Signol, a sustainability startup leveraging behavioral science to reduce emissions in shipping and aviation, has raised £2.5 million from prominent investors focused on industry innovation. The funding round was led by TMV, a New York-based venture capital firm specialising in sectors ready for disruption, with participation from global ship operator Ultranav and MOL PLUS, the venture arm of Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. London-based East Innovate, which led Signol’s previous investment round, also reinvested.
Signol’s technology-driven platform helps industries facing significant emissions challenges by engaging their workforce in daily activities that reduce emissions. This approach allows companies to capitalise on existing opportunities without requiring technological changes.
Marina Hadjipateras, co-founder of TMV, highlighted the importance of investing in solutions that enhance sustainability and efficiency in traditional industries like shipping, which is responsible for 90% of global goods transportation. She emphasised that Signol’s ability to harness human potential for driving operational change and fostering a culture of sustainability sets it apart.
Hadjipateras also pointed out that Signol's methods are a compelling investment due to their potential application across various industries beyond aviation and shipping. The company is also exploring how AI can further enhance individual performance and decision-making, increasing the value of the human workforce.
Signol has already helped shipping and aviation companies save over 100,000 metric tonnes of CO2 by optimising human decision-making, leading to significant fuel savings. Per Lange of Ultranav praised Signol’s approach for enabling crew members to contribute to sustainability efforts while improving their daily experiences at sea.
With the new investment, Signol plans to refine its platform, expand its presence in the aviation and shipping sectors, and launch a proof-of-concept project in corporate travel to reduce emissions from business travel. CEO Michael Fanning emphasised that the investment from leading maritime companies validates Signol’s human-centric strategy as a critical component of corporate sustainability efforts.
