Proba's €1 Million Investment: A Game Changer for Agri-Food Decarbonisation
February 14, 2025, 3:34 pm
Location: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2022
Total raised: $1.05M
In the battle against climate change, agriculture stands as a formidable opponent. It contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through nitrogen fertilizers. Enter Proba, a carbon finance startup based in Amsterdam, which has recently secured €1 million in funding to tackle this issue head-on. This investment, led by Future Food Fund and Yield Lab Europe, aims to revolutionize the agri-food sector through a concept known as insetting.
Insetting is a powerful tool. Unlike offsetting, which compensates for emissions by funding external projects, insetting focuses on reducing emissions within a company’s own supply chain. It’s like fixing a leaky faucet instead of just mopping up the water on the floor. Proba’s approach allows businesses to quantify, verify, and finance their emission reductions, turning sustainability commitments into tradable assets. This shift not only benefits the environment but also enhances financial value for companies.
Founded in 2022 by Sijbrand Tieleman and Rutger Beens, Proba is already making waves in the agri-food industry. The startup specializes in fertilizer-related decarbonisation, a critical area since nitrogen fertilizer emissions account for about 5% of global greenhouse gases. This figure surpasses emissions from the aviation and shipping industries combined. Proba’s technology is designed to help agri-food companies adopt sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect throughout the supply chain.
The recent funding will accelerate Proba’s mission. With the backing of experienced investors, the company is poised to scale its verified insetting efforts. This means more businesses can engage in meaningful decarbonisation, fostering collaboration across supply chains. The goal is clear: to make insetting a standard tool for financing sustainability in agriculture.
However, the road to decarbonisation is fraught with challenges. Many companies hesitate to adopt low-carbon technologies due to cost barriers and a lack of financial incentives. Proba’s insetting certificates offer a solution. By providing a framework for companies to invest in their own supply chain emissions reductions, Proba creates a win-win scenario. Businesses can meet their sustainability goals while also attracting co-financing from downstream partners.
The significance of this approach cannot be overstated. Agriculture is often seen as a major contributor to climate change, yet it also holds the key to significant reductions in emissions. Proba’s model empowers companies to take control of their environmental impact. It encourages them to invest in sustainable practices that not only benefit the planet but also enhance their bottom line.
Proba’s commitment to compliance with recognized carbon accounting frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), adds another layer of credibility. This ensures that the emission reductions are not just theoretical but are backed by rigorous standards. Companies can trust that their investments in insetting will yield real, measurable results.
The support from Future Food Fund and Yield Lab Europe highlights the growing recognition of insetting as a viable strategy for decarbonisation. These investors see Proba as a key player in the transition to sustainable supply chains. Their enthusiasm is palpable, as they recognize the potential for real impact, particularly in hard-to-abate fertilizer-related emissions.
As Proba embarks on this journey, it aims to make sustainability practices more accessible and scalable across the agri-food industry. The startup is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating a culture of sustainability. By incentivizing companies to participate in decarbonisation efforts, Proba is fostering a collaborative environment where shared investment and benefits become the norm.
The implications of Proba’s work extend beyond individual companies. By transforming supply chains, Proba is contributing to a larger movement towards sustainability in agriculture. This is a crucial step in addressing climate change, as the agricultural sector is often overlooked in discussions about emissions reduction. Proba’s innovative approach shines a light on the potential for meaningful change within this industry.
In conclusion, Proba’s recent funding marks a significant milestone in the quest for agri-food decarbonisation. By focusing on insetting, the startup is redefining how companies approach sustainability. It’s not just about offsetting emissions; it’s about taking responsibility for one’s own impact. With the right tools and support, businesses can turn their sustainability commitments into tangible results. Proba is leading the charge, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. The future of agriculture may very well depend on it.
Insetting is a powerful tool. Unlike offsetting, which compensates for emissions by funding external projects, insetting focuses on reducing emissions within a company’s own supply chain. It’s like fixing a leaky faucet instead of just mopping up the water on the floor. Proba’s approach allows businesses to quantify, verify, and finance their emission reductions, turning sustainability commitments into tradable assets. This shift not only benefits the environment but also enhances financial value for companies.
Founded in 2022 by Sijbrand Tieleman and Rutger Beens, Proba is already making waves in the agri-food industry. The startup specializes in fertilizer-related decarbonisation, a critical area since nitrogen fertilizer emissions account for about 5% of global greenhouse gases. This figure surpasses emissions from the aviation and shipping industries combined. Proba’s technology is designed to help agri-food companies adopt sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect throughout the supply chain.
The recent funding will accelerate Proba’s mission. With the backing of experienced investors, the company is poised to scale its verified insetting efforts. This means more businesses can engage in meaningful decarbonisation, fostering collaboration across supply chains. The goal is clear: to make insetting a standard tool for financing sustainability in agriculture.
However, the road to decarbonisation is fraught with challenges. Many companies hesitate to adopt low-carbon technologies due to cost barriers and a lack of financial incentives. Proba’s insetting certificates offer a solution. By providing a framework for companies to invest in their own supply chain emissions reductions, Proba creates a win-win scenario. Businesses can meet their sustainability goals while also attracting co-financing from downstream partners.
The significance of this approach cannot be overstated. Agriculture is often seen as a major contributor to climate change, yet it also holds the key to significant reductions in emissions. Proba’s model empowers companies to take control of their environmental impact. It encourages them to invest in sustainable practices that not only benefit the planet but also enhance their bottom line.
Proba’s commitment to compliance with recognized carbon accounting frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), adds another layer of credibility. This ensures that the emission reductions are not just theoretical but are backed by rigorous standards. Companies can trust that their investments in insetting will yield real, measurable results.
The support from Future Food Fund and Yield Lab Europe highlights the growing recognition of insetting as a viable strategy for decarbonisation. These investors see Proba as a key player in the transition to sustainable supply chains. Their enthusiasm is palpable, as they recognize the potential for real impact, particularly in hard-to-abate fertilizer-related emissions.
As Proba embarks on this journey, it aims to make sustainability practices more accessible and scalable across the agri-food industry. The startup is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating a culture of sustainability. By incentivizing companies to participate in decarbonisation efforts, Proba is fostering a collaborative environment where shared investment and benefits become the norm.
The implications of Proba’s work extend beyond individual companies. By transforming supply chains, Proba is contributing to a larger movement towards sustainability in agriculture. This is a crucial step in addressing climate change, as the agricultural sector is often overlooked in discussions about emissions reduction. Proba’s innovative approach shines a light on the potential for meaningful change within this industry.
In conclusion, Proba’s recent funding marks a significant milestone in the quest for agri-food decarbonisation. By focusing on insetting, the startup is redefining how companies approach sustainability. It’s not just about offsetting emissions; it’s about taking responsibility for one’s own impact. With the right tools and support, businesses can turn their sustainability commitments into tangible results. Proba is leading the charge, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. The future of agriculture may very well depend on it.