Silicon Valley-based CarbonZero.Eco, a pioneering carbon removal and regenerative agriculture startup founded by 16-year-old Harper Moss, has successfully raised $3.5 million in seed funding. The investment will support the company’s ambitious biochar initiatives, aimed at extracting CO2 from the atmosphere while simultaneously enhancing soil health and boosting crop yields for farmers.
Driven by a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, Moss launched CarbonZero.Eco after extensive engagement with experts in carbon capture and offset strategies. Recognizing an impending biochar shortage, the company seeks to integrate farmers into the climate solution by promoting soil enrichment, increasing agricultural productivity, and creating new revenue streams—all while advancing large-scale carbon sequestration efforts. Moss serves as CEO, co-founding the venture alongside seasoned tech entrepreneur Gregory Ray, who leads as CTO.
Harnessing Biochar for Long-Term Carbon Sequestration
At the core of CarbonZero.Eco’s strategy is biochar—a carbon-rich material produced through the thermal decomposition of organic biomass, such as wood and crop residues, in a low-oxygen environment. This process locks carbon into a stable form that, when applied to soil, not only enhances fertility but also sequesters carbon for centuries, making it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
The startup is currently constructing its inaugural biochar production facility in Colusa County, California, an endeavor poised to make a significant impact on the region’s agricultural and environmental landscape. CarbonZero.Eco has already secured agreements with more than 300 almond farms, valued at $7 million, to convert up to 1.5 million tons of almond shells—organic waste that would otherwise decompose and release carbon—into biochar. This initiative alone is projected to prevent the emission of 1.5 million tons of CO2.
Scaling Climate Solutions and Carbon Markets
With operations slated to commence in April 2025, the facility is expected to begin issuing carbon removal certificates by summer of the same year. CarbonZero.Eco has already undergone a preliminary assessment by Puro.Earth, a leading carbon crediting platform, solidifying its status as a registered supplier of Biochar CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs). This certification positions the company as a key player in the emerging carbon market, offering high-integrity, verifiable climate solutions to corporations and sustainability-conscious investors.
Moss emphasized the critical role that farmers can play in addressing climate change, stating:
“Farmers are the backbone of our country, yet their contributions to carbon mitigation have been largely overlooked. Regenerative farming and carbon sequestration go hand in hand thanks to biochar, and I am honored that hundreds of farms trust us to collaborate on this transformative journey.”
A Vision Backed by Industry Leaders
The startup’s funding round attracted investment from prominent executives and managers at Google, Meta, and Amazon, alongside the CEOs of several late-stage startups. Notably, angel investor Rich Miner, co-founder of Android and former founding partner at Google Ventures, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s mission:
“Harper’s passion, persistence, and drive have propelled her to create an extraordinary company tackling two of the most pressing global challenges—regenerative farming and carbon emissions. I am thrilled to see how far she, Greg, and their talented team take this initiative.”
With its groundbreaking approach and a strong coalition of supporters, CarbonZero.Eco is set to play a pivotal role in advancing climate-smart agriculture and reshaping the carbon removal industry. As the world intensifies its focus on sustainable solutions, this young yet formidable startup is proving that innovation knows no age limits.
Comments