Cologne-based green tech startup Planted has raised €5 million in a seed funding round to accelerate the development of its AI-powered ESG software. The investment was led by TechVision Fonds, WENVEST Capital, AWS Gründungsfonds, neoteq ventures, and Smart Infrastructure Ventures, with additional support from prominent angel investors, including Frank Piotraschke, Felix Schürholz, Nina Kani, Julius Göllner, and Arno Nonnen. With this funding, Planted aims to enhance its platform, enabling businesses to seamlessly integrate sustainability into their operations and meet regulatory requirements efficiently.

Planted’s AI-Driven ESG Platform

Founded in 2021, Planted offers a comprehensive AI-driven ESG platform designed to support companies in their sustainability transformation. The software covers key aspects such as materiality analysis, carbon accounting, and decarbonization, while also facilitating compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). By leveraging advanced automation, Planted enables organizations to cut emissions by more than 50% and optimize their environmental impact with local initiatives, such as reforestation projects.

Competitive Edge in the ESG Market

The ESG software market is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies under growing pressure to meet regulatory standards and drive meaningful sustainability efforts. Planted differentiates itself by streamlining complex sustainability processes, significantly reducing the time required for CO₂ measurement and reporting. The platform automates data extraction, identifies suitable reduction measures, and highlights key risks and opportunities through a double materiality analysis, saving users up to 75% of their time.

CEO’s Vision for Sustainability

Planted’s co-founder and CEO, Wilhelm Hammes, emphasizes that the company’s mission extends beyond regulatory compliance, aiming to transform ESG obligations into strategic advantages. By automating the reporting process, businesses can reallocate resources to more impactful sustainability measures, such as emission reduction initiatives. Hammes believes that this approach will enable companies to embed sustainability within their value creation processes, ensuring both environmental and financial benefits.

Investor Confidence in Planted’s Impact

Investors see Planted as a game-changer in the ESG sector, combining economic viability with ecological responsibility. Dr. Ansgar Schleicher, Managing Partner of TechVision Fonds, highlighted Planted’s role in making sustainability efforts not just measurable but also profitable. He emphasized that the company’s smart automation capabilities will be crucial in helping businesses navigate increasingly stringent sustainability regulations.

With the newly secured funding, Planted plans to enhance its AI-powered features, expand its market reach, and further develop its software to support companies across various industries. As sustainability continues to take center stage in corporate strategies, Planted’s innovative solutions position it as a key player in the transition toward a more sustainable economy. This investment marks a significant step forward in the company’s mission to redefine how businesses approach environmental responsibility.