Berlin-based AI startup Briink, which builds AI tools to help ESG analysts accelerate sustainable investments, has secured €3.85 million in funding to develop AI tools for ESG audit and verification. The seed funding round was co-led by EquityPitcher Ventures and 13books Capital.
- Founded in 2021 by Tomas van der Heijden and Samuel King, Briink develops advanced AI solutions to help ESG and sustainability teams manage increasing regulatory demands. Using domain-specific AI and large language models (LLMs), Briink automates ESG data auditing and verification, ensuring greater transparency and quality.
- The startup serves over 40 enterprise clients, including some of the world's largest corporations, funds, and advisory firms, such as Holtara, Coller Capital, Apex, Continental, Lightrock, and Climate Bonds.
“ESG professionals face a critical challenge: auditing and verifying vast amounts of data in a landscape still plagued by opacity and greenwashing. High-quality, audited ESG data is essential to the climate transition, but manual processes and fragmented standards often compromise accuracy," Co-founder and CEO of Briink, Tomas van der Heijden, commented.
Details of the deal
- The round was co-led by EquityPitcher Ventures, a Zurich-based venture capital firm that invests in startups across the DACH region, and 13books Capital, a London-based venture capital firm that supports fintech companies at the late Seed and Series A stage.
"For funds, corporates and their supply chains, Briink is the go-to solution providing transparency and ensuring they remain compliant with the onslaught of ESG regulations. We’re very pleased to join Sam, Tomas and the team as they continue to drive meaningful impact on this mission-critical journey," Partner at 13books Capital, Spencer Lake, stated.
- The seed round also saw participation from Merantix Capital, seed + Speed Ventures, and angel investors Peter Rading, Han Lee, and Peter Gutman.
- Briink plans to use the new funding to develop AI agents specifically for ESG teams, streamlining workflows, ensuring accurate, verifiable data, and freeing up experts to focus on high-impact work crucial for a successful climate transition.
