Finnish PropTech Startup Make a BIM Secures Funding to Accelerate Digitisation of Aging Building Stock
Helsinki, Finland – August 20, 2024 – Finnish PropTech startup Make a BIM has successfully raised pre-seed funding to scale its operations and further develop its automation technology. The funding round was led by Kiilto Ventures, with additional investments from Innovestor and angels from the Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN), including Kim Väisänen, Esa Kinnunen, and Teemu Jokinen.
Addressing Europe’s urgent building challenge
The European Union faces a significant challenge: 97% of its buildings require upgrades to meet the goal of a decarbonized building stock by 2050. This issue is particularly pressing as 85% of these structures were built before 2000, with 75% exhibiting poor energy performance. To meet the EU’s ambitious climate targets and comply with the upcoming Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), set to take effect in 2026, widespread renovation is necessary. The EPBD aims to drive energy efficiency, stimulate extensive renovations, and transition Europe to zero-emission buildings.
“Buildings consume 40% of Europe’s energy, primarily for heating and cooling. While much attention is given to electric cars, the fundamental challenges around buildings often go unnoticed, even though they impact everyone,” says Leo Salomaa, Co-Founder of Make a BIM.
A crucial tool in achieving these renovations is Building Information Modeling (BIM). However, many existing buildings lack digitalized or 3D blueprints, posing a significant barrier to meeting the EU’s goals. Creating and implementing BIM will be essential for obtaining building permits and ensuring that upgrades meet modern energy standards.
Make a BIM offers a more efficient pathway to carbon neutrality
Founded in 2023 by Leo Salomaa, Ville-Matti Tanninen, and Jami Valorinta, Make a BIM leverages AI to generate digital models of existing buildings. Their technology converts 2D drawings into BIM models within minutes, drastically reducing the need for repetitive manual labor by experts. This innovation not only streamlines the renovation process but also helps ensure compliance with regulatory standards, offering a more efficient pathway to carbon neutrality.
Ville-Matti Tanninen, Leo Salomaa, and Jami Valorinta, pictured from right to left.
“We’ve already created models for over 100 buildings in Finland and abroad. Many of these models, including those for HEKA, have been used to optimize energy renovations. We’re now planning to scale this solution globally, with interest from as far as the U.S. and Asia,” shares Leo Salomaa.
Kiilto Ventures backs Make a BIM as lead investor in round
“BIM models are essential for various applications, especially energy renovations, and regulations are driving their use. We view them as key enablers of a more sustainable built environment. Make a BIM impressed us with their technical solution, which addresses a critical challenge in the early stages of BIM creation. The team has shown a strong ability to solve real customer problems, evidenced by their rapid early success,” says Matti Rönkkö, Head of Kiilto Ventures.
About Kiilto Ventures
Kiilto Ventures is the venture capital arm of Kiilto investing in and supporting early-stage startups tackling the biggest problems within the built environment. Based in Helsinki, our mission is to advance innovative solutions that significantly reduce the 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions associated with this sector. To learn more, visit www.kiiltoventures.com
About Make a BIM
Make a BIM is a Finnish PropTech startup founded in 2023. We use AI to automatically create building information models from architectural drawings for building owners, their service providers and the building you live in. To learn more, visit make www.makeabim.com
For the Media: Contact Information
Matti Rönkkö, Head of Kiilto Ventures
Kiilto Ventures
matti.ronkko@kiilto.com
Leo Salomaa, Co-Founder
Make a BIM
leo.salomaa@makeabim.com
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