ECO Group, headquartered in Germany, revealed securing €7M in a Series A funding round. The capital infusion aims to facilitate the expansion of its eco-friendly consumer goods portfolio and diversify the B2B platform with an increased range of sustainable products.
According to the 2022 Sustainable Market Share Index, sustainability-marketed products have contributed to almost one-third of the industry’s growth from 2013 to 2022. These products have consistently expanded year-over-year, surpassing conventionally marketed products by nearly two-fold. Presently, consumers of all ages actively seek high-quality, eco-friendly alternatives.
Aligned with this prevailing trend, ECO Group has crafted a distinctive platform that fosters innovative brands and cultivates a community of conscious consumers within the sustainability realm.
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About The Investors
Acton Capital, a prominent growth investor, took the lead in this funding round and commended ECO Group for establishing a platform that aligns with these prevailing trends.
Christoph Braun, partner at Acton Capital, expressed their admiration for the company’s progress and the dedication of its team. They are delighted to support such a purpose-driven company on its growth journey.
Acton Capital is a leading growth-stage Venture Capital investor in Europe and Canada, specializing in supporting established business models driven by digital technology. Over 100 startups have received valuable backing from Acton, contributing to their pursuit of market leadership. Their impressive portfolio includes industry-leading names like Momox, Sofatutor, Mambu, HomeToGo, zooplus, Audibene, and MyTheresa.
In addition to Acton Capital, ECO Group’s existing investor, Fair Capital Partners, also participated in the funding round. Fair Capital Partners Impact Investing is focused on promoting sustainable practices and positive societal impact.
Through its Impact Fund, Fair Capital Partners enables investors to support young and promising companies involved in combating climate change through activities such as renewable energy, sustainable food, and circular economy initiatives.
Nurturing Innovation in Eco-Friendly Products
Former Procter & Gamble executives, Thomas Nehfischer and Christoph Schwerdtle, joined forces to establish ECO Group, leveraging their expertise in brand and retail domains. This venture marks their second collaborative endeavor.
With a purpose-driven mission, ECO Group functions as a dynamic platform for eco-conscious brands, aiming to integrate environmentally-friendly choices into people’s daily routines.
The company achieves this through a scalable go-to-market platform, offering a diverse array of high-quality products, including dental care, laundry detergents, and household cleaning essentials, all bearing the eco-brand seal.
“We are delighted to have esteemed investors who share our vision of maximizing positive impact on the environment and society, supporting our sustainable growth strategy,” says Schwerdtle.
He adds, “We are thrilled to strengthen our commitment to building a hub for innovative, sustainable brands and providing consumers with an expanding range of eco-friendly products.”
In conjunction with the Series A announcement, ECO Group has made a significant move by acquiring a majority stake in JM Nature GmbH, the owner of the natural cosmetics brand BEN&ANNA. This strategic step further aligns ECO Group and BEN&ANNA in their collective mission to promote sustainable lifestyles.
