Changeblock

Changeblock is a financial technology firm operating in the environmental asset markets, with headquarters in London and a presence in Toronto. The company was founded in 2021 by CEO Billy Richards, a computational biochemist and entrepreneur who identified parallels between carbon crediting systems and biochemical processes he studied at Oxford University. Richards, who previously founded an AI-driven research platform and a company that developed the UK's first saliva COVID test, established Changeblock to address inefficiencies in the carbon market.

The company targets stakeholders such as financial institutions, corporations, project developers, and government entities, offering solutions to simplify the lifecycle of environmental credits. Changeblock's business model is project-based, providing bespoke solutions that involve consultation, development, and integration of its technology. Revenue is generated from fees based on project complexity, as well as recurring fees for ongoing support and maintenance services.

Changeblock's core offering consists of two main products: Changeblock Originate (CBO) and Changeblock Exchange (CBX). CBO is a service designed to help project developers monetize their sustainability initiatives by providing feasibility assessments, business case development, and assistance with navigating international standards. The platform utilizes AI-powered tools and various data capture systems, including satellite imagery and IoT sensors, for project analysis, real-time monitoring, reporting, and validation. This "data-to-credit" technology is intended to accelerate the process from project conception to revenue generation.

CBX is a global exchange for buying, selling, and retiring environmental credits. The platform employs blockchain technology to create immutable records, aiming to increase transparency and prevent issues like greenwashing. It supports a wide range of environmental assets beyond just carbon, including credits for plastics, maritime conservation, nitrogen, and sulfur. The exchange serves corporate and institutional clients as well as a retail marketplace for individuals and small businesses. To enhance liquidity, Changeblock has formed partnerships, such as a collaboration with Cargo Finance to provide capital solutions for project developers.

Significant milestones for the company include a merger with the Canadian ESG capital markets firm Carbon12 in January 2023 to facilitate international expansion. More recently, Changeblock announced its acquisition of JustCarbon, a marketplace for large-scale carbon removal projects. This move is expected to expand Changeblock's portfolio with blue carbon projects and is part of its strategy to become a key player in the European carbon credit ecosystem, having raised over $6.2 million in shares.

Keywords: environmental assets, carbon credits, carbon exchange, data-to-credit, blockchain technology, environmental markets, climate finance, project origination, carbon removal, ESG, greenwashing prevention, plastic credits, blue carbon, environmental asset trading, sustainability solutions, Billy Richards, climate data, emissions trading, asset transparency, environmental technology, regulatory compliance, project financing