Carbo is a French startup which has created a free web application which aims to improve its daily carbon footprint with the aim of accelerating the ecological awareness of citizens and businesses. She has just announced that she has raised 5 million euros in funds. Business Cool spoke with Simon Létourneau, co-founder and CEO of this startup.
Everything you need to know about Carbo
Who are you ?
Graduated in finance and economics at the University of Paris-Dauphine, in sciences at the École Centrale de Nantes, then in management at the University of Melbourne, I began my career at Wavestone, in consulting, with players in energy. Two years later, I joined the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), as an economic analyst, then, in 2014, I took my first steps in a startup within the Sport Heroes group, where I I was notably in charge of the company’s commercial deployment. Driven by ecological convictions that grow stronger every day, I then joined the media Usbek & Rica in 2017, as head of development. It was in September 2019 that I teamed up with two friends, Julien Janson and Emmanuel Watrinet, to create Carbo, a ClimateTech which supports citizens and businesses in measuring and reporting their carbon footprint.
What does Carbo do?
Carbo’s mission is to accelerate the ecological awareness of citizens and businesses, and to support them in reducing their carbon footprint. To do this, we have designed a 100% free citizen web application for everyone, which combines measurement and everyday advice. For companies, we also offer a complete SaaS platform, integrating the production of a certified carbon footprint (ADEME), but also and above all personalized support in reducing the impact of their activities. Among our clients, many companies – French VSEs, SMEs and mid-sized companies – from all sectors: Back Market, Lunii, Malt, Izipizi, Balzac Paris and Alan.
Our digital tools are already used by more than 30,000 citizens and 400 companies, and have made it possible to raise awareness among 1 million people in 2022. Convinced that subjects linked to the carbon footprint can – and must – quickly position themselves at the heart of all citizen concerns, our 30 employees, based in Paris, Barcelona and Europe, are all resolutely committed to an educational and positive approach, coupled with one of the most efficient technologies in the sector.
Carbo’s fundraising
Why did you raise 5 million euros?
This fundraising lives up to Carbo’s ambitions and mission. We wish to multiply our impact and plan to consolidate our leading position in the evaluation and reduction of the carbon footprint of French VSEs, SMEs and ETIs, by continuing the construction – via our SaaS platform – of the most carbon tool accessible and accurate to the market. The evolution of this tool will be done in a collaborative manner, so as to increase the commitment of stakeholders (employees, management, customers, suppliers, etc.), and thus always trigger action so that everyone can quickly reduce their footprint .
Furthermore, via our free citizen web application, but also partnerships established with large groups (La Banque Postale and Société Générale with whom we are already working), we will also continue our educational efforts, aimed at the largest number.
We finally wish to put this educational effort to good use in a necessary paradigm shift in ecological culture. First externally, for example through the launch last June of Carbo Média, which deciphers ecological issues through a cultural window, and which notably gives voice to artists, thinkers and activists imagining a desirable vision of the world. But also internally! Indeed, keen to apply ecological fundamentals even in our governance, at Carbo we draw strong inspiration from liberated organizations. Many projects are currently underway in the company (shared governance, working time arrangements, etc.)
Why did you choose to bring these investors into your capital?
Carbo has chosen to bring Maïf Avenir, 115K, Bpifrance, as well as business angels into its capital.
Since our launch in 2019, we have been keen to put data and education at the service of a true ecological culture, among citizens and businesses alike. At the heart of this positive acculturation, we have positioned the carbon footprint measurement: a value which is currently taking a leading role in society and the economy. Raising funds only made sense if we found convinced partners committed to a responsible and ecological entrepreneurial movement. We are very happy to have been able to partner with MAIF Avenir and 115K and to have their passionate teams at our side.
What will Carbo look like in 5 years?
Carbo intends to quickly double its workforce (around thirty recruitments are planned in 2023), approach other European markets, but also invest in new educational channels to raise awareness among more and more citizens. By 2025, we plan to support more than 5,000 companies and raise awareness among 10 million citizens each year. Within 10 years, our stakeholders – businesses and citizens – will drive more than 20% of global GHG emissions with our solutions, and reduce them by half.
