Cambium Raises $18.5M for Mass Timber Expansion
Cambium, a supply chain technology company revolutionizing the wood industry with sustainable materials and advanced logistics, has secured $18.5 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by VoLo Earth Ventures, with participation from NEA, Dangerous Ventures, Tunitas Ventures, Woven Earth, Understorey, Groundswell, and Ulu Ventures. Existing investors, including MaC Venture Capital, Rise of the Rest, 81 Collection, Alumni Ventures, and Soma Capital, also contributed to this funding round.
The newly acquired capital will enable Cambium to integrate AI technology into the $788 billion wood products industry, expand its supply network, scale operations, and venture into the mass timber market. This strategic investment aligns with the company’s mission to modernize the wood supply chain from forestry to construction, improving supply chain efficiency and increasing access to cost-effective sustainable materials.
Kareem Dabbagh, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at VoLo Earth Ventures, emphasized the significance of Cambium’s contributions to the construction and design industries. “By producing high-quality, lower-carbon Carbon Smart™ Wood and creating a more connected supply network, Cambium is solving key challenges in the industry. Our investment reflects our strong belief in their vision, their team, and the value they bring to the construction and design markets,” said Dabbagh.
Streamlining the Wood Supply Chain with AI
Cambium’s platform digitizes and simplifies the wood industry by connecting tree care services, sawmills, and manufacturers to convert salvaged wood into Carbon Smart™ Wood, millwork, and mass timber products. The platform tracks every stage of the lumber supply chain, providing a transparent chain of custody. By integrating AI and large language models (LLMs), Cambium enhances efficiency at every touchpoint, supporting solutions such as log transportation, inventory management, real-time carbon impact tracking, and e-commerce capabilities. This modernization replaces traditional pen-and-paper processes, aligning the industry with contemporary digital standards.
The company’s AI-driven tools empower trucking companies, sawmill operators, and tree care services to optimize workflows and localize production. By shortening supply chains, Cambium reduces the carbon footprint of transportation while supporting regional economies through job creation and sustainable growth. This commitment to reshoring manufacturing aligns with global sustainability goals, promoting a more environmentally responsible construction industry.
Introducing Mass Timber Products from Salvaged Wood
With its expanded capabilities, Cambium is entering the mass timber market, offering structural wood products designed to replace carbon-intensive materials like steel and concrete. The company’s Carbon Smart™ Wood is now being manufactured into cross-laminated timber (CLT), a sustainable building material known for its strength, durability, and low carbon footprint. CLT stores carbon, requires less energy to produce, and serves as a cost-effective alternative for architects and builders seeking to reduce the environmental impact of construction.
To ensure consistent supply and product quality, Cambium has partnered with leading CLT manufacturers, including Mercer Mass Timber, SmartLam North America, Sterling Structural, and Vaagen Timbers. These collaborations will help Cambium meet the growing demand for sustainable building materials, supporting the construction industry’s transition toward environmentally responsible practices.
Proven Impact and Growing Network
Cambium’s impact on the industry is already evident. The company has moved over 8 million board feet of wood from waste streams, sequestering more than 10,000 tonnes of CO2e. Its nationwide network includes over 350 tree care service companies, sawmills, and trucking companies, creating localized supply chains that minimize environmental impact while supporting regional economies.
Innovative collaborations further demonstrate the versatility and appeal of Carbon Smart™ Wood. Notable projects include the Graft Collection with Room & Board, the Bassline Collection with Steelcase, and the flooring for Equinox’s new gym in the historic Brooklyn Domino Sugar Building. These projects highlight the aesthetic and functional benefits of sustainable wood products in both commercial and residential spaces.
Scaling Operations and Expanding Logistics
Co-founded by Ben Christensen, Marisa Repka, and Theo Hooker, Cambium plans to use the new funding to expand its Carbon Smart™ Wood distribution network and scale operations to meet rising demand. A key component of this strategy is Mill Market, a logistics platform acquired by Cambium in July 2024. Mill Market connects tree care services and lumber mills, streamlining transportation and logistics to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The acquisition of Mill Market aligns with Cambium’s broader growth strategy, which includes pursuing additional mergers and acquisitions to enhance its supply chain infrastructure. By strengthening its logistics capabilities, Cambium aims to create a more resilient and efficient supply network that can support the increasing demand for sustainable building materials.
A Smarter Future for the Wood Industry
With global demand for wood expected to triple by 2050, the need for a smarter, more sustainable supply chain has never been greater. Cambium’s AI-driven platform and Carbon Smart™ Wood products offer a scalable solution to this challenge, enabling the construction industry to reduce its carbon footprint while meeting the growing demand for high-quality building materials.
“This investment enables us to scale our supply chain technology across the entire industry, helping sawmills modernize their operations, transform waste into lower-carbon building materials, and bring manufacturing jobs back to local economies,” said Ben Christensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Cambium.
As Cambium continues to innovate and expand, its commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and regional economic growth will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the wood industry.
