UK-based proptech startup Martello has secured £1.2 million in Seed funding to modernise how environmental and property risks are reported during property transactions. The funding round, led by Fuel Ventures with support from strategic angel investors, aims to accelerate the development and rollout of Martello’s AI-powered platform.
Founded in early 2024, the startup is focused on solving a long-standing issue in UK conveyancing — the reliance on outdated, static environmental reports.
Read Also: Trump Posts Controversial Video of Possible Strike on Houthis
Why Environmental Risk Reporting Needs Disruption
A Flawed Status Quo
Environmental searches are a mandatory part of nearly every property purchase in the UK, but the current tools used are widely considered outdated. Most reports are still delivered as PDFs, often filled with ambiguous data and technical jargon. These are difficult for non-specialists, including many homebuyers and solicitors, to interpret accurately.
Rising Demand for Accurate Risk Assessments
The urgency for reform is growing. The UK Environment Agency reports that over 5 million homes in England are at risk of flooding, while climate change and evolving regulatory requirements are pushing lenders and buyers to demand clearer insights into environmental risks.
Martello’s Tech-Driven Approach
Martello uses artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis to offer dynamic, interactive dashboards instead of static documents. The platform can detect risks such as flooding, land contamination, and subsidence by scanning thousands of environmental data points instantly. This allows legal teams and property buyers to make faster, more informed decisions.
Collaborations with Law Firms
To refine its offering, Martello is working closely with a number of established UK law firms. The company is adopting a rapid iteration model, incorporating user feedback into product development in real-time.
Investor Confidence in Martello’s Vision
Fuel Ventures, which led the investment round, expressed strong confidence in Martello’s potential to disrupt a stagnant sector.
“Martello is addressing a problem that’s long overdue for innovation,” said Mark Pearson, Managing Partner at Fuel Ventures. “With a blend of legal insight and cutting-edge tech, they’re poised to redefine how environmental risk is reported in UK property transactions.”
Martello’s co-founder and CEO, Dr. Henry Crosby, added:
“Environmental searches haven’t fundamentally changed in 20 years — they’re often ambiguous and risk-prone. We’re building a platform that delivers clarity, speed, and trust in one of the most critical aspects of buying property.”
The Future of Proptech and Risk Assessment
Martello’s seed funding is not just a financial milestone; it marks a shift in how property risk data is understood and utilised. As environmental risks become increasingly material in property valuation and lending decisions, innovations like Martello’s are likely to become the new industry standard.
Conclusion
Martello’s £1.2 million funding round positions the proptech startup at the forefront of a much-needed transformation in the UK property sector. With AI at its core and strong backing from legal and investment communities, Martello is set to reshape how environmental risks are reported — bringing speed, clarity, and confidence to the conveyancing process.
This article is originally published on tech
