Core Values Guidelines

Core Values Guidelines in a startup refer to a defined set of fundamental principles that shape the company’s culture, decision-making, and overall mission. These values serve as a moral and operational compass, ensuring alignment among employees, customers, and stakeholders.

Key Elements of Core Values Guidelines

  1. Company Mission Alignment
    o Ensures values support the startup’s vision and long-term goals.
    o Example: A sustainability-focused startup may prioritize environmental responsibility as a core value.
  2. Ethical & Integrity Standards
    o Defines expectations for honesty, transparency, and fair business practices.
    o Encourages trust among employees, customers, and investors.
  3. Innovation & Growth Mindset
    o Encourages creativity, risk-taking, and continuous improvement.
    o Example: A tech startup may emphasize constant innovation as a guiding principle.
  4. Customer-Centric Approach
    o Establishes commitment to quality service, user satisfaction, and client relationships.
    o Helps startups focus on customer needs rather than just revenue generation.
  5. Collaboration & Teamwork
    o Defines expectations for open communication, mutual respect, and inclusive workplace culture.
    o Promotes a positive and productive working environment.
  6. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
    o Ensures the company embraces different perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.
    o Encourages a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
  7. Sustainability & Social Responsibility (if applicable)
    o Outlines values related to eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing, or community engagement.
    o Helps startups align with global sustainability trends.
  8. Accountability & Leadership
    o Defines responsibility standards for decision-making, ownership of tasks, and ethical leadership.
    o Encourages employees to take initiative and uphold startup values.

Why Core Values Guidelines Matter for Startups

  • Strengthens Company Identity – Defines what the startup stands for beyond its product.
  • Builds Trust & Loyalty – Creates a strong connection with employees, customers, and investors.
  • Guides Decision-Making & Strategy – Ensures long-term alignment with ethical and cultural goals.
  • Enhances Employee Engagement – Helps attract and retain talent that resonates with the company’s values.

Written by Swedish Ventures, Rolf Olsson. Remarks to this article could be sent to glossary@swedishventures.se.

ASO: DD-06-07