Why VCs Are Betting on Carbon Removal Startups in 2026

Episode notes

On this episode of The Venture Capital Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore why venture capital is increasingly flowing into carbon removal startups in 2026. They discuss the recent $80 million Series B for Lithos, a company that accelerates natural rock weathering to capture CO2, and the broader market dynamics driving VC interest in durable carbon removal credits. Lucas breaks down the cost curve challenge: how startups need to get from $600 per tonne today to below $100 per tonne to be commercially viable. Luna highlights the role of corporate buyers like Microsoft and Stripe in creating early demand. They also touch on the recent pullback in climate tech public markets, with the ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) down 2.6% over the past week, and what that means for VC exit strategies. The hosts discuss the tension between rapid scaling and scientific rigor, and how VCs are placing bets on a mix of direct air capture and enhanced mineralization approaches.

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