Former Grab Executive’s Climate Tech Venture Secures Seed Funding

Arkadiah Technology, a company leveraging AI to restore degraded land, has successfully concluded its seed funding round, led by Golden Gate Ventures, a Southeast Asian VC firm. The round also saw participation from The Radical Fund, a global climate tech fund, and Money Forward Venture Partners, a Japanese corporate VC firm. The exact amount raised in the funding round was not disclosed.

Founded in 2023 by Reuben Lai, former head of financial services at Grab, and Gerry Ong, honorary president of the ASEAN Federation of Land Surveying and Geomatics, Arkadiah aims to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the attainment of the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

Arkadiah's innovative platform leverages a combination of advanced technologies, including AI, lidar, satellite imagery, and ground truthing, to collect and verify data for climate solutions such as reforestation and agroforestry. This multifaceted approach enables the company to gather comprehensive and accurate information essential for successful land restoration projects.

The key strength of Arkadiah lies in its ability to simplify the implementation process for climate solutions. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies, the company streamlines the complex tasks associated with reforestation and agroforestry. This accessibility is particularly valuable for project developers, landowners, and corporations, making it easier for them to engage in sustainable practices and contribute to environmental conservation.

In addition to simplifying implementation, Arkadiah plays a pivotal role in the creation of carbon removal and biodiversity credits. These credits are essential in recognizing and quantifying the positive environmental impact of the undertaken projects. By facilitating the generation of such credits, Arkadiah contributes to the broader ecosystem of climate initiatives, providing tangible incentives for stakeholders to actively participate in sustainable land management practices.

Having successfully completed its seed funding round, Arkadiah Technology plans to utilize the newly acquired funds to enhance its AI models and broaden its product offerings. The company, which employs AI to restore degraded land, has already been involved in diverse projects across Southeast Asia and Australia. Arkadiah generates revenue through commissions on the nature restoration initiatives it supports, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the achievement of climate goals.

The company's platform, leveraging AI, lidar, satellite imagery, and ground truthing, collects and verifies data for climate solutions like reforestation and agroforestry. The goal is to simplify the implementation process for project developers, landowners, and corporations, while also facilitating the creation of carbon removal and biodiversity credits.

Arkadiah's commitment to diverse projects, spanning different terrains, biodiversity, regulations, and cultures, serves as a motivation to continually refine its AI models for precision. By doing so, the company aims to ensure high-quality outcomes in terms of carbon removal and biodiversity, contributing positively to environmental conservation efforts.