Climate Insider Brief:
- Brightly transforms food waste into high-quality carbon credits by quantifying methane emissions avoided when Food Rescue Organizations (FROs) divert edible food from landfills to feed communities in need.
- The $2.3M seed round, led by Schreiber Foods and supported by G-Force, Collaborative Fund, Clear Current Capital, and Windsail Capital, reflects strong investor confidence in Brightly’s scalable impact model.
- By funding FROs through the sale of carbon credits, Brightly bridges the gap between reducing methane emissions and combating food insecurity, tackling two urgent global challenges simultaneously.
Brightly, an innovative climate-tech startup transforming food waste into high-integrity carbon credits, has closed an oversubscribed $2.3 million seed round. The funding was led by Schreiber Foods, a global leader in food production, with participation from G-Force, Collaborative Fund, Clear Current Capital, and Windsail Capital.
Founded just 18 months ago, Brightly addresses two critical global challenges: climate change and food insecurity. By quantifying and monetizing the methane emissions avoided when Food Rescue Organizations (FROs) divert edible food from landfills to feed communities in need, Brightly creates a win-win scenario. This approach not only supports FROs in rescuing more food but also helps companies offset their carbon footprints.
Turning Methane into a Catalyst for Change
Methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide, is released when food waste decomposes in landfills. Brightly’s AI-powered platform calculates the emissions avoided by food rescue activities using robust data from USDA and EPA resources. These calculations are then turned into premium, food-waste-based carbon credits that companies, including food producers, manufacturers, and retailers, can purchase to meet their sustainability goals.
“Food Rescue Organizations are the unsung heroes in the fight against climate change and hunger,” said Andy Levitt, CEO and Founder of Brightly. “Their work not only feeds those in need but also prevents harmful methane emissions. With visionary partners like Schreiber Foods, we’re creating a financial infrastructure that empowers these organizations to scale their impact and nurture a more sustainable future.”
Industry Leaders Join the Mission
Schreiber Foods’ investment underscores its commitment to sustainability and methane reduction. “As a dairy company, we’re deeply committed to addressing our environmental impact,” said Blair Tritt, Vice President of Corporate Ventures & Partnerships at Schreiber Foods. “Brightly’s approach to reducing food waste and avoiding emissions aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals.”
The mission resonated with other investors, including G-Force. “Brightly is tackling two of the world’s most urgent issues—climate change and food insecurity—with an innovative and scalable solution,” said Louis Warner, Partner at G-Force. “Their ability to create value for both food rescue organizations and corporate partners is truly impressive, and we’re proud to support their mission.”
Fighting Food Waste and Hunger
Food waste remains the largest single contributor to U.S. landfills, emitting methane equivalent to the emissions of millions of passenger vehicles. At the same time, food insecurity affects tens of millions of Americans, including 14 million children. Brightly’s work bridges the gap between these two pressing issues, offering a scalable solution that drives environmental and social impact.
By funding food rescue organizations through the sale of carbon credits, Brightly enables them to recover more food, feed more people, and reduce methane emissions on a larger scale.
Climate Insider Notes
Brightly’s innovative approach exemplifies the intersection of climate technology and social impact. Here are the key takeaways:
- Transforming Food Waste: Brightly quantifies methane emissions avoided by food rescue activities and turns them into carbon credits for companies seeking to offset emissions.
- Scaling Impact: The funding round ensures FROs can rescue more food, feeding vulnerable populations and preventing methane emissions.
- Strategic Backing: Schreiber Foods’ leadership in this round highlights the growing alignment between corporate sustainability goals and innovative climate-tech solutions.
- Dual Purpose: Brightly tackles both food insecurity and climate change, creating a replicable model for environmental and social benefits.
Brightly’s momentum demonstrates the power of partnerships and innovative thinking in addressing complex global challenges.
Source: Pulse 2.0
Featured Image: Credit: Brightly
