With AI driven tools digitizing operations and integrating a real-time tracking system, Cambium ensures transparency and efficiency in the wood supply chain, resulting in a high-performance, sustainable alternative to traditional building materials.
Cambium, a leading supply chain technology company revolutionizing the wood industry, has secured $18.5 million in Series A funding. Led by VoLo Earth Ventures, this round brings Cambium’s total funding to $28.5 million, empowering the company to scale its sustainable wood supply chain, expand its operations, and introduce mass timber products to accelerate sustainability in the built environment.
In 2019, Ben Christensen and Marisa Repka, while pursuing their master’s degrees at Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, teamed up with Colorado College alumnus and former Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Theo Hooker, to establish Cambium Carbon.
Their mission was to address urban tree waste by transforming fallen city trees into valuable wood products, thereby reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. This innovative approach aimed to create local jobs and fund new tree-planting initiatives in underserved communities.
Transforming the Wood Industry with AI and Smart Supply Chains
Cambium is tackling inefficiencies in the $788 billion wood products industry through AI-driven tools that streamline supply chains and connect tree care services, sawmills, and manufacturers. By digitizing operations and integrating a real-time tracking system, Cambium ensures transparency and efficiency in the wood supply chain. The result is Carbon Smart™ Wood—a high-performance, sustainable alternative to traditional building materials.
“Our technology helps modernize sawmills, turn waste into low-carbon materials, and create jobs in local economies,” said Ben Christensen, CEO and Co-founder of Cambium. “With this investment, we will expand our reach and further integrate AI solutions across the industry.”
Expanding into Mass Timber with Carbon Smart™ Wood
A major milestone in Cambium’s growth strategy is its expansion into mass timber. The company is now manufacturing cross-laminated timber (CLT) using Carbon Smart™ Wood, providing architects and builders with a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete—two of the most carbon-intensive materials in construction.
By partnering with major CLT manufacturers, including Mercer Mass Timber, SmartLam North America, Sterling Structural, and Vaagen Timbers, Cambium ensures a steady supply of high-quality, lower-carbon mass timber products. These materials not only reduce the environmental footprint of construction but also support the reshoring of American manufacturing jobs.
Meeting the Demand for Sustainable, Locally Sourced Materials
With global demand for wood projected to triple by 2050, Cambium is well-positioned to lead the transition to a more sustainable and efficient supply chain. Its innovative platform modernizes logistics, improves inventory management, and enables real-time carbon impact tracking. These advancements align with the growing industry shift toward cost-effective, traceable, and low-carbon building materials.
“Cambium is addressing a critical gap in the market by making sustainable materials more accessible and cost-competitive,” said Kareem Dabbagh, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at VoLo Earth Ventures. “Their work in connecting the supply chain while reducing carbon emissions is an essential step forward for the industry.”
Strengthening Local Economies and Reducing Carbon Footprint
Cambium’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond materials—it extends to revitalizing local economies. Its network of more than 350 tree care service companies, sawmills, and trucking firms, localizes wood production and reduces transportation-related carbon emissions. The company’s AI-driven tools streamline workflows, making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.
Strategic Growth and Future Plans
With this latest funding round, Cambium is set to expand its Carbon Smart™ Wood distribution network, enhance logistics through Mill Market (a platform it acquired in July 2024), and explore additional mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its infrastructure. As the company scales operations, it remains focused on making sustainable building materials the standard in construction and design.
Already trusted by industry leaders such as Amazon, Equinox, Patagonia, National Geographic, Room & Board, Steelcase, and Gensler, Cambium’s continued growth marks a significant shift toward a smarter, more sustainable wood supply chain.
