Material Exchange Platform secures seed funding

UK digital trading platform for soil and aggregate recycling completes first round of seed investment

THE Material Exchange Platform, created by Soil Link Ltd, has successfully completed its first round of seed investment, underpinned by three angel investors.

Soil Link’s founders, Will Rundle and Kobe Tonkin, conceptualized the national database to link major infrastructure projects all the way through to residential developments as well as service operators, including hauliers and recycling facilities, to enable the sustainable reuse of soils and aggregates.

The Material Exchange Platform (MEP) is said to be unique in its approach, harnessing technology to enable the construction industry to reuse and recycle soils and aggregates, therefore reducing reliance on landfill and depletion of natural resources.

Compared with traditional methods, Soil Link’s trading model is expected to save, on average, 26% of costs and has already proved to be up to 93.5% more carbon efficient, paving the way to net zero.

Stephen Kirk, lead investor in the first round of MEP seed funding, said: ‘The Soil Link founders have worked hard to lay the groundwork for the growth of the business. Will and Kobe have built relationships with many of the major players in the construction industry who are very excited about the potential for Soil Link.

‘The impact Soil Link’s model will have on the environment is enormously positive; it will enable companies to develop a circular economy and work towards a net-zero future.’

Will Rundle, co-founder of Soil Link, said: ‘Soil Link stands out as the only software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform available in the UK, empowering users to view materials not just as waste, but as valuable resources.

‘As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, we are eager to witness the positive impact of Soil Link on the construction industry.’