Alt Carbon: Pioneering the Future of Carbon Removal in the Global South
May 23, 2025, 3:33 pm
Alt Carbon
Total raised: $12M
In a world grappling with climate change, innovation is the lifeline. Enter Alt Carbon, a Bengaluru-based startup that recently secured $12 million in seed funding. This investment, led by Lachy Groom and supported by various angel investors, is set to propel the company’s mission to transform agricultural lands into carbon sinks. The stakes are high, and the ambition is clear: to combat climate change while enhancing soil health and agricultural productivity.
Founded in 2023 by Shrey Agarwal and Sparsh Agarwal, Alt Carbon is not just another tech startup. It’s a beacon of hope in the fight against rising carbon dioxide levels. The company’s approach hinges on Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), a method that utilizes waste basalt rock dust. This volcanic material, when spread across farmlands, reacts with rainwater to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere. The result? Stable bicarbonates that can be stored in soil and oceans for thousands of years. It’s a two-for-one deal: sequestering carbon while enriching the soil.
The Global South is often the most vulnerable to climate change. Alt Carbon aims to change that narrative. With the new funding, the company plans to accelerate carbon dioxide removal efforts across this region, particularly in India. The funds will enhance research and development in earth sciences, advance hardware innovations, and scale operations on the ground. This is not just about technology; it’s about creating a sustainable future for communities that depend on agriculture.
The Darjeeling Revival Project (DRP) stands as a testament to Alt Carbon’s vision. This initiative marries carbon removal with ecological restoration. It aims to rejuvenate degraded soils, restore livelihoods, and rebuild ecosystems in one of India’s most vulnerable regions. By collaborating with local farmers, Alt Carbon is not just a tech company; it’s a partner in progress. The project embodies a holistic approach to climate action, where the health of the planet and the prosperity of its people go hand in hand.
The team behind Alt Carbon is equally impressive. With the recent appointment of Yashovardhan Bhagat as Chief Operating Officer, the company is poised for growth. Bhagat’s experience in scaling operations will be crucial as Alt Carbon expands its carbon removal initiatives. Additionally, Adithya Venkatesan, a former brand head at Gojek, will lead the in-house Climate Studio, while Dr. Sourav Ganguly will spearhead the science and modeling team. This blend of expertise is essential for navigating the complexities of climate technology.
The potential impact of Alt Carbon’s work is staggering. The company aims to remove 5 million metric tons of CO₂ by 2030. This ambitious target positions Alt Carbon as a leader in carbon removal in South Asia. The focus on data-driven approaches ensures that every step taken is backed by science. It’s a methodical strategy in a world often driven by urgency.
But the journey is not without challenges. The field of carbon removal is still in its infancy. Many methods are underdeveloped, and the competition is fierce. However, Alt Carbon’s commitment to rigorous research and community engagement sets it apart. The founders understand that technology alone cannot solve the climate crisis. It requires collaboration, education, and a deep respect for the land and its people.
The implications of Alt Carbon’s work extend beyond India. As the company develops its technologies and methodologies, it can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. The Global South is rich in potential, and with the right tools, it can lead the way in climate action. Alt Carbon is not just a participant in this movement; it aims to be a catalyst for change.
In a world where every fraction of a degree matters, the urgency of Alt Carbon’s mission cannot be overstated. The startup is tackling a once-in-a-generation challenge. The founders’ personal journeys and technical expertise fuel their ambition. They are not just dreaming of a better future; they are building it, one ton of carbon at a time.
As the climate crisis looms larger, the need for innovative solutions becomes more pressing. Alt Carbon’s approach is a reminder that hope is not lost. With creativity, collaboration, and commitment, we can forge a path toward a sustainable future. The battle against climate change is daunting, but with pioneers like Alt Carbon leading the charge, there is reason to believe that change is possible.
In conclusion, Alt Carbon is more than a startup; it’s a movement. A movement that recognizes the interconnectedness of climate action, agriculture, and community well-being. As they embark on this journey, the world watches closely. The success of Alt Carbon could inspire a new wave of climate innovation, proving that with the right vision and determination, we can indeed turn the tide against climate change.
Founded in 2023 by Shrey Agarwal and Sparsh Agarwal, Alt Carbon is not just another tech startup. It’s a beacon of hope in the fight against rising carbon dioxide levels. The company’s approach hinges on Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), a method that utilizes waste basalt rock dust. This volcanic material, when spread across farmlands, reacts with rainwater to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere. The result? Stable bicarbonates that can be stored in soil and oceans for thousands of years. It’s a two-for-one deal: sequestering carbon while enriching the soil.
The Global South is often the most vulnerable to climate change. Alt Carbon aims to change that narrative. With the new funding, the company plans to accelerate carbon dioxide removal efforts across this region, particularly in India. The funds will enhance research and development in earth sciences, advance hardware innovations, and scale operations on the ground. This is not just about technology; it’s about creating a sustainable future for communities that depend on agriculture.
The Darjeeling Revival Project (DRP) stands as a testament to Alt Carbon’s vision. This initiative marries carbon removal with ecological restoration. It aims to rejuvenate degraded soils, restore livelihoods, and rebuild ecosystems in one of India’s most vulnerable regions. By collaborating with local farmers, Alt Carbon is not just a tech company; it’s a partner in progress. The project embodies a holistic approach to climate action, where the health of the planet and the prosperity of its people go hand in hand.
The team behind Alt Carbon is equally impressive. With the recent appointment of Yashovardhan Bhagat as Chief Operating Officer, the company is poised for growth. Bhagat’s experience in scaling operations will be crucial as Alt Carbon expands its carbon removal initiatives. Additionally, Adithya Venkatesan, a former brand head at Gojek, will lead the in-house Climate Studio, while Dr. Sourav Ganguly will spearhead the science and modeling team. This blend of expertise is essential for navigating the complexities of climate technology.
The potential impact of Alt Carbon’s work is staggering. The company aims to remove 5 million metric tons of CO₂ by 2030. This ambitious target positions Alt Carbon as a leader in carbon removal in South Asia. The focus on data-driven approaches ensures that every step taken is backed by science. It’s a methodical strategy in a world often driven by urgency.
But the journey is not without challenges. The field of carbon removal is still in its infancy. Many methods are underdeveloped, and the competition is fierce. However, Alt Carbon’s commitment to rigorous research and community engagement sets it apart. The founders understand that technology alone cannot solve the climate crisis. It requires collaboration, education, and a deep respect for the land and its people.
The implications of Alt Carbon’s work extend beyond India. As the company develops its technologies and methodologies, it can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. The Global South is rich in potential, and with the right tools, it can lead the way in climate action. Alt Carbon is not just a participant in this movement; it aims to be a catalyst for change.
In a world where every fraction of a degree matters, the urgency of Alt Carbon’s mission cannot be overstated. The startup is tackling a once-in-a-generation challenge. The founders’ personal journeys and technical expertise fuel their ambition. They are not just dreaming of a better future; they are building it, one ton of carbon at a time.
As the climate crisis looms larger, the need for innovative solutions becomes more pressing. Alt Carbon’s approach is a reminder that hope is not lost. With creativity, collaboration, and commitment, we can forge a path toward a sustainable future. The battle against climate change is daunting, but with pioneers like Alt Carbon leading the charge, there is reason to believe that change is possible.
In conclusion, Alt Carbon is more than a startup; it’s a movement. A movement that recognizes the interconnectedness of climate action, agriculture, and community well-being. As they embark on this journey, the world watches closely. The success of Alt Carbon could inspire a new wave of climate innovation, proving that with the right vision and determination, we can indeed turn the tide against climate change.