2022 Startup Accelerator are:

ESG Cohort

The AICPA and CPA.com launched the Startup Accelerator to stay on the leading edge of the emerging technologies transforming the accounting profession. The strategy has been to support the growth of technology startups throughout the accounting and finance ecosystem.

“We created this program five years ago as a way to identify emerging trends and drive innovation within the accounting profession,” said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com. “The Accelerator has been a great success, supporting leading-edge companies to help drive the transformation of accounting services in key areas such as blockchain, assurance, ESG, and automation.”

— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Jeff Drew at [email protected].