Signol’s technology-driven behaviour change service engages employees in emissions-intensive industries, helping them optimise their daily tasks to reduce emissions without significant technological or physical changes to ships or aircraft. To date, Signol has saved over 100,000 metric tonnes of CO2, achieving up to 1% reductions in aviation fuel consumption and 12% in shipping.

The funding round was led by New York-based venture capital firm TMV, known for investing in legacy industries poised for transformation, such as healthcare, maritime, ports, and mobility. Participants included Ultranav, a global ship operator, and MOLPLUS, the venture arm of Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL). London-based East Innovate, which led Signol’s previous funding round, also reinvested.

Marina Hadjipateras, Co-founder and General Partner at TMV, emphasized the importance of investing in solutions that drive immediate sustainability improvements: “There’s always a human factor in transforming industries—especially in maritime, valued at over $152 billion and responsible for 90% of global goods transport. Signol harnesses the power of people to shift operational behaviour toward sustainable practices.”

Hadjipateras also highlighted Signol’s potential beyond shipping and aviation, particularly as the company explores AI-driven solutions to further enhance human decision-making. “This use of AI will maximize the potential of human decision-making and increase the value of the human workforce,” she added.

Behavioural Science as a Key to Sustainability

Signol’s approach represents a significant opportunity for investors targeting industries with untapped potential to meet sustainability goals through behavioural science. By focusing on human decision-making, Signol offers a unique, cost-effective path to reducing emissions.

Per Lange of Ultranav expressed support for Signol’s mission: “Ultranav is delighted to support Signol’s efforts to leverage the human workforce in the shipping industry’s decarbonization journey. With a strong foundation in behavioural science, Signol’s solution enables crew members to actively contribute to sustainability goals while enhancing their experience at sea.”

Scaling Sustainability Solutions

With the new £2.5 million investment, Signol plans to enhance its current solutions and expand commercial traction in the aviation and shipping sectors. The company will also launch a proof-of-concept in corporate travel, aiming to reduce avoidable emissions from business trips through behaviour change initiatives.

Michael Fanning, CEO of Signol, remarked: “Securing investment from industry leaders like Ultranav and MOL is a significant endorsement of our human-centric approach to sustainability. We are thrilled to have Marina Hadjipateras and Per Lange join our board, bringing invaluable industry insight and passion for Signol’s mission, which will help accelerate our growth and impact.”

Takuya Sakamoto, CEO of MOLPLUS, added: “We have had productive discussions with Signol on addressing challenges in ocean shipping, and we are proud to support Signol’s unique approach to empowering seafarers. We look forward to this exciting journey and are committed to supporting Signol from our maritime corporate standpoint.”