Sequestra, a Vienna-based startup specializing in data-driven methods for permanently utilizing CO2 in heavy industry, has raised €1.1 million in pre-seed funding, as reported by Carbon Herald. This investment will accelerate the development of the company’s patented technology, which focuses on capturing CO2 at an industrial scale by utilizing residual materials.
Investor Support for Long-Term CO2 Reduction
The funding round attracted key investors, including the Carbon Drawdown Initiative, VSE Beteiligungs-GmbH, and Climate Founders, supporting CO2 reduction.
Founded in 2024 by Lukas Höber, Roberto Lerche, and Gero Schwarz, Sequestra is making strides in the field of CO2 sequestration. According to Carbon Herald, the company’s six-person team brings together expertise in technological research, industrial plant engineering, and business consulting. Sequestra is currently working on developing both hardware and software solutions at its facilities in Vienna and Attnang-Puchheim, Austria.
The startup developed a platform that permanently sequesters CO2 in industrial byproducts like steel slag, ash, and demolition debris. These carbonated materials are repurposed for construction, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional waste disposal methods.
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Sequestra’s technology combines data models, analysis, and industrial processing to provide tailored CO2 sequestration solutions for heavy industries. This method reduces CO2 emissions by permanently binding CO2 in industrial byproducts, addressing key environmental challenges in steel and construction.
Sequestra estimates its technology could reduce global CO2 emissions by 4 to 8.5 billion tons annually, or 10-20%.
Accelerating Growth and Commercial Viability
Sequestra’s innovative approach has garnered recognition through participation in several accelerator programs, including INiTS, the Vienna Business Agency’s Startup Grant, EIT Climate KIC Climate Launchpad, and EIT Manufacturing Venture Builders. These programs have helped propel Sequestra’s progress toward scaling its technology.
A key milestone for Sequestra is creating a rapid-testing facility to automate parameter analysis of small material samples. The first version of this facility will be operational by the end of 2025.
Sequestra is actively working to scale its technology for broader industrial use. In order to ensure market viability, the startup is establishing a dedicated role to ensure the commercial success of its CO2-binding materials in the construction industry. This focus will be essential as Sequestra moves toward its goal of enabling climate-neutral heavy industry.
