In the rapidly advancing field of sustainable forestry, AirForestry, a Swedish company, has made significant strides by securing €10.3 million in seed funding. This influx of capital comes as the company focuses on refining its innovative drone-based tree harvesting technology. With a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact, AirForestry aims to replace traditional heavy machinery with drones, providing a more eco-friendly solution to forest management. This approach not only addresses the sustainability of forest product extraction but also enhances biodiversity and carbon sequestration efforts.
In earlier reports, AirForestry’s technology was highlighted for its potential to drastically reduce diesel usage in forestry operations. Traditional methods reportedly consume over 3.5 billion liters of diesel annually. By cutting CO2 emissions significantly, the company aligns with global environmental goals. Additionally, the company has continued to refine its drone technology, focusing on the development of prototypes capable of precise and efficient forest thinning.
New Wave of Investors
AirForestry’s funding round was led by Northzone, a venture capital fund known for supporting companies like Spotify. The round also saw participation from Kiko VC, SEB Greentech VC, and Cloudbreak VC, among others. These investors bring a wealth of experience in climate-focused ventures, which aligns with AirForestry’s goals.
Olle Gelin, CEO of AirForestry, stated, “We’re thrilled about our new investors who believe in the same goal as we do – making forest products more cost-effective and even more sustainable.”
How Will the Funding Be Utilized?
The capital, which includes a €1.7 million grant from the Swedish Energy Agency, will support the advancement of AirForestry’s eco-friendly technology. By prioritizing the use of drones, the company aims to minimize environmental damage, protect biodiversity, and promote healthier forest ecosystems. This strategic investment in technology underscores the importance of reducing the forestry sector’s carbon footprint.
Caroline Walerud emphasized, “Looking ahead, we hope to tackle larger portions of forestry, with an environmental upside that will result in many gigatons of saved CO2.”
AirForestry’s approach aims to thin forests without creating logging trails, potentially saving 0.8 tonnes of CO2 per hectare annually. This innovative method could lead to an additional 500 megatons of CO2 being stored globally each year. The company’s fully electric system offers a sustainable alternative to traditional forestry practices, which are often detrimental to the environment.
Pär-Jörgen Pärson, Partner at Northzone, noted, “AirForestry represents a pivotal leap forward in sustainable and more cost-effective forest management.”
The technology utilizes a 60-kilogram harvesting tool carried by a drone to select specific trees. This tool efficiently prunes branches and cuts the trunk, allowing for aerial forest thinning and reducing ground damage. AirForestry’s drones, made from carbon fiber and equipped with angled rotors, are designed for precision flying, which is crucial for effective forest management.
The move towards drone-based forestry management by AirForestry reflects a broader trend in the industry towards sustainability and innovation. The company’s continued development of prototypes, such as the 6.2-meter high-capacity drone, highlights their commitment to creating effective solutions for the forestry sector. This approach not only offers environmental benefits but also positions AirForestry as a leader in new-age forest management technologies.
