Leasi, a cutting-edge construction technology startup from Norway, has successfully raised €1.1 million in pre-seed funding to enhance its innovative machine management solutions. The investment round attracted prominent backers including Skanska, a global construction giant, and StartupLab, Norway’s leading early-stage investor, along with contributions from Gnist Capital and Weseed. This new capital injection includes grants from Innovation Norway, further solidifying Leasi’s growth potential.
Skanska’s investment highlights their need for an advanced system to optimize their machine fleet’s composition and usage. They found no existing market solutions that met their requirements, paving the way for Leasi’s unique approach. Founded in Trondheim in 2022 by three master’s students, Leasi has swiftly gained traction in the construction industry with its groundbreaking technology.
“We aim to establish Leasi as the industry standard globally. Having a leading player like Skanska recognize our value is an incredible validation. We are also receiving interest from other global actors and look forward to the journey ahead with such strong partners by our side,” said Scott A. Bekke, CEO of Leasi.
In January, Leasi signed a contract with Skanska, which has already generated significant interest from other key industry players, extending their reach as far as Japan.
“Bringing on board both Skanska and StartupLab as shareholders is crucial for us. It enhances our credibility and market reach, accelerating our transition from development to testing and implementation. This collaboration allows us more room for innovation and faster, more effective delivery,” Bekke added.
Leasi’s software solution enables Skanska and other contractors to capture and consolidate data from all machines and equipment across their operations. This includes data on operations, service and maintenance, utilization rates, emissions, capital allocation, and other financial information. For Skanska Norway, Leasi will manage more than 8,000 machines and equipment units.
“Leasi has demonstrated an understanding of our needs and the capability to develop a solution tailored to our specifications. Their robust and flexible technology is adaptable as our requirements evolve. With shared access to all critical information about our machine fleet, we can operate more efficiently across projects and business units. Leasi’s system will enhance our competitiveness and execution capabilities, providing a solid foundation for future investments in our machinery,” commented Anders Geirsta, Executive Vice President of Civil Construction at Skanska Norway.
Scott A. Bekke values the collaboration with Skanska, offering invaluable insights and practical experience as the solution is implemented in Skanska and its subsidiaries throughout 2024.
“Norway is far ahead in digitizing the construction industry compared to the rest of the world, and we see significant international interest in what we are developing. With strong investors behind us, we are well-positioned to advance both in Norway and internationally,” Bekke concluded.
Leasi’s solution combines data and features from traditionally separate siloed systems. By integrating these aspects, Leasi is a key enabler for improved operational efficiency, more sustainable operations, and optimized capital allocation and efficiency.
Gisle Ostereng, Head of Investments at StartupLab Ventures, added: “We at StartupLab are delighted to become an investor in Leasi. Over time, our team has observed Leasi’s development, and together with our partners in construction, we have become convinced that we should also participate as an investor in the company’s growth. We look forward to the coming years and hope the entire industry will recognize the commercial and environmental benefits that Leasi offers. In the construction sector, StartupLab contributes to digitalization and efficiency, which in turn reduces emissions. Leasi fits very well into this framework.”
