1. Plan A: The Consolidation Exit in the ESG Jungle
In early 2026, the Berlin-based startup Plan A was acquired by the British sustainability firm Diginex for €55 million (plus up to €25 million in earn-outs). With total funding of approximately €34 million, this exit represents a “1.6x” markup—hardly the kind of case VCs brag about at Berlin parties, but rather a classic strategic consolidation deal.
2. 42watt: When a Retail Giant Buys In
The case of 42watt is structured quite differently. Here, it’s not an international tech firm stepping in, but OBI—a German home improvement giant. By acquiring this Munich-based PropTech, which guides homeowners through energy-efficient renovations, OBI is pivoting to become a full-scale solution provider rather than remaining a mere material retailer.
3. Consigli: The DeepTech Moonshot from Norway
The most spectacular deal of the quarter so far is the acquisition of the Norwegian startup Consigli by the US giant AECOM for approximately $390 million. The Multiple: Consigli had only raised about $5 million in capital. An 80x return on investment is something truly extraordinary in the ConTech industry. AECOM’s strategy is clear: Consigli uses its AI (“The Autonomous Engineer”) to automate the core processes of engineering. AECOM isn’t just buying a tool; they are buying a massive efficiency boost for their 50,000+ employees.
Hier ist die passende Übersetzung für deinen analytischen Abschluss. Ich habe den Ton so gewählt, dass er sowohl fachlich fundiert als auch wertschätzend klingt – perfekt für einen LinkedIn-Beitrag oder Newsletter.
And even if there are a few critical, analytical observations here: We have immense respect for the achievements of all the startups mentioned. We wish the companies, founders, and employees continued success—even as they transition into these new roles!
These exits couldn’t be more different. So, how can we tell where the industry stands? I believe there are a few key indicators!
First, there is a sharp divide between pure reporting software (Plan A), which is forced to consolidate amidst intense price competition, and specialized automation/AI applications that drive core efficiency (Consigli). The latter is receiving significantly higher valuations.
The fact that established companies like OBI and AECOM are stepping up as buyers shows two things in my view: that innovation is finally being taken seriously within the “Old Economy,” but also that no startup in the construction sector has yet managed to create a “winner-takes-it-all” market. After all, I highly doubt AECOM will be offering Consigli’s technology to competing engineering firms anytime soon.
