Gigablue Secures $20 Million Series A to Advance Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Technology

On January 26, 2026, Gigablue, a pioneer in marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR), announced the successful first closing of its Series A funding round, raising $20 million. This significant investment was led by Planet Ocean Capital, also known as the Planet Ocean Fund. This entity distinguishes itself as the premier European fund-of-funds dedicated exclusively to the burgeoning sector of ocean-related climate technology.

Beyond the impressive financial figure, this transaction signals a pivotal shift in the global market's perception of carbon sequestration. Industries with emissions that are traditionally difficult to abate are increasingly viewing long-term carbon removal not merely as a luxury, but as essential infrastructure. The industry is moving toward a model where removal must be substantiated by rigorous empirical measurements rather than speculative projections.

At the heart of Gigablue’s innovation is the MCFS method, which stands for Microalgae Carbon Fixation and Sinking. This technique involves boosting the natural carbon fixation capabilities of local phytoplankton and microalgae using specialized engineered substrates. Once the carbon is captured, these organisms are systematically guided into the deep layers of the ocean or the seafloor sediment, effectively mimicking and enhancing the ocean’s natural biological carbon pump.

A critical component of this process is the permanence of the stored carbon. According to the standards set by Puro.earth, the MCFS methodology adheres to a conservative global benchmark known as COR200+. This certification ensures that the captured carbon remains sequestered for a minimum of 200 years under specified conditions, providing the long-term reliability required by climate scientists and investors alike.

The path toward full-scale verification has been paved by rigorous oversight. Following a public consultation period in the summer of 2025, the Puro.earth Advisory Board officially approved the MCFS methodology on September 30, 2025. While this approval does not serve as an automatic guarantee for every individual project, it establishes a vital framework where monitoring requirements and risk management protocols are clearly defined in advance.

Gigablue intends to utilize the $20 million infusion to scale its physical deployments and significantly bolster its MMRV capabilities—standing for Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification. The company is prioritizing data over slogans, recognizing that the credibility of ocean-based solutions depends entirely on the transparency and accuracy of their results.

The company’s technical roadmap includes the following focus areas:

• Comprehensive monitoring of the water column and deep-sea environments.
• Integration of advanced sampling techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to ensure ecological integrity.
• Combining sophisticated computer modeling with in-situ data collection to provide proof of carbon durability and prevent re-leakage.

Field operations and foundational research are currently centered in New Zealand, where Gigablue operates under the strict oversight of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA NZ). The company has already engaged in mandatory pre-activity notifications and other regulatory procedures. This adherence to local governance serves as a benchmark for how oceanic interventions must be managed through transparency and official permits.

Ocean-based CDR is a high-stakes arena where the margin for error is slim. The long-term success of such initiatives will be determined by their ability to provide open-access data and undergo independent third-party audits. In this evolving landscape, financial milestones and impressive growth charts are secondary to the demonstration of manageable risks and verifiable environmental impact.

What does this event contribute to the global conversation on climate? It reinforces the idea that the ocean is not a mere reservoir for human waste, but a complex, living system of delicate balances. By treating the sea with the respect it deserves, we ensure that our technological interventions do not disrupt the very life we are trying to protect.

Ultimately, as we refine our ability to remove CO2 in a way that is measurable, reversible, and ecologically respectful, we are doing more than just developing climate tech. We are fostering a new ethical framework for how humanity interacts with the planet's most vital ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable legacy for generations to come.