LevelUp ESG

The core problem is that SMEs, which represent over 90% of global businesses and generate 50% of emissions, lack the resources and expertise to effectively track and reduce their environmental impact. Existing solutions are often too expensive and complex for SMEs to adopt. 

This hinders progress on climate action goals.

LevelUp aims to solve this by providing an AI-powered software platform tailored for SMEs and the third sector. Your key differentiators are:

1. State-of-the-art AI capabilities like seamless data integration, AI explainability, and anomaly detection delivered by AI experts.

2. User-friendly, interactive design that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows.

3. Scientific rigor with AI explainability to provide transparent, trustworthy insights and mitigate greenwashing risks.

By empowering underserved SMEs with accessible, intelligent carbon accounting solutions, LevelUp can unlock their potential to drive meaningful climate action and sustainable business practices globally.

LevelUp offers an AI-powered cloud software suite tailored for SMEs and non-profits orgnisations empowering them to effectively track, report, and reduce their carbon footprints.

Core Offerings:

• Maturity Assessment & Starter Kit: This helps businesses understand their current sustainability stance and provides insightful actions and a roadmap for getting started with clarity and direction.
• AI powered Carbon Accounting and reporting Software: Our cloud-based AI powered software simplifies carbon footprint measurement, tracking, reporting, and reduction strategies. Businesses can identify key areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to minimise their environmental impact.
• AI powered Sustainability data management and reporting platform: a centralized solution for businesses to streamline the collection, analysis, and reporting of their sustainability data across multiple dimensions (e.g. Biodiversity and Land Use, Waste Management, Supply Chain and Logistics). This cloud-based platform leverages advanced AI and machine learning capabilities to deliver insights and recommendations that help businesses gain greater control and drive continuous improvement in their sustainability performance.

Our software supports businesses to achieve their decarbonisation goals while remaining ahead of ESG and sustainability reporting standards (GHG Protocol compliant).

LevelUp empowers SMEs and third-sector organizations to take action on climate change.

• SMEs: Overcoming resource constraints, LevelUp empowers SMEs across sectors to participate in the sustainability transition, adhere to responsible business principles, regulations, and future-proof their operations through affordable, accessible solutions.
• Non-Profits/Third-Sector: LevelUp partners with NGOs and environmental groups to extend its reach, providing tools and support to enable grassroots-level climate action.
• Mid-Market Companies: Although SMEs are the core focus, LevelUp's robust solutions can cater to larger mid-market firms facing carbon management challenges, expanding the customer base.

The LevelUp team is passionate about sustainability and has extensive experience working with SMEs. We understand their unique challenges and have designed our solutions to be accessible and impactful. Our team includes:

• Sustainability Experts: Individuals with deep knowledge of environmental data management and carbon footprinting and greenwashing controls.
• AI researchers, engineers and Software Developers: Talented engineers who have built user-friendly and scalable software solutions.
• Global consulting expertise: Professionals with experience working with Big 4 firms globally, SMEs and third-sector organizations.

LevelUp has a functional prototype of its first solution with core features available for testing. We are actively gathering user feedback to iterate on the design and improve the user experience. We have a limited number of pilot customers using the platform to provide real-world insights.

We are applying to Solve to gain access to a network of experts, mentors, and potential purpose-driven partners. We believe that Solve can help us accelerate our growth, expand our reach to SMEs globally, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Specifically, we seek support in the following areas:

• Market Expansion: Connecting with potential purpose-driven partners and NGOs to reach a wider audience of SMEs globally.
• Fundraising: Securing grant or investment to further develop our platform and expand our team.
• Impact Measurement: Refining our methods for measuring the environmental impact of our solutions.

LevelUp's solution is innovative in its holistic and intelligent approach to carbon footprint tracking and reporting for SMEs and the third sector. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, we have developed a platform that streamlines and automates the intricate process of carbon accounting, making it accessible and user-friendly for organisations of all sizes.

One of the key innovative aspects of our solution is the seamless integration of AI-powered workflows into data ingestion pipelines. Our platform intelligently classifies ingested data into existing carbon asset or usage categories or creates new ones based on industry standards. This automated process not only saves time and resources but also ensures consistent and accurate carbon reporting.

Furthermore, LevelUp's solution employs advanced AI agents to meticulously examine ingested data, proactively identifying anomalies, missing asset or usage elements, and out-of-trend data points. This level of data integrity and comprehensiveness is crucial for accurate carbon footprint calculations and sets our solution apart from traditional manual or semi-automated approaches.

Another innovative aspect of our platform is the use of AI-driven forecasting and predictive analytics to craft personalised decarbonisation roadmaps. By striking the perfect balance between environmental sustainability, cost optimization, and operational resilience, we empower businesses to achieve their net-zero goals efficiently and effectively.

Moreover, LevelUp's custom AI assistants, trained on specific regulatory and professional frameworks, provide timely and tailored recommendations that align with the nuances of regulations. This ensures compliance and gives businesses a competitive edge in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Lastly, our AI models are built on a foundation of scientific rigor and explainability, ensuring transparency and accountability in carbon footprint calculations. This mitigates the risk of greenwashing and fosters trust among stakeholders in the journey towards sustainability.

By democratising access to sophisticated carbon accounting tools and empowering SMEs and the third sector to take measurable action against climate change, LevelUp's solution has the potential to catalyse broader positive impacts and drive sustainable practices across industries.

LevelUp's solution is designed to address the critical challenge of carbon footprint tracking and reporting for SMEs and the third sector. These organisations often lack the resources and expertise to effectively measure and manage their environmental impact, hindering their ability to contribute to the global effort against climate change.

Our theory of change is based on the premise that by providing an accessible, intelligent, and user-friendly platform for carbon accounting, we can empower SMEs and non-profits to take tangible action towards reducing their carbon footprint.

The first step in our theory of change is to simplify and automate the process of data ingestion and classification. By leveraging AI-powered workflows, our platform streamlines the ingestion of data from various sources and intelligently classifies it into existing carbon asset or usage categories or creates new ones based on industry standards. This automation not only saves time and resources but also ensures consistency and accuracy in carbon reporting.

The next step is to identify and address data anomalies and gaps. Our advanced AI agents meticulously examine ingested data, proactively identifying missing asset or usage elements, out-of-trend data points, and other anomalies. This data integrity and comprehensiveness are crucial for accurate carbon footprint calculations and informed decision-making.

Armed with accurate and comprehensive data, our platform then employs AI-driven forecasting and predictive analytics to craft personalised decarbonisation roadmaps. These roadmaps strike a balance between environmental sustainability, cost optimisation, and operational resilience, enabling businesses to achieve their net-zero goals efficiently and effectively.

Furthermore, our custom AI assistants, trained on specific regulatory and professional frameworks, provide timely and tailored recommendations that align with the nuances of regulations. This ensures compliance and gives businesses a competitive edge in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, fostering sustainable practices and attracting eco-conscious customers and investors.

By democratising access to sophisticated carbon accounting tools and empowering SMEs and the third sector to take measurable action against climate change, LevelUp's solution has the potential to catalyse broader positive impacts and drive sustainable practices across industries.

Our overarching impact goal for LevelUp's solution is to enable SMEs and non-profit organisations to accurately measure and effectively reduce their carbon footprint, thereby contributing to the global effort against climate change. We aim to empower these organizations to take tangible and measurable action towards environmental sustainability, while also fostering a competitive advantage in attracting eco-conscious customers and investors.

To measure our progress towards this goal, we have identified several key indicators:

1. Number of organisations using LevelUp's platform: By tracking the adoption rate of our solution among SMEs and non-profits, we can gauge the reach and potential impact of our platform. Our target is to onboard a substantial number of organisations across various industries and sectors.

2. Reduction in carbon emissions by our customers: This is a direct measure of the environmental impact our solution is having. We will collect and analyse data on the carbon footprint reductions achieved by organisations using our platform, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of their baseline emissions.

3. Compliance rate with regulatory frameworks: As our platform provides tailored recommendations aligned with regulatory and professional frameworks, we will measure the compliance rate of our customers to assess our effectiveness in enabling them to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

4. Customer satisfaction and retention: By conducting regular surveys and gathering feedback, we will measure customer satisfaction with our platform's usability, effectiveness, and overall value proposition. High satisfaction and retention rates will be indicative of our solution's impact and its ability to meet the needs of our target audience.

5. Adoption of sustainable practices by our customers: Beyond carbon footprint reductions, we will also track the adoption of broader sustainable practices by our customers, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency initiatives, and the integration of circular economy principles into their operations.

6. Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals: Our solution directly contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). We will assess our progress by mapping our impact indicators to the relevant targets and indicators associated with these goals.

By continuously monitoring and analyzing these indicators, we will gain valuable insights into the real-world impact of our solution and identify areas for further improvement and optimization. Our goal is to consistently demonstrate measurable progress towards enabling SMEs and non-profits to become leaders in sustainable practices, driving positive change in their industries and communities.

The core technology powering LevelUp's solution is a custom AI platform that leverages cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and data processing techniques to streamline and automate the intricate process of carbon footprint tracking and reporting for SMEs and non-profit organisations.

At the heart of our platform lies a robust data organisation system that seamlessly integrates from various data sources, such as energy consumption records, transportation data, and supply chain information. This pipeline integrates with AI workflows that intelligently classify ingested data into existing carbon asset or usage categories, or create new ones based on industry standards. This automation not only saves time and resources but also ensures consistency and accuracy in carbon reporting.

Once the data is ingested and classified, our platform employs advanced AI agents to meticulously examine the datasets, proactively identifying anomalies, missing asset or usage elements, and out-of-trend data points. These AI agents leverage machine learning algorithms to learn from historical data and continuously improve their ability to detect and address data quality issues, ensuring the integrity and comprehensiveness of the carbon footprint calculations.

Armed with accurate and comprehensive data, LevelUp's platform then employs AI-driven forecasting and predictive analytics to craft personalised decarbonisation roadmaps for our clients. These roadmaps are generated by combining historical data, industry benchmarks, and predictive models that take into account factors such as projected growth, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. By striking the perfect balance between environmental sustainability, cost optimisation, and operational resilience, these roadmaps empower businesses to achieve their net-zero goals efficiently and effectively.

Furthermore, our platform incorporates custom AI assistants that are trained on specific regulatory and professional sustainability frameworks e.g. ISSB, GRI and CSRD, ensuring that our clients receive timely and tailored recommendations that align with the nuances of relevant regulations. These AI assistants leverage natural language processing and machine learning technologies to provide accurate and context-aware guidance, giving our clients a competitive edge in navigating complex compliance landscapes.

To mitigate the risk of greenwashing and foster trust among stakeholders, our AI models are built on a foundation of scientific rigor and explainability. We employ techniques such as model interpretability, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty quantification to ensure transparency and accountability in our carbon footprint calculations and recommendations.

Finally, our platform is designed with a user-friendly interface that presents insights and recommendations in a clear and actionable manner, empowering decision-makers to take informed and impactful steps towards sustainable practices.

By leveraging the power of AI and data management technologies, LevelUp's solution provides SMEs and non-profit organisations with an accessible and intelligent platform to accurately measure and effectively reduce their carbon footprint, driving positive change and contributing to the global effort against climate change.

Our core solution team consists of 1 full-time staff member providing strategic leadership, 7 part-time technical specialists, 8 contractors contributing specific expertise, 7 interns supporting execution, and 2 advisors offering guidance. This lean yet diverse 25-member team brings a powerful mix of skills and perspectives crucial for rapidly innovating our cutting-edge carbon tracking platform.

Dr Ahmed Mohammed, the managing director (full time) has a doctorate in mitigating greenwashing and was awarded an innovator status by UK government in 2023.

Dr Don Liyanage, AI and Tech Director, with over a decade of research experience in the field and hold a doctorate in AI Reasoning.

While the current solution has been under development since January 2024, the co-founders have years of combined experience in sustainability, AI/ML, data analytics and working with SMEs/non-profits. This unique convergence of domain knowledge and technical prowess enables us to pioneer intelligent carbon accounting solutions tailored for underserved segments.

At LevelUp, we understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but integral values that drive innovation, creativity, and positive impact. We are committed to fostering a truly diverse and inclusive environment where every team member feels welcomed, respected, and valued for their unique perspectives and experiences.

Our team is a tapestry of diversity, consisting of individuals from various geographic regions, ethnic backgrounds, genders, age groups, and religious beliefs. This diversity extends beyond surface-level attributes and encompasses a rich blend of life experiences, educational backgrounds, and professional trajectories. We believe that this diversity is our strength, as it allows us to approach challenges from multiple angles and generate innovative solutions that resonate with a wide range of stakeholders.

To minimise barriers to opportunity and create an equitable environment, we have implemented several initiatives. Our recruitment process is designed to be inclusive and free from bias, with a focus on hiring the best talent regardless of their background. We actively seek out candidates from underrepresented groups and partner with organisations that promote diversity in the technology sector.

Additionally, we provide mentoring and comprehensive training programs for our team members, ensuring that everyone has equal access to professional development opportunities. These programs not only enhance technical skills but also foster an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, enabling our team to navigate complex cultural landscapes with sensitivity and respect.

We also encourage open and honest dialogue within our organisation. We have established safe spaces where team members can share their experiences, perspectives, and concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation. These conversations not only promote understanding and empathy but also inform our policies and practices, ensuring that they are inclusive and responsive to the needs of our diverse workforce.

Furthermore, we actively celebrate and embrace the diverse backgrounds and identities of our team members. We organise cultural events, workshops, and discussions that allow individuals to share their heritage, traditions, and beliefs, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the richness of our collective experiences.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends beyond our internal operations. We strive to incorporate these values into our solution and the services we provide to our clients. By promoting sustainable practices and enabling organisations to accurately measure and reduce their carbon footprint, we are actively contributing to the global effort against climate change, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities worldwide.

At LevelUp, we recognise that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not final destinations but ongoing journeys. We continuously evaluate our practices, seek feedback from our team members, and implement improvements to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission of driving positive change.

LevelUp's business model is cantered around providing an intelligent software platform and ecosystem that simplifies carbon footprint tracking, reporting, and reduction for SMEs and the third sector. Our key value propositions include automated AI-powered data collection and reporting, carbon and emissions factor management, actionable insights for sustainability planning, risk monitoring and compliance, and tailored decarbonization strategies.

Our target customer segments are small and mid-market businesses in Europe (initially) then globally, early adopters in sectors with high environmental impact, public and third sector organizations supporting net zero commitments, and purpose-driven enterprises.

We deliver our products and services through a combination of direct sales and self-service subscriptions, supported by account management teams, customer success services, online resources, and AI consultants.

Our revenue streams are three-fold:

1) Subscription fees based on a recurring SaaS pricing model factoring number of users, facilities, and metrics tracked;

2) Usage fees for computation, insights, data services, and additional report generation, which grows with customer adoption; and

3) Incentive models and outcome-based pricing tied to demonstrable emissions reductions, where a portion of the fees is linked to the actual carbon emissions reduced by the customer using our platform.

By aligning our pricing with the environmental impact achieved, we create a win-win scenario where our customers are rewarded for their decarbonization efforts, and we share in the value created through their sustainability journey.

Key resources powering our model include proprietary AI/ML algorithms and models, a carbon/sustainability data science team, cloud application and data services, and starter kits to accelerate onboarding. Critical activities include software development, data integration, insights generation, customer support, sustainability advisory services, and continuous enhancement of our decarbonization tools and methodologies.

LevelUp's plan for achieving financial sustainability is multi-pronged, combining revenue generation through our product offerings and strategic financing to fuel growth.

Market Size:

According to market analysis by Verdantix, the ESG reporting software market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027, with a $2.5 billion serviceable addressable market for our solution targeting SMEs in Europe. Our long-term targets are to acquire 0.3% market share, translating to 30,000 of the 9 million sustainability-committed SMEs in Europe. With this customer base, we aim to grow to €10M+ annual recurring revenue (ARR) within 3 years. At that scale, with projected 75%+ gross margins, we expect to achieve cashflow positivity from sustainable revenue alone.

Revenue Streams:

Our core revenue model is built around two streams - subscription fees and usage-based fees. This approach aligns with successful SaaS models and provides scalable, recurring income.

1) Subscription Fees: We charge SMEs and non-profits a recurring subscription fee based on the number of users, facilities, and metrics they need to track. This predictable revenue covers basic platform access and reporting.

2) Usage Fees: As customers increase adoption, we generate additional revenue from usage-based fees for advanced computation, data services, insight packages, and custom report generation.

This coupled model captures value at multiple levels and can grow alongside our customers' needs over time. According to market analysis by Verdantix, the ESG reporting software market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027, with a $2.5 billion segment addressable by our solution for SMEs in Europe.

Evidence of Traction:

While pre-revenue currently, we have early indicators validating our offering's market fit:

Pilot Discussions: We are in active discussions with 5 potential pilot customers to validate our solutions and pricing models prior to commercial launch.

Financing Strategy: 

To accelerate platform development, marketing and growth, we are pursuing a mix of funding sources:

- Grants: We are seeking grant to support our development and go-to-market execution.

- Revenue-based financing: We are exploring revenue-based financing vehicles offered by groups like SeedX and RowNow to access non-dilutive growth capital once our revenue exceeds $1M ARR.