What Wovoka does

Wovoka is a private natural capital development company that designs and develops nature-based carbon projects in partnership with Indigenous communities and institutional partners, primarily in the Philippines. The company operates four active projects: the Mindoro Arawatan Carbon Project with 6 Indigenous Cultural Communities covering 10,000 hectares (with 38,000 hectares of expansion potential); the Bukidnon Kaamulan Carbon Project with FEMMATRICS covering 17,000 hectares (with 23,000 hectares of expansion); the Bicol Blue Mangrove Rehabilitation Project with CAMADA under a DENR Community-Based Forest Management Agreement; and the Buikwe District Uganda Vanilla supply chain investment. Projects are registered under the Verra VCS VM0047 ARR methodology as grouped projects, enabling consistent carbon accounting across expanding project areas.

Wovoka's core technology stack is a digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system combining geotagged seedling tracking (each seedling linked to species, date, and planter identity), drone surveys, satellite analysis through Space Intelligence, mobile data collection, and community-based patrolling. Carbon credits are pre-purchased at $15/tCO2e before formal issuance, with projected generation of 2.1 million VCUs from Mindoro and approximately 3 million VCUs from Bukidnon over 30-year horizons. The MRV stack is paired with geospatial modeling for project screening and feasibility studies.

The company monetizes through multiple revenue streams: carbon credit pre-purchase and sale, direct-to-consumer agroforestry product sales via the spun-out Buji Vanilla LLC (vanilla extract, paste, beans, and bitters at $25-$65 in US, Canada, and Singapore), supply chain investment in the Uganda vanilla program, and community donations. The team consists of approximately 11 core members including a CEO, Chief Strategy Officer, Head of Carbon and Community, Heads of Luzon and Mindanao Field Operations, Head of Business Development, and a 14-member Scientific Advisory Board spanning carbon finance, blue carbon, geospatial science, Indigenous rights, and biodiversity.

Name

Wovoka

Legal name

Wovoka

Website

https://wovoka.io

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Wovoka develops nature-based carbon projects and tech-enabled MRV services in partnership with Indigenous communities across the Philippines, while commercializing agroforestry products (vanilla, coffee, cacao) via its Buji Vanilla spin-out for institutional carbon buyers and premium consumers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Voluntary Carbon Market Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (1153), Timber Tract Operations (11311), Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products (1132)

SIC

Forestry (800), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Carbon Forestry Project Development & Origination (Afforestation/Reforestation/IFM) (IMAMAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Avoided Conversion & Ecosystem Protection (REDD+, Blue Carbon Conservation) (EUABABAC), Carbon Accounting, Verification & Registry Services (MRV, Audits, Certification) (IMAMAJAE), Agroforestry & Perennial Cropping Systems (EUABABAD)

Keywords

• Voluntary carbon market
• Nature-based solutions
• Carbon credit development
• Agroforestry products
• Community-led restoration

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Carbon Credit Sales: Pre-purchase and future sale of Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) generated from reforestation and restoration projects. Credits can be pre-purchased at $15/tCO2e before formal issuance or purchased upon issuance. Projects include Mindoro (2.1M projected VCUs) and Bukidnon (~3M projected VCUs).
2. Agroforestry Product Sales: Direct retail sales of vanilla products (extract, paste, beans, bitters) and upcoming coffee and cacao products sourced from partner communities. Products sold via bujivanilla.com in US, Canada, and Singapore markets.
3. Agroforestry Supply Chain Investment: Investment in vanilla supply chain development connecting Ugandan farmers to global markets through Buji Vanilla LLC, with 20% Ugandan ownership and $50,000 raised toward $200,000 launch target.
4. Community Donations: Donations supporting community programs, nursery development, and forest protection initiatives in project areas, with Stripe donation links available on project pages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Wovoka develops high-integrity nature-based carbon projects in partnership with Indigenous communities and institutional partners, combining reforestation, agroforestry, and blue carbon initiatives with tech-enabled digital MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification). The company generates revenue through pre-purchase and sale of Verified Carbon Units from projects such as the Mindoro Arawatan and Bukidnon Kaamulan Carbon Projects, and commercializes premium agroforestry products (vanilla, coffee, cacao) via its spin-out brand Buji Vanilla LLC.

Product overview

Wovoka develops high-integrity natural capital projects in partnership with Indigenous communities and institutional partners. The company commercializes agroforestry products through its spin-out brand Buji Vanilla, offering a portfolio of vanilla products including Pure Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Paste, Vanilla Bitters, Whole Vanilla Beans, and the Baker's Bundle. Upcoming products include Mindoro Restoration Reserve Coffee and Bukidnon Community Reserve cacao from restoration projects in the Philippines. All products are ethically sourced from farmer communities in Uganda and the Philippines, with Buji Vanilla maintaining 20% Ugandan ownership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Buji Vanilla: Premium vanilla products brand spun out from Wovoka, offering Pure Vanilla Extract, Pure Vanilla Paste, Whole Vanilla Beans, Vanilla Bitters, and Baker's Bundle sourced from Ugandan farming communities in Buikwe District. Products are made with premium Ugandan vanilla beans infused in bourbon and aged to perfection.

Products and services

• Pure Vanilla Extract Bourbon-infused pure vanilla extract made from premium Ugandan vanilla beans, aged in small batches. Non-GMO, gluten free, no artificial flavors. Sold to consumers for baking and culinary use at $25 USD per bottle.
• Baker's Bundle Curated set including premium vanilla extract, vanilla paste, and whole vanilla beans designed for baking, cooking, and beverages. Priced at $65 USD.
• Pure Vanilla Paste Bourbon-infused pure vanilla paste with hand-selected, ethically sourced Ugandan vanilla beans. Non-GMO, gluten free. Priced at $25 USD.
• Vanilla Bitters Handcrafted small-batch vanilla bitters for cocktails made with real Ugandan vanilla, orange notes, bourbon undertones, and aromatic spices. Priced at $35 USD.
• Whole Vanilla Beans Hand-selected whole Ugandan vanilla beans, rich and plump, for infusing creams, syrups, sugar, spirits, or revealing vanilla caviar seeds. Priced at $35 USD.
• Mindoro Restoration Reserve Coffee Shade-grown coffee sourced directly from communities participating in forest restoration and regenerative agroforestry programs in Mindoro, Philippines. Pre-order at $18 USD.
• Bukidnon Community Reserve Cacao Single-origin cacao grown within regenerative agroforestry landscapes in Bukidnon, Philippines. Pre-order at $20 USD.
• Mindoro Arawatan Carbon Project 10,000-hectare reforestation project (with 38,000 ha expansion potential) co-developed with 6 Indigenous Cultural Communities and 12 Farmer Organizations in Mindoro, Philippines, generating Verified Carbon Units at $15/tCO2e pre-purchase pricing.
• Bukidnon Kaamulan Carbon Project Forest restoration and carbon project within 17,000-hectare target area (with 23,000 ha expansion) developed with the Matigsalug-Manobo Indigenous federation, projected to generate approximately 3 million VCUs over a 30-year lifespan.
• Bicol Blue Mangrove Rehabilitation Project 10-hectare mangrove rehabilitation project (with 39 ha immediate expansion) in Camarines Norte, Philippines, restoring abandoned fishponds through aquasilviculture with 137 community members from CAMADA People's Organization under a DENR Community-Based Forest Management Agreement.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2.087M tCO2e total removals projected from Mindoro project over 30 years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GainForestcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner shown on About page, likely providing monitoring and verification technology solutions for restoration projects.
• The Art of ForestscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner in restoration and forest management shown as partner logo on About page.
• VCMI (Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing guidance on voluntary carbon market integrity standards and best practices.
• AACM (Altitude Angels Community Movement)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization shown as logo on About page, relationship details not specified.
• Space IntelligencecoreTechnology or IntegrationGeospatial and climate data science partner providing satellite analysis and mapping capabilities for project monitoring and verification.
• GCashminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPhilippine mobile wallet provider potentially used for local payment processing and financial transactions in project areas.
• KanopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization shown as logo on About page, relationship details not specified.
• Open Forest ProtocolcoreTechnology or IntegrationOpen-source monitoring and verification protocol for forest carbon projects, enabling transparent tracking and validation.
• MBCTIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization shown as logo on About page, relationship details not specified.
• Rural Agency for Sustainable Development (RASD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal community organization in Buikwe District, Uganda working with Wovoka on vanilla supply chain development and farmer engagement.
• Buji Vanilla LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpin-out company from Wovoka commercializing premium Ugandan vanilla products with 20% Ugandan ownership through Ignitius Bwoogi.
• FEMMATRICS (Federation of Matigsalug-Manobo Tribal Councils)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous federation representing Matigsalug-Manobo communities within 103,000 hectare ancestral domain, leading the Bukidnon Kaamulan Carbon Project.
• CAMADA (People's Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal People's Organization managing Bicol Blue project area through Community-Based Forest Management Agreement awarded by DENR, with 137 members.
• Mangyan Indigenous Cultural CommunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner6 Indigenous Cultural Communities co-developing Mindoro Arawatan Carbon Project with ancestral domain involvement.
• DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPhilippine government agency for area verification, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and formal project alignment in restoration initiatives.
• NCIP (National Commission on Indigenous Peoples)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPhilippine government commission for Indigenous Peoples affairs providing FPIC requirements and ancestral domain coordination.
• DENR PENRO/CENROcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvincial and Community ENR offices engaged in Bukidnon Kaamulan Carbon Project for feasibility and implementation coordination.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Pachama: Pachama is a digital marketplace and MRV technology provider for nature-based carbon credits, using satellite data and AI to verify forestry projects. Directly comparable to Wovoka in combining carbon project development with tech-enabled monitoring, though it focuses on marketplace infrastructure rather than ground-level community-led project origination.
• South Pole: South Pole is a large carbon project developer and advisory firm operating globally across ARR, REDD+, and blue carbon methodologies, selling credits and providing climate strategy services. Comparable to Wovoka in core project development plus advisory services model, though at much larger scale and broader geographic footprint.
• Sylvera: Sylvera provides independent ratings and analytics for voluntary carbon credits using satellite data and ML-based MRV. Closely comparable to Wovoka in using geospatial and remote-sensing technology to bring transparency to nature-based credits, though Sylvera operates as an analytics layer rather than a project developer.
• TerraCarbon: TerraCarbon is a nature-based carbon project developer focused on ARR and IFM methodologies with deep forestry expertise. Directly comparable to Wovoka in developing ARR projects under VCS methodologies and selling credits to voluntary market buyers, though focused primarily on US-based forestland.
• Mast Reforestation: Mast Reforestation is a reforestation project developer that combines seedling production, project finance, and carbon credit sales with technology-enabled monitoring. Comparable to Wovoka in operational reforestation plus voluntary carbon credit commercialization, with stronger seedling nursery infrastructure but narrower tropical community focus.

Emerging players

• Open Forest Protocol: Open Forest Protocol is an open-source MRV and registry platform for forest carbon projects, listed as a Wovoka technology partner. Comparable as an emerging forest-carbon technology infrastructure layer with partial overlap in digital MRV, though operates as protocol infrastructure rather than as a project developer.
• Restor: Restor is an open data platform for restoration projects with geospatial monitoring and project transparency features. Comparable in digital MRV and tropical restoration focus, though positioned as a transparency/matching platform connecting funders with projects rather than as a project developer.

Broad incumbents

• Indigo Ag: Indigo Ag operates a large agriculture and carbon program (Indigo Carbon) that combines regenerative agriculture with carbon credit sales. Comparable in bundling agroforestry/regenerative-agriculture practice change with carbon credit revenue, though broader in scope and focused on US commodity crops.
• Rainforest Alliance: Rainforest Alliance is a large international NGO focused on sustainable forestry, certification, and supply chain integrity. Comparable in tropical community engagement, agroforestry supply chain development, and forestry certification, though operates as a nonprofit standards body rather than a project developer.

Others

• Verra: Verra operates the Verified Carbon Standard and manages the registry under which Wovoka's VM0047 ARR projects are registered. Connected as enabling infrastructure rather than a competitor; Wovoka depends on Verra's methodology standards and issuance process for its primary carbon revenue line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wovoka

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wovoka