TechCrunch Startup News Terraton wants to be the McDonald’s of biochar, also Hyundai is working with a startup on plant-based leather that smells like the real thing
Aug 28, 2025
Terraton is revolutionizing the biochar industry with a groundbreaking franchise model, aiming to scale production while tackling agricultural waste and carbon emissions. Meanwhile, Uncaged Innovations is teaming up with Hyundai to create an innovative plant-based leather alternative. This eco-friendly material not only mimics the look and feel of traditional leather but also significantly lowers environmental impact, promising a greener future for automotive interiors.
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Franchising To Scale Biochar
- Terraton plans to scale biochar by franchising standardized plants and operations to local partners.
- They add SaaS for plantOps and carbon measurement to sell verified credits to big buyers.
Biochar’s Supply Constraint
- Biochar stores carbon long-term while improving soil health by burning biomass without oxygen.
- Demand outstrips supply because facilities must be near agricultural waste to stay economical.
Local Ownership For Facility Success
- Terraton built two facilities in Ghana and Kenya using local feedstock from cocoa and nut processors.
- Local businesses own the plants to leverage farmer relationships and ensure community buy-in.