Andes Completes $30M Series A to Permanently Remove Carbon Dioxide From The Air and Convert it Into Minerals

Andes, a pioneering climate tech startup, has achieved a significant milestone by securing an additional $15 million in funding, bringing its Series A round to an impressive total of $30 million. With a remarkable cumulative funding of $38 million from prominent investors such as Voyager VC, Yamaha Motor Ventures, Leaps by Bayer, Cavallo Ventures, KdT Ventures, Venturance, Germin8, and Accelr8, Andes is well-positioned to advance its mission of combating climate change using beneficial microorganisms.

At the core of Andes’ groundbreaking approach lies the utilization of millions of acres of existing farmland to effectively remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Through their innovative microorganism technology, these beneficial microorganisms capture carbon dioxide and convert it into minerals within the ground, providing a safe, permanent, and scalable carbon removal solution. Remarkably, Andes has already achieved the removal of over 50,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, a significant contribution to addressing humanity’s most pressing challenge.

A key feature of Andes’ microorganisms is their symbiotic relationship with plant roots, offering multiple advantages for both plants and soil. These microorganisms enhance water permeability, aeration, and nutrient availability in the soil, leading to healthier crops and improved soil quality. As a result, farmers who have partnered with Andes have experienced the benefits of these naturally occurring microorganisms without any disruption to their existing agricultural practices. Furthermore, enrolling in Andes’ Carbon Removal Program has enabled farmers to increase their net income of operations by up to 25%, adding an appealing economic incentive to adopt sustainable practices.

In today’s climate, the carbon dioxide removal market is witnessing a surge in demand as companies endeavor to offset greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 1.5° Celsius. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that a staggering 10 gigatonnes of carbon removal are necessary annually to achieve this goal, underscoring the urgency for scalable carbon dioxide removal solutions like those offered by Andes.

Gonzalo Fuenzalida, CEO, and co-founder of Andes expressed the significance of their mission, stating, “Catastrophic climate disasters that jeopardize human life and natural resources are inevitable without high-permanence, scalable carbon sequestration. Andes is proud to transform the carbon dioxide removal industry with the tools that are required for a brighter, livable future for all.” Fuenzalida further emphasized that the completion of their Series A funding marks a pivotal milestone in their journey of accelerated growth, as they strive to provide organizations with high volume, long-lasting carbon removal solutions at an accessible price point.

The impact of Andes’ technology has already been substantial, with a notable partnership established with farmers throughout the Midwest to deploy their innovative microorganism technology across 25,000 acres. As more farmers recognize the value of capturing carbon on their land, Andes has witnessed a remarkable three-fold increase in farmer interest, a figure that is poised to grow further in the coming years.

Andes’ mission has garnered strong support from investors who share the same commitment to addressing climate change. Sarah Sclarsic, co-founder and managing partner at Voyager VC, expressed their dedication to supporting climate-motivated founders leading the global carbon transition and praised Andes for building groundbreaking solutions at the intersection of biology and climate tech.

Similarly, Kei Onishi, CEO of Yamaha Motor Ventures, affirmed their pride in supporting Andes in its pursuit to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, citing the crucial role of scalable high-permanence carbon dioxide removals in securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

With the latest infusion of funds, Andes is now able to offer its carbon removal credits to organizations of all sizes, empowering businesses across industries to meet their sustainability goals with confidence. Concurrently, the company remains committed to developing its biological nitrogen technology, an eco-friendly solution seamlessly integrated with seeds, facilitating the transition to reliable and sustainable agricultural products.

Andes’ dedication to innovation and impact in the fight against climate change has earned the startup a coveted spot among the 15 startups selected for the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Accelerator 3.0. This program aims to accelerate innovation among mature startups developing breakthrough clean energy technologies, further validating Andes’ role in fostering meaningful change in the industry.

As Andes continues to leverage its beneficial microorganisms and scalable carbon removal solutions, the startup stands at the forefront of driving positive change in the fight against climate change. With the backing of visionary investors and strategic partnerships with farmers, Andes is poised to revolutionize the carbon dioxide removal industry and make a lasting contribution to a more sustainable and resilient future for the planet.