Ponderosa Ventures

Founded in 2021, Ponderosa Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York. It focuses on investing $100-750k in pre-seed and seed-stage companies operating within the food, agriculture, and ocean sectors.

Chloë Payne

Principal

Evi Steyer

Co-Founder

Past deals in Sustainability

Hoofprint Biome

Series A in 2025
Hoofprint Biome is a biotechnology company that develops probiotics and natural enzymes to enhance the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Their products improve cattle health and digestive care by reducing methane emissions, thereby enabling the livestock industry to adopt more sustainable practices through microbiome engineering.

Everest Carbon

Venture Round in 2024
Everest Carbon develops sensing technology to measure alkalinity in agricultural fields to enable Enhanced Rock Weathering carbon removal. It provides an in situ, low-cost, large-scale sensor that accurately tracks carbonate alkalinity, reducing the need for manual sampling. The system delivers a liquid-phase signal of carbon removal over time, enabling traceability of carbon credits for reliable, scalable climate impact. By combining measurement data with scalable deployment, Everest Carbon aims to deliver high-quality, cost-effective carbon removals for enterprise buyers and carbon markets.

Crew Carbon

Seed Round in 2024
CREW Carbon is a company dedicated to removing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, from wastewater through innovative technology. Utilizing engineered enhanced weathering, the company's approach harnesses the natural power of minerals to treat both municipal and industrial wastewater while permanently storing CO2. Operating within the environmental services sector, CREW Carbon focuses on greenhouse gas management and carbon removal, aiming to support businesses and governments in achieving their climate objectives. Through its climate tech solutions, the company strives to make a positive environmental impact.

Syntopa

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Syntopa is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of precision biologics for agriculture. It leverages proprietary methods and cutting-edge technologies from synthetic biology and ag tech to create innovative agricultural products. The company's core technology enables it to predict and optimize the performance of microorganisms in specific soil conditions, thereby enhancing crop productivity, profitability, and sustainability. This, in turn, contributes to the broader goal of reversing climate change.

Nfinite Nanotech

Seed Round in 2024
Nfinite Nanotech specializes in advanced material science, utilizing open-air atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology to create functional nanomaterials. The company accelerates innovation in sustainable packaging, batteries, and photovoltaics by producing large-area, high-quality, ultrathin films at a significantly faster pace than conventional methods.

Umaro

Seed Round in 2024
Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide an alternative to traditional animal products by offering nutritious and flavorful food options, including crispy and umami-rich bacon alternatives. By leveraging seaweed farming, Umaro seeks to promote a more humane treatment of animals while also supporting environmental sustainability. The innovative approach positions seaweed as a viable and scalable source of protein, which can surpass traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.

Mondra

Seed Round in 2024
Mondra is a technology company dedicated to unlocking the environmental impact of global supply chains. It combines satellite data, deep tech, big data, AI, and machine learning with scientific research to provide accurate, real-time insights into food systems' carbon footprint. Mondra's platform enables producers to benchmark products against industry averages, identify reduction opportunities, and earn rewards for eco-friendly practices.

Everest Carbon

Seed Round in 2024
Everest Carbon develops sensing technology to measure alkalinity in agricultural fields to enable Enhanced Rock Weathering carbon removal. It provides an in situ, low-cost, large-scale sensor that accurately tracks carbonate alkalinity, reducing the need for manual sampling. The system delivers a liquid-phase signal of carbon removal over time, enabling traceability of carbon credits for reliable, scalable climate impact. By combining measurement data with scalable deployment, Everest Carbon aims to deliver high-quality, cost-effective carbon removals for enterprise buyers and carbon markets.

CarbonFarm Technology

Seed Round in 2023
CarbonFarm Technology facilitates regenerative agriculture for farmers, making it profitable while assisting corporations in meeting their net-zero emission targets. It uses satellite data and AI to provide transparent carbon credit monitoring.

Hoofprint Biome

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Hoofprint Biome is a biotechnology company that develops probiotics and natural enzymes to enhance the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Their products improve cattle health and digestive care by reducing methane emissions, thereby enabling the livestock industry to adopt more sustainable practices through microbiome engineering.

Mondra

Seed Round in 2023
Mondra is a technology company dedicated to unlocking the environmental impact of global supply chains. It combines satellite data, deep tech, big data, AI, and machine learning with scientific research to provide accurate, real-time insights into food systems' carbon footprint. Mondra's platform enables producers to benchmark products against industry averages, identify reduction opportunities, and earn rewards for eco-friendly practices.

Natrx

Seed Round in 2023
Natrx is an innovative company focused on enhancing coastal resilience and protection through advanced technology and a nature-based approach. By integrating geospatial software and advanced manufacturing solutions, Natrx promotes harmony between natural ecosystems and urban infrastructure. The company's solutions are designed to meet the performance needs of large-scale public and private asset owners, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional methods that are often costly and ecologically harmful. Natrx aims to set a new standard for sustainable resilience, delivering high-performance solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also contribute positively to economic outcomes. Through its technology-first approach, Natrx empowers builders, architects, and ecologists to create infrastructure that enhances both functionality and aesthetic value.

Adapt AgTech

Seed Round in 2023
Adapt AgTech provides a turn-key opportunity for container farming of edible and gourmet mushrooms. Adapt opens the door for new entrants to the farming industry and creates an opportunity for entrepreneurs while advancing access to a sustainable food supply.Adapt AgTech provides a turn-key opportunity for container farming.

Rubi Laboratories

Seed Round in 2023
Rubi Laboratories is a California-based company that specializes in the development of technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles. The firm utilizes innovative sustainable solutions to convert carbon emissions into natural fibers, resulting in biodegradable textiles. Its technology directly synthesizes threads, providing a natural resource for the production of viscose that is carbon-negative, as well as being water-chemical, land-neutral, traceable, and environmentally friendly. Rubi Laboratories aims to address the environmental impact of textile manufacturing by offering a more sustainable alternative in the industry.

Modern Synthesis

Seed Round in 2022
Modern Synthesis is a biotechnology company that develops biofabricated materials by converting bacterial nanocellulose, a by‑product of fermentation, into sustainable textiles and coatings. Its materials offer performance and aesthetics without plastics, petrochemicals, or animal inputs, enabling durable options for the fashion industry and beyond. The process leverages abundant raw materials and integrates with existing manufacturing infrastructure to scale production without starting from scratch, helping brands replace animal leather and plastic‑based textiles while reducing environmental impact and expanding design possibilities.

Plonts

Seed Round in 2022
Plonts is a company focused on producing plant-based foods that promote sustainability through innovative microbial processes. It specializes in crafting a new category of plant-based cheeses that feature a range of flavors and textures derived from sustainable plant sources. By utilizing fermentation and aging techniques, Plonts transforms mild plant-based ingredients into flavorful cheeses that offer an authentic taste experience. The company aims to provide consumers with healthy and organic food options at reasonable prices, thereby supporting a more sustainable food system while catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Savefruit

Seed Round in 2022
Savefruit specializes in post-harvest technologies aimed at preserving yield, maintaining healthiness, and extending the shelf life of fruits. The company has developed and validated technologies specifically for varieties such as bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, apples, papayas, and avocados. Their product is a fine powder delivered in sealed bags, designed to delay the ripening process while preserving texture, firmness, color, odor, flavor, and nutritional properties. This technology helps producers reduce fruit waste and contribute to global food abundance.

Umaro

Seed Round in 2022
Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide an alternative to traditional animal products by offering nutritious and flavorful food options, including crispy and umami-rich bacon alternatives. By leveraging seaweed farming, Umaro seeks to promote a more humane treatment of animals while also supporting environmental sustainability. The innovative approach positions seaweed as a viable and scalable source of protein, which can surpass traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.

Heartee

Seed Round in 2022
Heartee is a producer of gourmet mushrooms that specializes in solar-powered container farms. The company offers a turn-key solution for the cultivation of fourteen different types of edible and gourmet mushrooms. By utilizing sustainable energy sources, Heartee ensures that its farming practices are environmentally friendly while providing customers with fresh, high-quality mushrooms.
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