Vienna-based sequestra, a company specialising in data-driven processes for permanent CO2 utilisation in heavy industry, has closed a €1.1 million pre-seed funding round. The funding round is backed by experienced investors focused on climate tech, industrial innovation, and deeptech.
Among them is the Carbon Drawdown Initiative, which specialises in technologies for long-term and large-scale CO2 reduction and sees sequestra as a promising driver for sustainable industrial processes. Also participating is VSE Beteiligungs-GmbH as well as Climate Founders, a climate-tech accelerator that brings not only capital but also strategic expertise and a strong European network.
How will sequestra use the funding?
sequestra will use the investment to drive several key initiatives. The funding will advance the development of its globally patented CO2 utilisation technology, including the creation of a rapid testing facility for automated material analysis, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Additionally, the company will focus on scaling its industrial applications to enable large-scale implementation of the technology. A critical part of the investment will also go toward ensuring the commercial viability of carbonated materials for construction, with a dedicated role to manage marketability.
The investment enables the further development of a globally patented technology platform with which the potential of residual materials for the capture of CO2 can be determined and implemented on an industrial scale.
How was the idea born?
sequestra was founded in July 2024 by Lukas Höber, Roberto Lerche, and Gero Schwarz in Austria. The three co-founders bring extensive experience in technological research, industrial plant engineering, and business consulting. The now six-member team is working on hardware and software development at its sites in Vienna and Attnang-Puchheim, Upper Austria.
The founders met during their studies in metallurgy and recycling technology at the University of Leoben. Years ago, they identified the potential of permanent CO2 sequestration in industrial waste as an effective climate solution, an idea that is now becoming a reality.
Innovative CO2 utilisation technology
sequestra is developing a technology platform that allows for the permanent binding of CO2 in industrial residues such as steel slag, incineration ash, and demolition waste while making carbonated materials usable for construction applications. By combining an analysis facility, an empirical data model, and industrial process technologies, sequestra provides tailored solutions for the industry.
This innovation offers a sustainable alternative to conventional waste disposal and helps reduce CO2 emissions, addressing key challenges faced by the heavy industry. The potential impact of sequestra’s approach is estimated at 4 to 8.5 billion tonnes of annual CO2 reduction, equivalent to 10–20% of global emissions, according to leading scientific publications.
Accolades achieved
The startup has been accepted into prestigious national and international accelerator programs, including INiTS, the Vienna Business Agency’s Startup Grant, EIT Climate KIC Climate Launchpad, and EIT Manufacturing Venture Builders.
Additionally, the team competed in the Climate Founders program against 100 startups from across Europe and was awarded a winner of the renowned Greenstart program of the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund in November 2024.
The post Vienna-based sequestra gasps €1.1M to revolutionise CO2 utilisation in heavy industry appeared first on Tech Funding News.