Vizcab, a French software company focused on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations for the construction industry, has secured an additional €4.5 million in Series A funding. This brings their total round to €9 million and positions the company for accelerated international expansion and support for the transition to net-zero construction.
Back in April, we also reported about London-based Skyports which raised over $110M for vertiport construction and drone services.
Who are the investors
The funding round was led by KOMPAS VC, a venture capital firm specialising in the decarbonization of construction and manufacturing. Vizcab is attracting interest beyond Europe, with new investors like Tokyo-based Global Brain and San Francisco-based Brick and Mortar Ventures joining the round. This strategic investment aims to propel Vizcab’s growth in the United States and Asia-Pacific regions.
What problem is the startup solving
Founded in 2015 by Dr. Thomas Jusselme and Guillaume Lafont, Vizcab offers a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. Their solution automates the calculation of CO2 emissions and LCAs for construction projects throughout their lifecycle. This AI-driven platform connects stakeholders across the construction value chain, including architects, engineers, manufacturers, and construction companies.
As Dr. Jusselme highlights, “With the new regulatory environment, we are seeing a rising interest for automated LCAs and the demand for our products is growing exponentially.” Vizcab’s platform helps companies optimise carbon performance, improve operational efficiency, comply with regulations, expedite ESG reporting, and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions goals.
Additionally, Vizcab integrates with industry-standard tools, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices across the construction sector, according to Guillaume Lafont, who adds, “Thanks to this funding, we will keep investing in product development, growing our industry partnerships and maintaining our technological edge that will cater to the needs of the market.”
The European Union (EU) recently passed the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), aiming to achieve a fully decarbonized building stock by 2050. This directive directly contributes to the EU’s climate goals and mandates LCAs for larger buildings exceeding 1,000 square metres by 2028, followed by all buildings by 2030. This regulatory shift significantly increases demand for LCA services like those offered by Vizcab.
How will the fund be utilised
The new funding will support Vizcab’s expansion into new EU markets and help meet the growing demand in their established French market. In June 2024, Vizcab plans to launch its first international module, targeting customers in 33 countries as an initial step in their global expansion strategy.
Investors see significant potential in Vizcab’s technology. Andreas Winter-Extra, Partner at KOMPAS VC, emphasises, “Vizcab’s innovative technology is truly a mark above the rest. Their platform is at the forefront of the transition toward carbon neutrality and has the potential to transform the global construction industry.”
This sentiment is echoed by Hideyuki Tanaka, Director at Global Brain, who observes, “France is a global leader in LCA regulation, and Global Brain is proud of Vizcab’s strong position and its innovation in LCA operations there. It is highly likely that LCA regulations will extend beyond Europe to Asia and Japan in the future, further increasing market demand for Vizcab’s AI-driven platform.”
Guillaume Bazouin, Partner at Brick and Mortar Ventures, highlights the practical value of Vizcab’s platform, stating, “Vizcab’s Life Cycle Assessment platform is crucial in navigating these regulations, influencing design choices, and preventing costly downstream effects. We are committed to aiding Vizcab’s expansion across Europe and globally.”
What we think about the startup
Vizcab’s extended Series A funding and strategic investor pool position the company for significant growth in the global construction technology market. Their focus on streamlining carbon footprint calculations and supporting the transition to net-zero construction aligns with the industry’s growing environmental concerns and evolving regulatory landscape.