Lund-based startup Zerotude, co-founded by Maximilian Deiters and Ricardo Bernardo, has successfully raised over € 600.000 (7 million SEK) in its first investment round. The funding, which came from amongst other Skåne Ventures and Hypergene founders Per Hidenius and Per Engwall, will support Zerotude’s mission to help property owners make their buildings greener and comply with the EU’s strict new energy standards.
Founded in the winter of 2022, Zerotude aims to accelerate the transition to more sustainable buildings across Europe. The company’s digital platform, which uses advanced AI-driven 3D modeling, provides property owners with precise renovation recommendations to prioritize and manage costs effectively. This solution has drawn attention for its potential to enable data-driven decision-making across entire property portfolios.
The founders bring extensive expertise to Zerotude’s mission. CEO Maximilian has a background in assessing the financial value of sustainable buildings and has worked with global asset managers, property companies, and financial institutions to drive sustainability efforts. His experience is complemented by co-founder Ricardo, who heads the Division of Energy and Building Design at Lund University and developed the core model behind Zerotude’s software.
Zerotude was created in response to new EU regulations requiring buildings to reach a green energy certification by 2050. He notes that many European buildings fall below these standards, and property owners need smart, cost-effective solutions to meet these targets.
There’s a lot that needs to be done in the coming years according to Maximilian. With their model, property owners can focus their budget efficiently and make data-driven decisions. The AI model doesn’t just show energy usage but offers projections of a building’s future performance, helping identify buildings with the highest renovation potential.
The funding round comes at a critical moment as energy regulations tighten across the EU. Property owners face rising energy and water tariffs, making energy-efficient upgrades a necessity for long-term financial stability. Zerotude’s platform offers them the tools to stay compliant while reducing costs.
“Energy is a hot topic where AI-powered solutions offer quick returns. However, nearly 70% of a building’s energy loss happens through the roof, facade, windows, and ventilation, so heavy-duty renovations are essential to meet EU targets. That’s precisely where we focus our efforts.”
said Maximilian in a recent interview with Rapidus.
With its new funding, Rapidus reports Zerotude plans to expand from its current team of three to eight by the end of 2025, enabling it to take on more clients and meet growing demand. This strategic move places Zerotude at the forefront of sustainable building renovation, positioning it as an essential tool for property managers navigating new energy and efficiency regulations.
