Planted, a Green Tech startup from Cologne, has secured €5 million in seed funding to enhance its ESG software. The investment is led by TechVision Fonds, WENVEST Capital, neoteq ventures, AWS Gründungsfonds, and Smart Infrastructure Ventures. Dr. Ansgar Schleicher, Managing Partner of TechVision Fonds, highlights the company's approach: “Through smart automation, Planted combines ecological responsibility with economic success – and makes sustainability measurably profitable.” Over 350 customers in Germany already rely on the platform for sustainability strategies.
A comprehensive, AI-powered ESG platform supports businesses in sustainability transformation, covering materiality analysis, CO₂ accounting, decarbonization, local environmental projects, and final reporting in compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Unlike many ESG solutions in a competitive market, the platform goes beyond compliance, facilitating a full transition toward sustainable value creation. The software not only ensures regulatory adherence but also enables emission reductions exceeding 50% while contributing to local environmental initiatives such as mixed forest reforestation.
Advanced AI technologies streamline CSRD implementation, significantly reducing time spent on CO₂ measurement and reporting. Automated data extraction, identification of reduction measures, and risk assessment within the double materiality analysis contribute to up to 75% time savings. Wilhelm Hammes, CEO and Co-Founder of Planted, emphasizes the potential: “We make CSRD obligations an opportunity. Instead of spending months on CO₂ measurement and reporting, automation allows businesses to focus resources on impactful actions like decarbonization.”
Strong backing comes from an extensive investor consortium. WENVEST Capital Partner Christophe Aumaître acknowledges the company’s unique approach: “Planted offers an intelligent solution that not only documents sustainable transformation but actively drives it. The team combines deep ESG expertise with cutting-edge technology, surpassing many other market solutions.” In addition to the leading investors, business angels Nina Kani, Felix Schürholz (Co-Founder & MD SoSafe), Frank Piotraschke (CRO SoSafe), Arno Nonnen, and Julius Göllner (ARRtist) contribute to the funding.
Founded in 2021 by Cindy Schüller, Heinrich Rauh, Wilhelm Hammes, and Jan Borchert, the company has strengthened its leadership team. Since February 2023, Jonas Quilitz has served as CPO, with Julian Grunewald now joining as CFO following the financing round. Bringing extensive expertise in finance and strategy, the new addition aims to further accelerate growth and innovation.
Image credit: Planted