London-based startup Circuland, known for its innovative approach to sustainable construction, has successfully raised €750,000 in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by Apeiron Ventures, with additional backing from Astylab Ventures.
The funds will be used to accelerate product development and grow Circuland’s team as they push for a transformative shift in the construction industry through Digital Material Passports.
Enabling Sustainable Construction Practices
Circuland’s core innovation lies in its Digital Material Passports (DMPs), a tool designed to catalog the lifecycle of construction materials. These passports enable the reuse, recycling, and recovery of construction components, turning buildings into Material Banks that promote sustainability and circularity. The approach addresses two of the most pressing challenges in the construction industry: reducing carbon emissions and minimizing waste.
The Digital Material Passports are positioned to meet upcoming regulatory demands, particularly under the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) policy. The EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, along with the EU Taxonomy Regulations, are further driving the need for sustainable solutions like Circuland’s. The platform is already making a mark across the UK and Europe, working with major corporations and Fortune 500 companies to cut carbon footprints in construction.
Backing from Industry Leaders
Circuland’s founders, Anastasia Stella (CEO) and Angelo Mermiklis (CTO), have a clear vision of how Digital Material Passports can reshape the industry. Stella expressed excitement about the recent funding:
"We are incredibly excited to have the support of Apeiron Ventures and Astylab Ventures. This funding will allow us to meet the growing demand for our solutions and drive innovation in the circular economy space within the construction industry."
Mermiklis, drawing on his experience in the financial sector, emphasized how transparent data can bring about the much-needed change in construction: "Having witnessed the transformative impact of accessible, transparent data in finance, we are bringing this change to the built environment, turning buildings into true Material Banks."
Investor Confidence in Circuland’s Vision
Investors are optimistic about Circuland’s potential to revolutionize construction. Dimitris Kalavros Gousiou and Nikos Antoniou, partners at Apeiron Ventures, highlighted the gravity of the environmental challenges in construction:
"The construction sector is responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions and accounts for 62% of all waste generated in the UK. Despite its vast scale, technological innovation has made little impact thus far."
They believe Circuland’s digital solutions could become the industry standard, providing a framework for more resource-efficient construction practices. Gousiou added, "Circuland’s data warehouse will significantly enhance decision-making in both the construction and maintenance of buildings."
Moving Toward a Circular Economy
Circuland’s efforts align with broader sustainability trends across Europe, as the push toward a circular economy accelerates. The company’s technology not only helps meet regulatory requirements but also positions construction businesses to adopt sustainable, resource-efficient practices. The reuse of materials, made possible by their Digital Material Passports, contributes to the reduction of waste while supporting businesses in achieving their carbon-reduction goals.
Circuland’s latest funding will fuel its ongoing mission to transform how construction materials are managed, pushing the sector closer to a zero-waste future.