Vienna-based startup sequestra has raised €1.1 million in pre-seed funding to advance its innovative technology for permanent CO2 utilisation in heavy industry. The funding round was led by the Carbon Drawdown Initiative, with participation from VSE Beteiligungs-GmbH and Climate Founders.
Founded in 2024 by Lukas Höber, Roberto Lerche, and Gero Schwarz, sequestra is pioneering a data-driven approach to capture and store CO2 in industrial waste materials. By leveraging its globally patented technology platform, the company aims to transform residual materials such as steel slag, incineration ash, and demolition waste into valuable resources for the construction industry.
Revolutionising Industrial Waste Utilisation
Sequestra’s technology integrates an analysis facility, an empirical data model, and industrial process solutions to provide scalable CO2-binding methods tailored for industrial applications. By permanently locking CO2 into mineral residues, the startup not only reduces emissions but also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional waste disposal.
According to sequestra, the potential impact of its innovation could lead to an annual reduction of 4 to 8.5 billion tons of CO2—equivalent to 10–20% of global emissions. The company is also developing a rapid-testing facility that will enable automated analysis of material samples, with the first version expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Scaling for Industrial Implementation
The startup, which operates from Vienna and Attnang-Puchheim in Upper Austria, is actively working on scaling its technology for large-scale industrial use. A key priority is ensuring the commercial viability of its carbonated materials in the construction industry, prompting sequestra to create a dedicated role focused on market adoption.
Sequestra has gained recognition through participation in national and international accelerator programs, including INiTS, the Vienna Business Agency’s Startup Grant, EIT Climate KIC Climate Launchpad, and EIT Manufacturing Venture Builders.
With fresh funding and growing industry interest, sequestra is now poised to take a significant step toward industrial implementation. By bridging the gap between carbon capture and material reuse, the startup is positioning itself at the forefront of climate-neutral innovation in heavy industry.
