Mombak's $30M Leap: How Brazil's Tech-Driven Reforestation Startup is Shaping the Carbon Credit Market
3min read In a world racing against climate change, Mombak—a Brazilian reforestation startup—has emerged as a pivotal player with its $30 million funding round led by Union Square Ventures (USV). This investment, announced in 2025, underscores the growing recognition of tech-driven ecological restoration as a cornerstone of sustainable capitalism. Mombak’s blend of artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, and community partnerships positions it at the forefront of a global shift toward scalable climate solutions.
The Vision: Restoring Land, Building Carbon Credits
Founded in 2021 by co-founder Gabriel Silva and CEO Peter Fernandez, Mombak specializes in restoring degraded landscapes in Brazil’s Cerrado, a biodiversity hotspot often overshadowed by the Amazon. The startup’s tech stack—AI-driven planting strategies, drone-based monitoring, and machine learning—ensures a 95% seedling survival rate. By prioritizing native species like Cedro Rosa and Mogno, Mombak not only sequesters carbon but also revitalizes ecosystems critical to local biodiversity.
The $30 million infusion will accelerate Mombak’s goal of restoring 1 million hectares by 2030, a milestone that would make it one of the largest reforestation projects in Latin America. Crucially, the funding will scale its carbon credit program, which quantifies environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration and soil health. These credits are already in demand: corporate giants like Microsoft and Google have signed offtake agreements totaling $150 million by 2023, a figure Mombak projects to grow “up to four times” by 2025.
USV’s bet on Mombak aligns with its broader focus on climate solutions. The firm’s existing investments in companies like RecycLiCo (battery recycling) and Beyond Meat highlight its belief that environmental and financial returns are inextricable. For Mombak, USV’s credibility opens doors to global capital markets, while its technical expertise strengthens the startup’s data-driven approach.
The Market Opportunity: Brazil’s Untapped Potential
Brazil’s reforestation sector is ripe for disruption. The Cerrado, which covers 21% of the country, has lost nearly 20% of its native vegetation to agriculture and urbanization. Mombak’s model addresses this crisis by partnering with smallholder farmers and landowners, offering economic incentives for sustainable land management. To date, the startup has restored 150,000 hectares, created 1,200 jobs, and reduced soil erosion by 40%.
The global carbon credit market—projected to reach $100 billion by 2030—fuels this momentum. Brazil’s role as a carbon sink giant (the Amazon alone absorbs 1.5 billion tons of CO₂ annually) positions Mombak to dominate regional markets. The startup’s expansion into Colombia and Peru, supported by the new funding, signals ambitions to become a continental leader.
Risks and Realities: Navigating the Green Economy
Success isn’t guaranteed. Reforestation projects face regulatory hurdles, such as Brazil’s complex land-use policies, and environmental risks like drought or pests. Mombak’s reliance on corporate carbon credit buyers also ties its fate to volatile market demand. Yet its partnerships with Santander and BNDES—a R$100 million deal under Brazil’s New Climate Fund—mitigate financial risks, while its tech edge reduces ecological ones.
Crucially, Mombak’s focus on native species and community engagement builds resilience. As Silva noted, “There is a challenge between getting this approval and actually using the capital. We are reaching a very important milestone.” That milestone isn’t just financial—it’s a proof point that reforestation can be both profitable and planet-positive.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Climate Capitalism
Mombak’s $30 million round is more than a funding event—it’s a template for 21st-century climate investing. By marrying cutting-edge technology with grassroots collaboration, the startup bridges the gap between ecological restoration and economic growth. With 1 million hectares in its sights and a carbon credit pipeline backed by tech giants, Mombak is proving that Brazil’s landscapes can be engines of both biodiversity and profitability.
As the world confronts the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, Mombak’s approach offers a scalable solution. Its success—restoring 150,000 hectares in four years, creating jobs, and locking in corporate partnerships—demonstrates that venture capital can be a force for regeneration. With USV’s backing and a market hungry for verifiable climate action, Mombak isn’t just planting trees; it’s sowing the seeds of a sustainable future.
