TechCrunch Startup News How one founder plans to save cities from flooding with terraforming robots; plus Chris Sacca’s VC firm is raising a second nuclear fusion fund
Nov 7, 2025
Discover how one innovative founder aims to combat flooding by literally raising cities using robotic terraforming techniques and a unique wood slurry method. Learn about the challenges and cost estimates involved in this groundbreaking project. Meanwhile, venture capitalist Chris Sacca is making waves by launching a second fund focused on backing nuclear fusion startups, exploring the current landscape of fusion funding and notable companies in the field. Tune in for a mix of cutting-edge tech solutions and investment strategies!
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Raise Cities Instead Of Building Seawalls
- Terra Nova proposes raising land instead of building seawalls to counter sea-level rise in sinking cities.
- They use wood-waste slurry and autonomous injectors to lift ground at a fraction of seawall costs.
Founder With A Personal Mission
- Lawrence Allen, Terra Nova CEO, grew up in San Rafael and wants to protect his hometown from flooding.
- The company quoted $92 million to lift 240 acres versus nearly $500–900 million for seawalls for the canal district.
Robots, Wood Slurry, And Smart Modeling
- Terra Nova combines cheap waste wood slurry with robotic tracked injectors to cut costs.
- Their software models subsurface data and uses a genetic algorithm to guide injections precisely.