A London-based start-up that uses lasers and AI to find recyclable materials in waste piles and prevent them from being incinerated has secured £1.65 million in funding.
Founded in 2022, Sorted’s technology uses computer vision and spectroscopy (measuring electromagnetic fields) to identify recyclable items at waste facilities.
The startup then uses AI-controlled lasers to guide human pickers to retrieve materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators.
Collecting recyclable materials reduces carbon emissions. Sorted says that by applying its technology, he has reduced residual waste recovery rates by more than 50%.
The startup is targeting waste management and recycling companies as customers. They have already secured contracts with SUEZ UK and Cawleys.
“We use AI to enhance and make better use of human pickers. Our UK pilot shows that using Sorted’s technology increases revenue, performance, and lowers costs. ” said Arthur Goujon, co-founder and CTO of Sorted.
“Under pressure to comply with upcoming regulations such as the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, our customers are finding ways to reduce the amount of materials such as high-carbon plastics sent to incineration and avoid increased charges. We are actively exploring.”
Goujon has more than 15 years of management and technology experience, including senior roles at Sorted customer SUEZ.
His co-founder Luis Espinosa has experience scaling businesses like Uber and DiDi.
This seed funding round was led by Pi Labs, a London-based venture capital firm focused on startups in the built world. In 2022, the investment firm closed a $90 million fund to back proptech startups.
Other investors in Sorted include Archipelago Ventures, Circular Plastics Accelerator, Conduit Connect, and Antler. Angel investors also participated in the round.
“Companies must maximize their ability to source recycled materials or risk violating their corporate sustainability goals,” said Faisal Butt, founder and managing partner of Pi Labs.
“With the creation of Super Picker, Sorted has created a digital and sustainable solution to this problem, while helping our customers contribute to the circular economy.”
Sorted is not the only British startup developing technology to sort waste. Greyparrot, which also uses computer vision, raised nearly £9m in Series A funding in 2022.
listen: Greyparrot CEO uses computer vision to fight ‘relentless’ garbage
