RADIX Investimentos Florestais

RADIX Investimentos Florestais operates as a greentech firm focused on democratizing green investments through sustainable forestry. The company was established in 2015 by Gilberto Derze and Thiago Campos, entrepreneurs who transitioned from the financial market with a vision to make forestry assets more accessible. Derze, with a background in Psychology and Software Engineering, and Campos, who holds degrees in Law and Business Administration along with a Master's degree, combined their expertise to pioneer this venture. The concept for the company was sparked when Derze discovered the high value of a Mahogany tree in his own backyard, leading to the realization of its investment potential.

The core of RADIX's business is a forestry crowdfunding model, allowing individuals and companies to invest in the restoration of degraded areas in the Amazon. The firm acquires previously deforested land, often unproductive pasture, and reforests it. Revenue is generated through the sale of forestry securities, or 'titles', which correspond to shares in the plantations. Investors contribute capital starting from accessible minimums, and in return, share in the profits from the eventual commercialization of timber, seeds, carbon credits, and forest replacement credits. The company manages the entire lifecycle, from planting and maintenance to harvesting and sales, providing regular reports to its investors. This long-term investment offers projected annual returns, though the full payback occurs once the trees, which can take around 18 years to mature, are harvested.

Initially concentrating on African Mahogany, a high-value timber, RADIX has evolved its model to embrace a more biodiverse and resilient system. Supported by a R$1.3 million grant from Fundo Vale, the company is transitioning to Mixed Silviculture. This approach involves cultivating multiple native and exotic species together, such as Teca, Brazil Nut, and Cedar, which enhances ecosystem recovery and creates multiple revenue streams from products like fruits and oils. This strategy also positions the company in the carbon market, with a goal to sequester 21 million tons of CO2 over 50 years by offering carbon offsetting mechanisms to other businesses. RADIX utilizes technology like drones, sensors, and satellites for precise forest management and has developed spin-offs, including the Arborus crowdfunding platform, to foster other socio-environmental projects.

Keywords: forestry investment, crowdfunding, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, green technology, impact investing, carbon credits, Amazon restoration, silviculture, timber assets, environmental social governance (ESG), African Mahogany, asset management, alternative investments, biodiversity, land regeneration, climate finance, sustainable development goals (SDG), agroforestry, forest bonds, green economy