Vienna-based sequestra, a company specialising in data-driven processes for permanent CO2 utilisation in heavy industry, has successfully closed a €1.1 million pre-Seed funding round.
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.
The funding round saw participation from Carbon Drawdown Initiative, which specialises in technologies for long-term and large-scale CO2 reduction. Also participating is VSE Beteiligungs-GmbH and Climate Founders.
sequestra was founded in 2024 by Lukas Höber, Roberto Lerche, and Gero Schwarz. The three Co-founders bring 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.
sequestra is developing a technology platform that allows for permanent binding of CO2 in industrial residues such as steel slag, incineration ash, and demolition waste while making the carbonated materials usable for construction applications. By combining an analysis facility, an empiric 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 tons of annual CO2 reduction – equivalent to 10–20% of global emissions – according to sequestra.
The startup has been accepted into national and international accelerator programmes, including INiTS, the Vienna Business Agency’s Startup Grant, EIT Climate KIC Climate Launchpad, and EIT Manufacturing Venture Builders.
At the core is its globally patented technology for data-driven processes for the CO2-uptake of mineral residues. A key milestone is the development of a rapid-testing facility that enables automated parameter analysis of small material samples. The first version of this facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The team is also working on industrial scaling to enable future large-scale applications. A critical aspect of its service portfolio is the marketability of the carbonated materials. To address this, sequestra is creating a dedicated role focused entirely on ensuring the commercial viability of CO2-binding materials in construction applications.
With this funding, sequestra is taking the next step toward the industrial implementation of its technology – with the ultimate goal of making a climate-neutral heavy industry a reality.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/02/sequestra-raises-e1-1-million-for-co2-utilisation-reduction-in-heavy-industry/
