Companies in the agri-food industry are increasingly focusing on sustainability, with growing interest in emission reduction strategies. One such approach is insetting, which integrates carbon reduction directly into supply chains rather than relying on external offsets. Amsterdam-based Proba, a carbon finance company, has secured €1 million in funding to advance insetting initiatives, aiming to help agri-food businesses minimize their environmental impact. The investment will support the company’s efforts in scaling verified insetting, offering businesses a structured way to invest in emission reduction projects.
Earlier reports on Proba highlighted its role in promoting insetting as an alternative to traditional carbon offsetting. The company has previously emphasized that fertilizer-related emissions contribute significantly to global greenhouse gases and that existing solutions require broader adoption. With this latest funding, Proba aims to accelerate the implementation of insetting strategies in supply chains, a goal that aligns with its long-standing mission. The company has also maintained partnerships with stakeholders in the agritech sector to enhance its impact.
How will the funding be used?
Proba intends to allocate the newly raised capital toward expanding its insetting services, enabling agrifood businesses to finance sustainability initiatives within their supply chains. The company follows established carbon accounting frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to ensure accurate impact measurement. These frameworks provide standardized methodologies for businesses to track and report emissions reductions effectively.
CEO and co-founder Sijbrand Tieleman stated,
“With this investment, Proba is set to transform supply chains, turning sustainability into a benefit for agri-food leaders worldwide.”
He emphasized the need for collaboration across the supply chain to achieve meaningful progress in decarbonization. According to Tieleman, shared investment and benefits are crucial for making insetting a standard financial tool for sustainability efforts.
What do investors think?
Kim Wagenaar, Investment Director at Future Food Fund, expressed confidence in Proba’s approach, stating,
“Proba is unlocking credible insetting at scale for the agri-food sector. Their ability to drive real impact, particularly in hard-to-abate fertilizer-related emissions, makes them a key player in the transition to sustainable supply chains.”
Future Food Fund has a track record of supporting agrifood technology startups that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Similarly, Daan Wilms van Kersbergen, Investment Director at Yield Lab Europe, remarked,
“Proba is a standout startup; real traction, real impact, and a business model that proves sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. We’re excited to be part of their journey.”
Yield Lab Europe focuses on investments that enhance efficiency and sustainability in food production and supply chains.
Peter Kleijwegt, Managing Partner at Value Factory Ventures, highlighted Proba’s role in climate innovation, stating,
“Proba exemplifies the kind of high-impact climate innovation we seek to back. Their progress in decarbonising supply chains is impressive, and we’re excited to deepen our partnership as they scale.”
He also noted the company’s potential for synergies with other firms in Value Factory Ventures’ investment portfolio.
Efforts to decarbonize the agri-food industry require scalable and financially viable solutions. Insetting provides businesses with a way to directly mitigate emissions within their supply chains rather than relying on external carbon offsets. Proba’s latest funding round underscores the growing recognition of insetting as a tool for sustainability. The involvement of multiple investors demonstrates confidence in the company’s ability to integrate emission reductions into business operations. As the agri-food industry continues to seek viable decarbonization strategies, initiatives like Proba’s insetting approach could become more widely adopted.
