BeZero Carbon Strengthens Carbon Markets with $32M Investment
BeZero Carbon, a leading global carbon ratings agency, has successfully raised $32 million in Series C funding to accelerate the transparency and efficiency of carbon markets. This significant investment will drive expansion into compliance markets, enhance artificial intelligence (AI)- driven analytics and strengthen BeZero’s position as a trusted leader in the climate finance ecosystem.
Advancing Transparency and Innovation in Carbon Markets
The funding round was led by GenZero, a Singapore-based investment firm specializing in decarbonization initiatives. Additional strategic investors include Japan Airlines, Translink Innovation Fund, and previous supporters such as Hitachi Ventures and EDF Pulse Ventures. This infusion of capital highlights growing investor confidence in BeZero’s mission to bring credibility and efficiency to global carbon credit markets.
Since launching its independent carbon credit rating platform in 2022, BeZero has provided risk-based assessments using an eight-point scale to evaluate the quality and credibility of carbon offset projects. This framework has been instrumental in setting higher market standards, with top-rated projects commanding up to a 40% price premium, reflecting their superior environmental impact.
Addressing a Critical Market Gap
With global carbon markets expected to grow to $250 billion by 2050, the need for reliable ratings has never been greater. Research from MSCI suggests that a robust $100 billion voluntary carbon market could create 17 million jobs while channelling $700 billion annually into climate action. BeZero’s efforts are poised to play a critical role in this economic transformation.
BeZero’s platform currently provides ratings for over 480 carbon credit projects, attracting over 100 corporate subscribers, including major players like Equinor, UBS, and Woodside Energy. This latest round of funding will further expand the company’s rating coverage into regulatory compliance markets, specifically:
- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement which governs international carbon trading frameworks.
- Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) aimed to reduce airline emissions.
Expanding AI-Powered Carbon Market Insights
A key focus of BeZero’s investment strategy is leveraging AI and automation to scale its data-driven insights. By integrating cutting-edge technology, the company aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of carbon credit evaluations, empowering investors and businesses to make informed sustainability decisions.
BeZero’s CEO and co-founder, Tommy Ricketts, emphasized the strategic importance of this funding round:
“Securing Series C funding in today’s market is a strong endorsement of our team’s expertise and the credibility of our independent ratings. This capital will allow us to expand into compliance markets and continue innovating in carbon credit evaluations.”
Strengthening Global Market Presence
With operational hubs in London, New York, and Singapore, BeZero rapidly expands its global footprint. As part of its international growth strategy, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer Sebastien Cross has relocated to Singapore to reinforce the company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region—a key market for carbon finance initiatives.
Frederick Teo, CEO of GenZero, expressed strong support for BeZero’s mission:
“Independent carbon ratings are crucial for market transparency. By harnessing data and scientific expertise, BeZero catalyzes the capital required to scale high-impact climate solutions.”
Enhancing Trust and Market Credibility
The credibility of carbon markets hinges on standardized and transparent assessments of project quality. BeZero’s methodology provides insights into project risks, expected carbon reductions, and environmental impact—factors essential for institutional investors seeking reliable climate-positive investments.
UK government officials have also praised BeZero’s work, recognizing the company as a key contributor to the country’s green technology leadership. Baroness Gustafsson OBE, Minister for Investment, noted:
“BeZero’s success reflects the UK’s position at the forefront of climate innovation. This investment is a significant step toward strengthening global confidence in carbon markets.”
Shaping the Future of Carbon Markets
By enhancing the credibility and functionality of voluntary and compliant carbon markets, BeZero fosters greater trust in climate finance. Its expansion into regulatory markets such as CORSIA and Article 6 will create synergies between voluntary and mandated carbon reduction efforts, ensuring a more integrated approach to sustainability.
Automation and AI-driven tools will further strengthen BeZero’s market role, enabling faster assessments and deeper insights for stakeholders. These advancements position the company as a leader in the ongoing digital transformation of climate finance.
A Sustainable Future with Trusted Ratings
As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, BeZero Carbon’s independent ratings will be crucial in directing investments toward projects that deliver tangible and measurable climate benefits. With this latest round of funding, the company is set to drive the next phase of carbon market evolution, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and impact at scale.
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