Xilva raises $1.8M to build first Platform for Forest Investments
From left to right: Ling, Nuria, Tim, Lorenzo, Jamie, Djuradj, Yeray and Marike
The startup connects capital providers and regenerative forest projects, and builds trust for Nature-based solutions through its proprietary Xilva GRADE methodology
Zurich, April 12, 2023 — Xilva, the global platform for investments in regenerative forests, announced it has raised $1.8 million in a pre-seed round from Brainforest, Bloomsbury Natural Capital, Insurtech.vc and a group of international angel investors. The funds will be used to further develop technological solutions and scale marketing and operations.
Founded in 2021 by a team of experienced entrepreneurs and foresters, Xilva uses its proprietary methodology Xilva GRADE to assess forest projects and thus reduce potential risks related to investing in carbon credits and nature restoration initiatives. It conducts the due diligence, facilitates the transaction process and provides certified carbon credits for companies as well as investment opportunities for their future needs.
The Xilva team at a recent field visit of a forest estate in Portugal. March 2023.
The company’s goal is to combat climate change while protecting biodiversity, benefiting local communities and enabling the full range of ecosystem services provided by forests. It has already signed contracts with — among others — Australian real estate Goodman and Swiss watchmaker Mondaine, facilitating transactions worth over $1.9 million towards forestry projects in Asia and Latin America and contributing to the compensation of over 152,000 tons of CO2.
“Forests can absorb carbon at a larger scale and lower cost than any human-made solution. The main benefits for the companies getting carbon credits with the help of Xilva are confidence that they are buying trustworthy credits and transparency throughout the process,” notes Tim Duehrkoop, Xilva’s co-founder and CEO.
Team workshop during one of the bi-annual company retreats
“Xilva brings together finance and forest-positive projects. By accelerating access to capital, Xilva will boost the rate at which forestry can sequester carbon and increase biodiversity” commented Martin Hollands of Bloomsbury Natural Capital, a UK-based early-stage investor that specializes in natural assets and climate impact.
About Xilva
Xilva is a digital platform offering a curated database of quality, vetted forest projects around the world that capital providers can invest in.The startup works with forestry projects at different stages of development and connects them with corporate and impact investors that can fund them as part of their sustainability strategy. It lists today a curated selection of over 40 investable projects. The company plans to source and screen 100 more projects in the next three months, using its proprietary grading methodology Xilva GRADE. A strong and independent project assessment makes it easier and safer for companies to invest in forests because it lets them maximize their impact, lower transaction costs, and avoid the risk of greenwashing. But it also benefits the project developers with valuable feedback.
Curious to learn more? Follow us on Xilva.global and on Linkedin