Emidat's €4M Seed Funding: A Green Revolution in Construction

October 30, 2024, 9:35 pm
General Catalyst
General Catalyst
PlatformHealthTechFinTechDataSoftwareServiceTechnologySecurityITBusiness
Location: United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2000
Emidat
Emidat
ConstructionContent DistributionDataEnvironmentalFastGreenTechMaterialsProductTimeTools
Location: Germany, Bavaria, Munich
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2023
Total raised: $4.33M
In a world where buildings rise like giants, their shadows cast long over the environment, Emidat emerges as a beacon of hope. This Munich-based startup has just secured €4 million in seed funding, led by General Catalyst. The mission? To transform the construction industry into a greener, more sustainable powerhouse.

Emidat is not just another tech company. It’s the architect of a new operating system for environmental data in construction. Founded in 2023 by Lisa Oberaigner and Florian Fesch, Emidat aims to simplify the complex web of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These declarations are crucial. They provide insights into the environmental impact of building materials throughout their life cycle—from production to disposal.

The construction sector is a heavyweight in the climate crisis, responsible for 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A staggering portion of this comes from embodied carbon, the emissions tied to the entire lifecycle of building materials. As we stand on the brink of a new era, with the EU rolling out mandatory standards for EPDs, Emidat is poised to lead the charge.

The funding will fuel Emidat’s growth. It will enhance its platform, accelerate product development, and expand its team. The goal is clear: to help construction companies measure and reduce their carbon footprints. With the EU's target of net zero by 2050 looming, the urgency is palpable.

Emidat’s platform is a game-changer. It streamlines the EPD creation process, making it faster, cheaper, and more efficient. This is vital for an industry that has been slow to embrace digital transformation. The European market for EPDs is projected to be worth at least €5 billion annually. Yet, manufacturers will need to produce 25 times the current volume of EPDs to meet upcoming regulations. Emidat is ready to meet this demand head-on.

The platform boasts a database of over 150,000 construction products. It integrates seamlessly with existing workflows, accepting data through APIs, Excel, or Building Information Modeling (BIM). This flexibility allows architects, project developers, and contractors to make informed decisions about materials, ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront of every project.

Emidat is already making waves. It has secured partnerships with some of the largest construction material suppliers in the world, including major concrete manufacturers. These collaborations are not just about business; they are about building a sustainable future. Customers report cutting the time and cost of generating EPDs by over 70%. This efficiency is crucial as the industry grapples with the impending regulatory changes.

The construction landscape is changing. With 75% of the buildings we will inhabit in 2050 yet to be built, the opportunity to make a significant impact is immense. Emidat’s vision is clear: to provide transparent and accessible environmental data that empowers the industry to decarbonize.

As the world grapples with climate change, the construction sector must step up. Buildings are where we live, work, and learn. They are the backbone of our economies. While strides are being made in decarbonizing the energy sector, the construction industry remains a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Emidat is here to change that narrative.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With an estimated 2.4 trillion square feet of new floor area to be added globally over the next 40 years, the stakes are high. This is equivalent to constructing an entire New York City every month for four decades. The choices made today will echo for generations.

Emidat’s approach is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a culture of sustainability within the construction industry. By making environmental data accessible and actionable, Emidat is fostering a collaborative environment where stakeholders can share information and drive change.

The backing from General Catalyst is a testament to the potential of Emidat’s vision. Investors see it as a turnkey solution for decarbonizing the built environment. This collaborative platform will facilitate the exchange of material data, driving efficiency and transformation across the industry.

In conclusion, Emidat is more than a startup; it’s a catalyst for change. With its recent funding, it stands ready to revolutionize the construction industry. By simplifying the process of creating EPDs and providing vital environmental data, Emidat is paving the way for a sustainable future. The construction industry has a choice: to continue down a path of environmental degradation or to embrace a new era of sustainability. With Emidat leading the charge, the latter seems not just possible, but inevitable. The future of construction is green, and Emidat is building the foundation.