Planted secures 5 million euros for sustainable business software

With a successful seed round, Planted aims to support companies in CO₂ reduction and CSRD reporting through smart automation and AI.

Aachen, February 10, 2025 - The Cologne-based startup has received €5 million in funding to further expand its AI-powered ESG management platform. The investment round is led by TechVision Fonds, WENVEST Capital, neoteq ventures, AWS Gründungsfonds and Smart Infrastructure Ventures. The aim is to make it easier for companies to transition to more sustainable business models and efficiently implement regulatory requirements.

With innovative automation, the platform enables companies not only to meet ESG requirements, but also to improve their carbon footprint at the same time.

Dr. Ansgar Schleicher, Managing Partner of the TechVision Fund

More than 350 companies in Germany already rely on Planted's software to implement their sustainability strategy.

AI as the key to sustainable transformation

Planted's ESG platform supports companies in all steps of their sustainability strategy - from carbon accounting and reduction measures to reporting in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The company uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate data collection and identify targeted measures for greater sustainability.

We take the complexity out of ESG reporting and help companies to focus on real climate protection measures. Our automation not only saves time, but also makes sustainability economically attractive.

Wilhelm Hammes, CEO and co-founder of Planted

Planted sets itself apart from other ESG solutions by not only facilitating regulatory compliance, but also actively supporting decarbonization. According to the company, customers have already been able to reduce their emissions by up to 50 percent. In addition, Planted offers opportunities to get involved in local environmental projects, for example through the reforestation of mixed forests.

Investors focus on sustainable technology

In addition to the main investors, experienced business angels are also participating in the financing round, including Nina Kani, Felix Schürholz (Co-Founder & MD SoSafe), Frank Piotraschke (CRO SoSafe), Arno Nonnen and Julius Göllner (ARRtist). Christophe Aumaître, Partner at WENVEST Capital, emphasizes: "Planted enables companies to see sustainability not just as an obligation, but as an opportunity. The combination of technological innovation and in-depth ESG know-how makes the company a pioneer in this field."

The start-up was founded in 2021 by Cindy Schüller, Heinrich Rauh, Wilhelm Hammes and Jan Borchert. Jonas Quilitz joined the team as Chief Product Officer (CPO) at the beginning of 2023. With the new financing round, Julian Grunewald joins as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic support for further growth. Planted intends to use the new investment not only to expand its team, but also to drive forward the further development of its software.