This Startup Just Raised $1.06M to Restore Mangroves and Lock Away Carbon

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-31

Paris-based Apolownia just closed its first seed round at $1.06 million, and the money is going toward something you don't see every day: bringing back coastal ecosystems that pull carbon out of the air. The round was backed by LITA, Bpifrance, and a group of business angels and individual investors. That's a solid mix of institutional firepower and personal conviction, which tells you something about the confidence people have in this team. ### Why Coastal Restoration Matters More Than Ever Here's the thing about the climate crisis: cutting emissions alone isn't enough anymore. Companies are realizing they need to do more, and that's where projects like Apolownia's come in. They're not just about reducing harm; they're about actively healing the planet by restoring natural carbon sinks and regenerating biodiversity. "At a time when everyone is chasing efficiency and technology has never been more accessible, it is presence on the ground that makes the difference," said Théo Derache, CEO and co-founder of Apolownia. "By mastering the entire chain, we are our clients' single point of contact, from the field to the measurement of impact." That's a pretty bold statement, but it's backed up by a pretty impressive approach. ### The Tech + Field Expertise Combo Apolownia isn't just planting trees and hoping for the best. They're combining cutting-edge science with old-fashioned boots-on-the-ground work. Think satellite remote sensing, geospatial analysis, drones, 3D modeling, and AI, all paired with local teams who understand the communities and the land. This matters because the carbon market is getting a lot more demanding. Companies want projects that are: - Transparent and measurable - Auditable and additional - Durable and truly impactful Apolownia is trying to answer that call by centralizing the entire development chain, from site identification to long-term follow-up. No more fragmented efforts that fall apart after the initial excitement. ### BlueRizon: A Flagship Project in Indonesia Their main project right now is called BlueRizon, a massive mangrove restoration effort in Indonesia targeting more than 4,000 hectares (that's roughly 9,884 acres, or about 15.4 square miles). The official launch is set for the third quarter of 2026, but they're already making waves. Here's a number that really puts things in perspective: over 3,000 people are already involved in the implementation. And the potential impact? More than one hundred thousand people could benefit through climate resilience, erosion control, and local economic development. That's not just about carbon; it's about communities and livelihoods. ### What's Next for Apolownia With this fresh capital, the company plans to scale its model, push BlueRizon forward, and keep investing in the science and tech that make it all possible. The ambition is to become an international benchmark for high-integrity restoration, whether that means mangroves, seagrass meadows, coastal peatlands, or coral reefs. It's a big vision, but it's grounded in a simple truth: real impact takes real work. And Apolownia seems willing to put in the effort, one hectare at a time.