Emidat, based in Munich, is at the forefront of providing environmental data solutions tailored for the construction industry. The company recently garnered significant attention by raising €4 million in a seed funding round, spearheaded by General Catalyst. This financing is pivotal as it aims to bolster Emidat’s efforts in reducing the environmental impact of building materials. By refining how these materials are labeled, Emidat seeks to not only streamline its product development and expand its team, but also broaden its platform’s capabilities. The construction sector is increasingly under pressure to meet environmental standards, making this funding round particularly timely.
In the past, the construction industry lacked accessible tools for comprehensive environmental assessment. Similar startups have tried to address these challenges, but Emidat’s approach of integrating environmental data into existing workflows through APIs and digital interfaces stands out. The EU’s impending mandate on building product declarations further underscores the need for such solutions. Historically, these declarations have been cumbersome and costly, deterring their widespread adoption. Emidat’s platform promises to simplify this by enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.
How Will Emidat Use the New Funding?
The funds are earmarked for specific initiatives, aimed at creating a more sustainable construction landscape. By improving the labeling of building materials, Emidat seeks to enable informed decision-making, thus reducing the ecological footprint of the sector. This endeavor aligns with the EU’s upcoming mandatory standards for building product declarations. Samuel Beyer from General Catalyst, the leading investor, sees immense potential in Emidat’s platform.
“We see Emidat as a turnkey solution for decarbonising the mission-critical built environment from the ground up,” he stated.
How Does Emidat’s Platform Work?
Emidat offers a comprehensive data platform that seamlessly integrates with the industry’s existing workflows. This platform hosts environmental data for over 150,000 construction products, accessible via both API and user interface. It facilitates the creation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which traditionally have been elaborate and costly. Emidat’s solution allows material manufacturers to achieve over 70% savings in both cost and time when producing EPDs, making it a preferred choice for major players in concrete, insulation, and steel industries.
Lisa Oberaigner, CEO and co-founder, emphasizes the necessity of their mission, highlighting that the construction sector significantly impacts our planet.
“While progress is made in decarbonizing the energy sector, construction continues to have a huge and damaging impact on our planet,”
she noted. Emidat’s vision extends beyond just data; it aims to save over 100 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually by 2030, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development.
General Catalyst, a renowned venture capital firm, has a track record of supporting transformative companies. Their investment in Emidat aligns with their ethos of driving positive change. With offices across major global cities, the firm has supported companies like Airbnb and Stripe, showcasing its dedication to fostering innovation that challenges conventional norms.
Emidat’s recent funding marks a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of environmental impact within construction. By empowering the industry with tools that facilitate transparency and efficiency, Emidat positions itself as a key player in the sector. As the industry evolves to meet stricter environmental standards, solutions like Emidat’s will be crucial in paving the way for a more sustainable future. The company’s innovative approach not only fulfills immediate regulatory demands but also sets a precedent for future industry practices. This development holds promise for both reducing carbon footprints and reshaping how environmental data is utilized in construction.
