As wildfires become increasingly severe and widespread, restoring forests has become more urgent than ever—not just for replanting trees, but for rebuilding ecosystems that can better withstand future disasters. A Vancouver technology company is stepping up to that challenge, leveraging cutting-edge tools to make reforestation smarter, stronger, and more sustainable.
Bringing Forests Back, Smarter
Founded in 2022, Veritree, a spin-off from the sustainable clothing brand Tentree, began as a tool to verify tree-planting efforts tied to clothing sales. Today, it has grown into a standalone ecological restoration platform that uses data-driven methods to design, track, and manage reforestation projects around the world.
With $6.5 million (USD) in newly secured Series A funding—led by Pender Ventures and joined by Garage Capital, Northside Ventures, and Diagram—Veritree is poised to expand its reach across South America, Asia, and beyond.
Why Restoration Needs Reinvention
“Forests that once resisted fire are now burning more intensely, often destroying even the natural seed banks that would help them regrow,” explained Derrick Emsley, Veritree’s co-founder and CEO. “If left unmanaged, fast-growing species can dominate a burned area, preventing the growth of diverse, fire-resilient ecosystems.”
To address this, Veritree integrates field sensors, GIS mapping, and AI to guide the restoration process—focusing on native and fire-adapted species. The company’s approach isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about rebuilding entire ecosystems.
AI Meets Ecology
One of Veritree’s more unique strategies involves AI-powered bioacoustic monitoring. By recording and analyzing bird calls and forest sounds, their systems can track biodiversity trends—a key indicator of ecosystem health. The technology also includes tools like soil sensors, thermal monitors, and trail cameras to gather comprehensive environmental data.
“This allows us to get a real-time understanding of how a forest is recovering,” said Emsley. “It’s like having a pulse check on nature.”
Part of a Broader Movement
Veritree isn’t the only B.C. innovator tackling wildfire challenges. Other regional startups are also making waves:
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Voxelis Canada Corp., based in Vancouver, produces a camera-equipped, AI-supported navigation device that attaches to firefighting helicopters. This thermal imaging system helps pilots fly more safely through fire zones.
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FireSwarm Solutions Inc., located in Squamish, specializes in drone-based firefighting support, integrating sensors and AI algorithms for advanced aerial data collection. The company has shifted focus due to international trade challenges, now prioritizing Canada and Australia over the U.S. market.
The Bigger Picture
According to provincial reports, over 1.08 million hectares of land in British Columbia have been scorched by wildfires since April 2024—highlighting the growing scale of the crisis and the need for scalable solutions.
Tentree, Veritree’s parent company, has already achieved a significant milestone: planting over 100 million trees worldwide. That mission now continues under Veritree’s broader vision of becoming the leading platform for nature-based investments.
“We’re building more than a restoration company,” said Emsley. “We’re creating a technology foundation for global reforestation that lasts.”
