Pachama
Category: AI in Climate / Energy
Pachama utilizes AI, satellite imagery, and LiDAR data to monitor, verify, and quantify forest carbon projects, providing transparency in carbon credit markets. Pachama was founded in 2018. The company is led by Diego Saez Gil (no longer CEO - acquired). Based in San Francisco, United States. Team size: N/A (acquired - team integrated into Carbon Direct). Total funding raised: $88.25 million. Latest round: Series B (extended to $64M). Key investors include Y Combinator, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Amazon Climate Pledge Fund, Serena Williams, Future Positive Capital, Aglae Ventures, Tobi Lutke, Lowercarbon Capital, T.Capital, Positive Ventures.
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, United States
- Team size
- N/A (acquired - team integrated into Carbon Direct)
- Total funding
- $88.25 million
Value proposition
Delivers science-based, AI-driven verification of carbon sequestration projects, ensuring accountability and trust in nature-based carbon offset programs.
Products and solutions
AI-powered Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) platform for forest carbon projects, Carbon credit certification and market transparency tools, Partnership-driven reforestation and conservation project management
Unique value
Pioneered the use of AI and satellite data for real-time monitoring of forest health and carbon sequestration, creating a scalable solution for verifying nature-based carbon credits.
Target customer
Corporations seeking carbon credits, environmental organizations, governments, and impact investors focused on climate solutions.
Industries served
Environmental conservation, Carbon credit trading, Sustainability and climate tech, Corporate ESG initiatives
Technology advantage
Proprietary algorithms analyze satellite imagery and LiDAR data to measure deforestation risks, carbon storage, and ecosystem health, offering a competitive edge in data accuracy and scalability.
How they differentiate
Pachama differentiated through AI and satellite imagery for carbon project verification, providing transparency and precision in carbon markets. Competitors often rely on traditional data methods or lack AI-driven monitoring.
Main competitors
SINAI, Persefoni, Optera, Climate Trade, ClimateSeed, Cloverly, Nori, Patch, Planetly, South Pole, Supercritical, Sylvera, Watershed
Key partnerships
Carbon Direct (acquirer, 2025), Patria Investments (capital for reforestation projects in Latin America), Local conservation groups and forest communities for on-ground project implementation
Notable customers
Shopify, MercadoLibre, Salesforce, Airbnb, Workday, Bertelsmann, Duolingo, Flexport
Major milestones
Acquired by Carbon Direct (Nov 2025), Series B funding round of $55M (2022), Series B extended to $64M (2023), Forbes AI 50 2023 recognition, Partnership with Amazon Climate Pledge Fund
Growth metrics
N/A (private company, now acquired)
Market positioning
Pachama was a leader in AI-powered carbon credit verification, targeting enterprises seeking verifiable sustainability solutions. Positioned to bridge the gap between carbon buyers and high-integrity environmental projects.
Geographic focus
Global operations with emphasis on deforestation hotspots (e.g., Amazon rainforest) and regions with active carbon markets like North America and Europe.
Patents and IP
No publicly disclosed patents; relies on proprietary AI models and data analysis techniques.
About Diego Saez Gil (no longer CEO - acquired)
Serial technology entrepreneur and environmentalist. Co-founded Bluesmart (acquired by TravelPro) and WeHostels (acquired by StudentUniverse). Recognized in MIT 35 Under 35 and Endeavor High Impact Entrepreneurs. Developed AI/remote sensing solutions for climate action.
Official website: https://pachama.com/