Kewazo deploys construction robots at ExxonMobil
Kewazo, manufacturer of Liftbot robotic scaffolding, has just delivered its first robots to the UK. These are now permanently deployed in the country’s largest petrochemical refinery, run by ExxonMobil. According to the company, more than 80% of scaffolding projects are still erected entirely manually, an approach that is labour intensive and risky for workers.
With the robotisation of scaffolding assembly, Liftbot can increase assembly efficiency by an average of 44%, while improving safety. With its compact size and use of batteries rather than cables, installation is greatly simplified. For example, at ExxonMobil’s refinery, Kewazo’s robots were used to build scaffolding up to 40 metres high on some reactors, requiring only three workers to install them, compared to eight using conventional methods.
In addition, the Liftbot incorporates sensors that improve the reliability of the scaffolding assembly process, including monitoring the weight carried and the height of the lift, with real-time monitoring of the construction progress.
Rockease announces a seed round to digitise the aggregates market
Founded in Bordeaux (France) in 2021, Rockease is an online platform that allows construction players to find the best aggregates offer on site, order them and manage delivery, optimising transport and reducing costs. The platform also allows customers to edit the carbon footprint of their aggregate supplies.
The company, which is incubated by Bordeaux Technowest, has just raised 550,000 euros in pre-seed financing, with the ambition of moving on to the marketing stage of its product, with coverage of the entire country by the end of 2022. This fundraising is financed 50-50 by a dozen business angels on the one hand and by Bpifrance and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region on the other, via the Proto Impact call for projects.
One year after its launch, Rockease has already been awarded the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” label and has been selected by Cemex Ventures as one of the 50 Best Startups 2021 in Construction Tech. In addition, the startup has also benefited from the support of Leonard’s Seed programme, which supports early stage startups for 6 months to launch and develop innovative projects.
In Germany, the SaaS platform for construction Cosuno raises $30M in Series B
Berlin-based construction technology company Cosuno has announced a $30 million Series B funding round. US venture capital fund Avenir Growth is the lead investor, alongside Spark Capital and Cherry Ventures, who participated in the company’s Series A round six months ago. This new round of financing brings Cosuno’s valuation to $150 million.
Launched in 2019 by Christoph Berner, Fritz Cramer and Maximilian Seifert, this German startup publishes a SaaS platform that enables efficient and transparent collaboration between all stakeholders of a construction site. The platform can be used to track the various stages of construction, from planning to payment of contractors. Since its launch, the software has already handled $4 billion in construction volume. The company estimates that by using its tools instead of email, phone and traditional spreadsheets, it saves 60% of its clients’ time.
With the money raised, Cosuno wants to expand into new European markets and accelerate the development of its products.
And also:
London-based construction data startup BKwai raises £2.2m — Tech.eu and EU-startups.com
Brussels-based construction management software company Traxxeo raises €3m to accelerate in France — La Libre.be
Europe invests in startup Wattalps to accelerate the electric transition of industrial vehicles — Place Grenet
