Zurich-based climate tech startup Cotierra has raised €2.6 million in a round co-led by PINC, the venture arm of coffee and food company Paulig, and Carbon Removal Partners. Cotierra builds decentralized biochar systems that convert crop residues into carbon-rich soil amendments. The company pairs reactor technology with a digital platform to monitor and verify output, aiming to improve soil health while sequestering carbon near where biomass is generated. The funding will help Cotierra move from pilots to multi-year commercial deployments, starting with coffee. Paulig's investment reflects a growing trend among food companies to back on-farm decarbonization as a strategic hedge against soil degradation and climate pressure. Other investors include Zürcher Kantonalbank, Carbon Drawdown Initiative, Better Ventures, and GOTA Ventures.
