Accelerating Early-stage Forest Assets - with Paul Hol

Today, Paul Hol, CEO of Form International and Co-Founder of Treevive, joins me for a conversation. He shares insights from his journey in forest investment within emerging markets, along with the lessons he has learned. Paul also introduces Treevive, a funding vehicle dedicated to providing feasibility funds for successful projects. These funds support activities such as early stage feasibility assessments, preparing for carbon and forest management certification, and strengthening proponents' ESG systems. Additionally, he outlines the three main stages of development: feasibility (supported by Treevive), operational progress, and the final phase of raising equity.QuoteUse ESG experts who can help you with the right decision on the impacts, because we are really talking about impact investors, where it is always seeking that balance between impact and return of investments. Important linksForm InternationalTreevivePaul Hol on LinkedInFavourite tree: Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica)Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesDetails02:22Introduction to Paul's experience in emerging markets and an overview of Treevive 06:16Criteria for project selection and current portfolio08:11Description of typical project and timeframe, Treevive's level of involvement10:33Insights into the biggest risks (flagged during assessment)13:46Types of developers on the ground - how Treevive works with them16:16Working with NGOs and corporations of farmers18:30Engagement structurally and financially20:22Main objectives and success metrics22:55Distinction between Form International and Treevive & Investor profile24:25Expectation on ROI & commercial position25:29Framework that attracts new investors (includes sustainability assessment, certification etc)26:46Three phases of funding: feasibility, operations, raise equity29:00Investor portfolio in second phase30:05Pre-credit sales opportunity, but with caveats31:28Actionable adviceSound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudSign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.