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Green light for expansion as Breathing Buildings secures GBP1m funding

Breathing Buildings, the natural ventilation specialist, has secured second round funding to expand its business both in the UK and internationally.



The energy-saving potential of the company’s unique e-stack ventilation system is well recognised and this latest investment will enable Breathing Buildings to embark on its plan to substantially grow the business.

In the UK new sales team members are being appointed across the country and the recently announced partnership with Price Industries will see the company expand further into the US market.

The funding comes to Breathing Buildings from three very different organisations.

First, the Berti Green Accelerator programme, an initiative supported by James Caan which seeks to champion entrepreneurial, low-carbon businesses in the UK. Breathing Buildings was announced as one of three recipients of the inaugural Berti Green Accelerator programme. In addition to a capital investment, Breathing Buildings will be working with Caan’s company, Hamilton Bradshaw Impact Partners, who will develop a bespoke business support strategy for Breathing Buildings, to be implemented over a six-month period.

In addition, Breathing Buildings secured investment from the Adapt Low Carbon Group, based at the University of East Anglia.  The fund provides equity finance for SMEs in the East of England and invests in early stage companies with a product or service that contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions.

John French, chief executive of the Adapt Low Carbon Group, says: “Breathing Buildings is a great example of a company which is really leading low carbon innovation in the UK. We were particularly impressed with the diverse range of buildings the company has worked on, coupled with having developed the natural ventilation for the first ever healthcare facility to be awarded a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certificate.”

Breathing Buildings’ original investor, MMC Ventures, also contributed to the round. MMC Ventures is a venture capital fund investing in early stage, high growth UK companies. Breathing Buildings has been working with MMC since its original investment in July 2009 and has found the on-going commitment, advice and support from MMC fundamental to the successful growth of the business.

Bruce Macfarlane, managing partner, MMC Ventures, says: “We are delighted to be continuing our investment partnership with the team at Breathing Buildings, who are creating a real British growth and success story with their world-leading natural ventilation solutions. It’s fantastic that they have now attracted additional funding from the Adapt Low Carbon Group – and I’d like to congratulate them on becoming part of the Berti Green Accelerator programme supported by James Caan.”

Shaun Fitzgerald, managing director of Breathing Buildings, adds: “The coming together of all three funding strands makes this a very exciting time for Breathing Buildings. It enables us to roll out our UK plans for nationwide sales coverage and really push forward the business internationally with US-based Price Industries.

“Developing our sales presence across the UK is a priority and we are delighted that our first appointment, Amanda Brooks, joined the company at the end of October.  Amanda is responsible for creating new business in the Midlands, with other appointments following shortly.”

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