Climate CEOs (formerly Entrepreneurs for Impact): Scaling Climate Tech Startups Sustainable Forestry: $17M Becomes $300M (Plus 375 Tree Farms Without Carbon Offsets or Land Purchases)
Discover how World Tree combines regenerative forestry, carbon sequestration, and impact investing to scale climate solutions across North America and Latin America.
🎧 Episode Summary
Doug Willmore, CEO of World Tree, shares how the company is commercializing the world’s fastest-growing hardwood, Paulownia, and how their EcoTree program enables retail investors to support regenerative forestry while earning returns.
Doug explains the unique regenerative qualities of Paulownia, why biodiversity matters in timber projects, and how World Tree is educating investors on the environmental and financial benefits of sustainable forestry.
🔑 Key Takeaways
World Tree is scaling Paulownia, a fast-growing hardwood that regenerates from the stump.
Their EcoTree program allows retail investors to offset carbon and earn financial returns.
Over $17M in non-dilutive capital has supported their tree-planting efforts.
Investors can target potential returns of 5–6x over 8–11 years.
World Tree avoids commodity markets by focusing on high-value wood products.
They’re working on off-take agreements to build long-term market demand.
Biodiversity is crucial for achieving optimal climate and financial outcomes.
The ideal EcoTree farmers vary by geography and practice.
Tax benefits are a key part of their investor education efforts.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Doug’s background
02:18 – World Tree’s mission
04:41 – The unique Paulownia tree
08:00 – EcoTree investment model
16:11 – Investor education & expectations
22:25 – Challenges of ag and forestry
24:12 – Productizing the timber
30:30 – Market performance & potential
35:24 – Who the right EcoTree farmers are
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🎙️ About the Host
Dr. Chris Wedding is a CEO coach, investor, serial founder, board member, professor, and occasional monk. Follow daily insights on climate tech startups, leadership, and finance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwedding