A London-based startup named Leafr has raised £600,000 in funding to address a growing challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): accessing affordable sustainability expertise. Founded by Nick Valenzia and Gus Bartholomew, the platform connects businesses with vetted sustainability consultants at a fraction of traditional consultancy costs, aiming to bridge a critical skills gap as global environmental regulations tighten.
The funding round was led by Haatch VC, with participation from NextStep, Venture Catalysts, and several angel investors. “Millions of businesses need a smarter, more cost-effective way to access sustainability expertise,” said Fred Soneya, a partner at Haatch VC. “Leafr is doing for sustainability what the gig economy did for digital skills—making in-demand expertise accessible at scale.”
As governments and corporations worldwide intensify their focus on climate action, the demand for skilled sustainability professionals is surging. While large firms can afford in-house teams or expensive consultancies, SMEs often lack the resources to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. Recognizing this disparity, Leafr offers a flexible, cost-effective solution by providing access to over 1,000 vetted sustainability experts specializing in industries such as retail, manufacturing, and professional services.
The urgency of addressing climate change has prompted sweeping regulatory changes, particularly in regions like the European Union. These mandates require businesses to adopt sustainable practices, from reducing carbon footprints to ensuring ethical supply chains. However, many SMEs struggle to navigate this complex landscape due to limited budgets and expertise.
Nick Valenzia, who previously worked with consulting giants PwC and Accenture, emphasized the importance of accessibility. “The skills gap is the elephant in the room for sustainability,” he said. “We can invest billions into new technology, policies, and subsidies, but without access to the right skills to implement them, we risk wasting our efforts.”
Gus Bartholomew brings additional credibility to the venture, having founded Supplycompass, a startup that supported sustainability initiatives in fashion supply chains. Together, the founders aim to democratize access to sustainability expertise, enabling smaller businesses to compete on a level playing field.
Leafr’s model reflects broader shifts in the labor market, where flexibility and specialization are becoming increasingly valued. “The future of work is flexible, especially within sustainability, where most projects do not need expensive full-time hires,” Valenzia noted. By offering on-demand access to consultants, Leafr aligns with trends seen in the gig economy, which has transformed how companies source talent for digital and creative projects.
The platform’s clients already include notable names such as WD40, Freddie’s Flowers, and the UN Foundation, proving its potential to serve diverse industries. For these organizations, Leafr provides tailored solutions to meet specific sustainability challenges, from compliance reporting to strategic planning.
Despite its promise, Leafr operates in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. In the United States for example, there are signs that some environmental regulations may face rollbacks, creating uncertainty for businesses navigating sustainability mandates. However, the European Union remains committed to enforcing stringent sustainability requirements, ensuring continued demand for expertise in the region.
Experts warn that while platforms like Leafr can help address immediate needs, systemic issues persist. “Access to talent is crucial, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle,” noted a commentator on linkedin “Governments and educational institutions must also invest in training programs to build a robust pipeline of sustainability professionals.”
The rise of startups like Leafr highlights the private sector’s growing role in driving climate action. By lowering barriers to entry for SMEs, these initiatives could accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. According to a 2023 report by the International Labour Organization, achieving global climate goals could create 24 million new jobs by 2030, but only if businesses have the necessary skills to adapt.
