Pachama
52Mixed / Improving0 followersNature & Carbon Markets·San Francisco, CA, USA·Founded 2018·Series B
pachama.comUses satellite data and machine learning to verify and monitor forest carbon projects, bringing transparency and quality to nature-based carbon markets.
Greenwashing risk: mediumData confidence: medium
Why it's on ClimateTicker
Pachama is a climate-tech enabler that uses AI, satellite imagery, and LiDAR to bring greater transparency and quality screening to the voluntary forest carbon market — a sector rife with integrity problems. Its core value is as a verification and due-diligence layer rather than a direct emitter or carbon project developer, though it also operates its own curated marketplace. Investors should recognise that Pachama's real-world impact is contingent on the quality of underlying carbon credits surviving increasing scientific scrutiny of forest offset additionality and permanence.
enablerPachama earns transaction fees from carbon credits traded on its marketplace, takes a small percentage of each credit sale, and licenses its remote-sensing and AI monitoring technology as a SaaS/due-diligence service to corporate credit buyers and project developers.
Commitments & Certifications
Controversy & Greenwashing Watch
lowSignificant Layoffs Amid Carbon Market Downturn
Pachama laid off approximately 20 employees in 2024-2025 as voluntary carbon markets contracted under anti-ESG sentiment and economic uncertainty, signalling business model fragility tied to offset market health.source ↗
highFormer Chief Scientist Alleges Corner-Cutting and Sham Credit Sale
A Guardian/SourceMaterial investigation reported that Pachama's founding chief scientist alleged that demand pressure led the company to cut corners and sell credits from at least one project he considered a sham, stating short-term profits trumped the stated mission.source ↗
lowMisleading Registry Logo Display (Early-Stage)
In 2020, REDD-Monitor found Pachama displaying Gold Standard logos on its website despite Gold Standard stating it did not 'work closely' with Pachama and had never heard of the company before being contacted by press.source ↗
Funding
Series B · Led by Future Positive & Lowercarbon Capital
USD 55.0M5/10/2022
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