Portuguese startup Savearth, which develops artificial intelligence solutions focused on improving water efficiency in the hospitality sector, has closed a €400,000 angel investment round.
The funding brings together 10 strategic investors, including Laika Ventures, Host Hotel System General Manager Pierre Santos, and former Venza CEO Daniel Adam Johnson, according to Jornal Económico.
The company plans to use the fresh capital to expand its team, accelerate product development, and scale deployments across Portugal and Spain.
Savearth’s technology is designed to help hotels reduce water consumption through real-time monitoring and behavioral nudges.
The system analyzes shower sound patterns to estimate usage and provides guests with an intuitive interface that encourages shorter, more efficient showers, without requiring plumbing changes or invasive hardware installations.
After each shower, water and energy consumption data is sent to the hotel’s platform. Guests who stay within efficient usage levels receive points through Savearth’s system, redeemable for perks such as free drinks, dining discounts, or exclusive experiences.
The company says the approach encourages more sustainable behavior while increasing guest engagement and loyalty. Hotels can also track participation, manage rewards, and access sustainability reports through integrations with existing hotel management systems.
João Machado, CEO of Savearth, said the funding reinforces the company’s mission and market relevance.
“This investment validates what we are building and the urgency of the problem we are addressing,” he noted. “Hospitality needs solutions that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and support Environmental, Social, and Governance goals, without compromising the guest experience. Having investors of this quality gives us a very strong foundation for the next phase of growth.”
Water use in hotels remains a significant sustainability issue globally. According to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a single hotel room can consume around 1,500 litres of water per day, far above typical household levels. As environmental scrutiny increases across the sector, hotels are increasingly adopting data-driven tools to improve operational efficiency and meet ESG targets.
Savearth estimates that its system can generate annual savings of between €60,000 and €80,000 for a 200-room hotel, while also improving profitability and sustainability performance indicators.
The startup is already working with more than five hotel groups, including some of Portugal’s largest operators, and reports a waiting list of over 30 hotels. It aims to have its technology deployed across 8,000 hotel rooms in Portugal and Spain by the end of the year.
Read more: Savearth develops AI-powered device to cut hotel water use and reward eco-conscious guests
Featured image: João Machado, CEO of Savearth (Photo courtesy of João Machado/LinkedIn)
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