COLOGNE, Germany — The Sustainability at Work Group, a prominent provider of digital certification systems and specialized consultancy for sustainable global supply chains, has officially entered a new phase of corporate evolution. On September 7, 2026, the company announced that Battery Ventures, a global, technology-focused investment firm, has acquired a majority stake in the organization. This strategic partnership is positioned to catalyze the company’s international growth, leveraging Battery Ventures’ extensive experience in scaling software and industrial technology businesses.
The Cologne-based Sustainability at Work Group has established itself as a critical player in the verification of supply chain integrity. By developing and administering complex digital certification systems, the company provides essential oversight for industries ranging from renewable fuels and chemical production to food, feed, and advanced packaging. As regulatory pressures mount and corporations face increasing scrutiny regarding their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, the demand for verifiable, data-driven certification has surged.
A Strategic Alignment of Capital and Expertise
The acquisition represents a significant vote of confidence in the digital infrastructure required to manage modern, complex supply chains. Battery Ventures, founded in 1983, brings a robust track record of investing in category-defining software and enterprise infrastructure. For the Sustainability at Work Group, the infusion of capital and operational expertise from Battery is intended to facilitate an aggressive expansion of its service portfolio and its geographical reach.
Jan Henke and Norbert Schmitz, the architects behind the group’s current market position, will remain deeply involved in the organization’s leadership. Under the new ownership structure, Schmitz will continue his tenure as the managing director of the group’s operational units, ensuring that the company’s day-to-day commitment to its existing client base remains uninterrupted. Henke’s mandate has been expanded to encompass the management of all companies within the Sustainability at Work Group, providing a unified strategic vision as the organization transitions into its next growth phase.
Chronology of the Certification Market
The rise of the Sustainability at Work Group mirrors the broader professionalization of the sustainability verification market over the last decade.
- 2010–2015: The nascent stage of supply chain transparency, characterized by manual audits and decentralized, paper-based verification processes.
- 2016–2020: The emergence of digital traceability. Companies began transitioning to automated systems to meet stricter EU regulations and increasing consumer demand for "green" labeling.
- 2021–2025: Rapid market consolidation. The Sustainability at Work Group solidifies its presence in the renewable fuels and chemicals sectors, identifying a critical gap in digital compliance solutions.
- September 2026: Battery Ventures completes its majority acquisition, signaling a move toward the industrialization of sustainability certification through advanced software-as-a-service (SaaS) models.
This trajectory reflects a shift from sustainability being a "voluntary" corporate initiative to a "mandatory" component of legal and financial reporting. As governments across the European Union and North America implement stringent ESG reporting standards, the technical infrastructure provided by firms like the Sustainability at Work Group has transitioned from a competitive advantage to a fundamental operational necessity.
The Macroeconomic Context of ESG Certification
The investment by Battery Ventures occurs against a backdrop of intensifying global focus on supply chain transparency. According to recent market analysis, the global ESG reporting software market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15% through 2030. This growth is driven primarily by the "Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive" (CSRD) in Europe and similar initiatives globally that require companies to provide audited, verifiable data regarding their carbon footprint and supply chain labor practices.
The Sustainability at Work Group’s focus on high-stakes sectors—specifically renewable fuels and chemicals—is particularly timely. These sectors are at the forefront of the global energy transition. As industries pivot toward decarbonization, the ability to prove the origin, sustainability, and chemical composition of raw materials is essential for firms to claim carbon credits or qualify for government subsidies. By digitizing this verification process, the group minimizes the risks of "greenwashing" and provides a transparent ledger that regulators and investors can trust.
Perspectives from Leadership
In a joint statement, the principals expressed optimism regarding the synergy between the two organizations. "This development creates a strong platform for long-term growth, closer collaboration, and innovation across the group, as we continue to serve our customers, regulators, and employees," noted Jan Henke.
Norbert Schmitz highlighted the technical compatibility of the partnership, stating, "Battery’s team has deep experience in digital transformation and scaling technology businesses, and we feel this will complement the group’s existing strengths. We are extremely pleased to partner with them."
Zack Smotherman, a general partner at Battery Ventures, emphasized the firm’s strategic intent. "We’re excited to work with Jan, Norbert, and the entire Sustainability at Work team to grow across industries and new markets," Smotherman said. "We see opportunities for organic growth and potential acquisitions in this critical market, which is expanding as governments and industry participants increasingly recognize the importance of sustainable supply chains."
Implications for the Future of Supply Chain Compliance
The partnership carries several key implications for the broader industry:
- Accelerated Digital Transformation: The involvement of a tech-focused firm like Battery suggests that the Sustainability at Work Group will likely accelerate its adoption of AI, machine learning, and blockchain-based ledger systems to automate the verification of supply chain documentation.
- M&A Activity: Smotherman’s mention of "potential acquisitions" signals that the Sustainability at Work Group may soon look to acquire smaller, niche verification providers, effectively consolidating the fragmented certification landscape.
- Global Scaling: While the company has a strong foothold in Europe, the partnership is expected to facilitate expansion into North American and Asian markets, where regulatory regimes are currently mirroring the European model of supply chain accountability.
- Standardization: As the group grows, its certification protocols may become industry benchmarks. By setting the standard for how sustainability is measured in chemicals and renewable fuels, the group can effectively dictate the "rules of the road" for manufacturers and suppliers globally.
About the Stakeholders
Battery Ventures is a global investment firm with a significant presence in Europe, the United States, and Israel. Since its inception in 1983, the firm has focused on backing companies that define categories in software, industrial technology, and life sciences. With offices in major innovation hubs including Boston, San Francisco, London, and Tel Aviv, the firm provides both capital and operational guidance to companies ranging from seed-stage startups to mature buyouts.
The Sustainability at Work Group continues to operate from its Cologne headquarters. By maintaining its leadership continuity while leveraging the financial and strategic depth of Battery Ventures, the group is positioned to remain a central figure in the infrastructure of the global green economy. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the ability to provide verifiable, reliable, and digitized sustainability data will remain the cornerstone of global trade, and this acquisition serves as a clear indication that the industry is entering a new era of institutionalized transparency.
