by Jim MacLennan | Fire Management
We’ve all seen the devastating images – wildfires turning entire neighborhoods into ash, communities scrambling to recover, and ecosystems disrupted for decades. But what if we could stop these fires before they even begin? That’s the ambitious mission of ThreeV Technologies, and I had the chance to sit down with their CEO and Co-Founder, Eren Aksu, to dive into how they’re using AI and computer vision to support fire management efforts and beyond.
This conversation was particularly timely, occurring during the huge fires in LA (Palisades Fire) in the winter of 2025. Eren and I kicked things off with a sobering reminder: fires are hitting closer to home, and more frequently than ever. Eren’s own old home in Malibu was lost in the fires, and the emotional weight of that experience isn’t just personal – it’s what fuels his drive to prevent future disasters.
From History Buff to Tech Innovator: Eren’s Unexpected Journey
Eren took an unconventional path to becoming a tech entrepreneur. Originally from Istanbul, Eren was fascinated by history, particularly how civilizations overlapped in spaces like the Hagia Sophia. He even dabbled in augmented reality projects during his time at the University of Virginia, imagining ways to bring historical sites to life.
Over time, Eren transitioned from reimagining the past to safeguarding the future. His work with ThreeV Technologies is rooted in the same curiosity – how can we see the unseen? Only now, instead of historical layers, he’s focused on detecting risks hidden within our infrastructure.
So, What Exactly Does ThreeV Technologies Do?
In layman’s terms, ThreeV uses computer vision to analyze visual data – think satellite images, drone footage, thermal cameras, and even photos from smartphones. Their AI models scan these images to detect risks like damaged utility infrastructure, forest vegetation encroaching on power lines, or even potential methane leaks from gas pipelines.
Imagine it like this: instead of waiting for a routine inspection or a catastrophic event, utilities can get an “MRI scan” of their infrastructure. These scans help identify “stage one cancers” – minor issues that, if left untreated, could spiral into full-blown disasters.
Beyond Fire Prevention: A Broader Vision
While ThreeV is laser-focused on preventing utility-caused wildfires right now, their ambitions stretch far beyond that. Their long-term goal is to become the AI powered guidance layer for all physical infrastructure operations & maintenance and are already thinking about adjacent but very similar industries like inspections for gas companies to detect methane leaks – another silent but deadly hazard. The beauty of their technology is its versatility and flexibility of their platform. Whether it’s inspecting power lines or pipelines, the core principle remains the same: spot the problem before it becomes a crisis.
This multi-industry approach isn’t about diluting their mission; it’s about scaling impact. As Eren put it, “A methane explosion is just as devastating to a community as a forest fire.” The common thread? Both can be prevented with better, smarter inspections.
The Tech Behind the Mission: Why This Matters for Fire Management
For those of us invested in Fire Management and sustainable forestry, ThreeV’s work is more than just a cool application of AI – it’s a game changer. The company’s ability to process diverse data sources means they’re not limited to one method of inspection or collection. Whether it’s drones flying over remote forests or iPhones and tablets looking at individual structures from the ground up, ThreeV’s AI models can handle it all.
This flexibility is crucial because wildfires don’t wait for convenient conditions. They strike in the most unpredictable ways, fueled by climate change and aging infrastructure. ThreeV’s technology bridges that gap, offering utilities and forest managers the tools to stay ahead of these threats.
Proving a Negative: The Challenge of Measuring Success
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was tackling the age-old problem of proving a negative. How do you show the value of something when the whole point is to prevent disasters from happening in the first place?
Eren was candid about this challenge. “We don’t guarantee that a crack we find today will cause a failure in two years,” he explained. But what they can guarantee is a higher level of accuracy and much more cost-efficient risk assessment than traditional methods. Their AI models are already as precise as human inspections at a fraction of the cost, and they continually improve as more data comes in.
In a world where we’re losing seasoned inspectors to retirement faster than we can train new ones, this kind of AI-driven support isn’t just helpful – it’s necessary.
Why This Matters to Talking Tree Ventures
At Talking Tree Ventures, we’re always looking for transformative technologies that intersect with sustainability, Forest Economics, and Forest Restoration. ThreeV Technologies embodies this intersection perfectly. Their work isn’t just about preventing fires; it’s about creating more resilient communities and ecosystems.
The ripple effects are enormous. Preventing wildfires protects forests, which in turn preserves biodiversity, maintains carbon sinks, and supports the global fight against climate change. It also safeguards homes, businesses, and livelihoods – demonstrating that technology can serve both economic and environmental goals.
What’s Next for ThreeV Technologies?
ThreeV is gearing up for their seed round of funding, and from the sounds of it, they’re poised for big things. The traction they’ve gained in just a year is impressive, and as they expand into new sectors, their impact will only grow.
Eren isn’t too worried about competitors catching up. The expertise and investment required to do what they’re doing isn’t easy to replicate. They’ve found their niche and are running with it.
Final Thoughts: The Human Side of Innovation
What struck me most about my conversation with Eren wasn’t just the technology—it was the heart behind it. This isn’t just a business for him; it’s personal. Having seen the destructive power of wildfires up close, he’s committed to making sure fewer people have to endure that loss.
It’s a powerful reminder that at the core of every great innovation is a human story. And as we continue to explore the intersection of technology and sustainability at Talking Tree Ventures, stories like Eren’s inspire us to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
If you’re as intrigued by ThreeV Technologies as I am, I encourage you to reach out, whether you’re an investor, a potential partner, or just someone passionate about sustainable tech. Let’s connect and see where these conversations can lead.
Curious about how tech is reshaping sustainability? Join our mailing list for more insights, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments! Stay updated with Talking Tree Ventures.
by Jim MacLennan | Innovation, Investors
Making smart startup investment decisions in early-stage opportunities is both an art and a science. Due diligence uncovers financials, market size, and competitive positioning. But the best investors know that numbers alone don’t tell the full story. The real differentiator? A startup’s Why – the driving force behind its vision, culture, and long-term potential.
At Talking Tree Ventures, we work with investors who understand that a compelling Why is more than a marketing tagline – it indicates resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership. In industries like manufacturing and forestry, where innovation collides with tradition, a well-defined Why can be the difference between a promising venture and a passing fad.
Beyond the Pitch Deck: ‘Why’ Matters More Than You Think
Most founders are well-coached on what investors want to hear. They present sleek decks packed with market growth projections, competitive differentiators, and scalability plans. But smart investors know that these are just snapshots of a moment in time.
A strong Why, on the other hand, is a long-term predictor of success. It answers:
- Why does this company exist beyond making money? Is the founder obsessed with solving a real problem, or just chasing the latest funding trend?
- Why does the market need this now? A Why that aligns with current shifts – like ForestTech innovations in sustainable land management – signals timing and opportunity.
- Why should customers care? If the Why resonates, it creates customer loyalty, reducing churn and making new customer acquisition easier.
Investor Case Study: How ‘Why’ Drives Real Value
Let’s take two early-stage startups in sustainable forestry. Both are seeking investment.
- Startup A has a cutting-edge AI-powered logging optimization platform. Their pitch deck highlights impressive cost savings and efficiency gains, but when asked about long-term vision, the founder struggles to articulate anything beyond profitability.
- Startup B offers a similar AI-driven solution, but their Why is clear: “We exist to maximize timber yield while preserving biodiversity.” Their product roadmap aligns with this mission, securing partnerships with conservation groups and government agencies.
Which startup inspires greater investor confidence? Startup B – they have Why that fuels momentum, attracts mission-aligned partners, and positions them for long-term impact.
It’s no surprise that venture-backed companies with a strong sense of purpose tend to outperform competitors. A study by Harvard Business Review found that companies with a clear mission grow revenue 30% faster than those without one.
How to Assess a Startup’s ‘Why’ During Due Diligence
A well-crafted pitch can mask a weak Why. As an investor, you can cut through the noise by focusing on three key areas:
- Founder Conviction: Does the founder’s passion feel rehearsed, or do they have deep, personal stakes in solving this problem?
- Strategic Alignment: Is the Why reflected in the product roadmap, hiring strategy, and go-to-market plan?
- Customer Validation: Are early adopters emotionally invested in the company’s success, or are they just testing the waters?
If a startup’s Why feels hollow or disconnected from execution, it’s a red flag.
Startups with a Purpose Are More Resilient
Market downturns, regulatory shifts, and technological disruptions are inevitable. Startups with a strong Why weather these storms better because:
- They build communities, not just customer bases. A mission-driven brand attracts long-term advocates.
- They attract top-tier talent. Employees want to work for companies that stand for something.
- They pivot with purpose. When the market shifts, a well-defined Why acts as a north star, guiding smart pivots instead of knee-jerk reactions.
This is especially critical in Forest Economics, where policy changes and environmental regulations can drastically alter market dynamics. Investors should look for startups that align with sustainable practices – not as a side note, but as a core tenet of their Why.
Final Thoughts: Invest in the ‘Why’, Not Just the ‘What’
If you’re an investor evaluating an early-stage startup, ask yourself:
Does this company’s Why feel authentic and deeply embedded in its operations?
Does it provide a strategic advantage that will help it scale sustainably?
Would I invest in this team’s Why even if the product changed tomorrow?
Startups that win the long game aren’t just great at pitching – they have a Why that endures.
Want more investor insights? Join our mailing list for exclusive analysis on the future of startup investment, sustainable innovation, and the intersection of technology and forestry.
by Jim MacLennan | Startups, Innovation
The Hidden Key to Startup Success: A Clear and Compelling Why
When founders pitch their startup, they often focus on what they’re building – a revolutionary product, a disruptive service, an industry-shifting platform. But the best investors, customers, and partners aren’t just interested in what you do; they want to know why you’re doing it.
Why this product? Why now? Why should anyone care?
For early-stage entrepreneurs, defining your Why is one of the most important (and overlooked) steps in building a scalable, investable business. Without it, you risk getting lost in an ocean of competitors, struggling to align your team, and failing to create a message that resonates.
At Talking Tree Ventures, we’ve seen this play out across industries – especially in manufacturing and forestry startups where technical complexity can drown out the human element. The startups that succeed are the ones that cut through the noise with a clear, purpose-driven message that investors, customers, and employees can rally behind.
Why Most Startups Struggle to Gain Traction
Many founders assume that if the product is good, customers will come. But that’s not how it works. Even the best ideas fail if they lack:
- Resources: Whether it’s funding, time, or attention, many startups simply don’t have enough to break through.
- Opportunity: A great idea means nothing if the market isn’t ready – or if you can’t close the deal.
- Permission: Internal stakeholders, regulators, or legacy industry norms can block progress before it starts.
So how do you overcome these challenges? By defining and communicating a compelling Why.
The Power of Why: Lessons from Startups Who Got It Right
Some of the most successful startups didn’t win by having the most advanced tech or the biggest budgets – they won because they had a Why that people believed in.
Consider Patagonia, a brand that has built an empire not just on selling outdoor gear, but on a mission to protect the planet. Their Why is so strong that customers gladly pay a premium for their products, and investors see them as a long-term, sustainable business.
In the ForestTech space, startups like NCX (formerly SilviaTerra) have gained traction by clearly communicating how their data-driven forest management tools help landowners and corporations make better, more sustainable decisions. They aren’t just another tech company – they exist to solve an environmental problem.
Your startup doesn’t have to be a Patagonia or NCX, but if you define your Why early, you’ll have an easier time attracting funding, engaging customers, and inspiring your team.
Practical Steps to Define and Use Your Why
Most founders struggle to articulate their Why because they get caught up in the product details. Here’s a simple 3-step framework to help:
- Step 1: Answer the Hard Questions. Ask yourself: Why does this startup exist? What problem are we solving that no one else can? How will the world be different if we succeed?
- Step 2: Test Your Why on Others. Share your Why with potential investors, customers, and employees. Do they understand it? Do they care? If not, refine it.
- Step 3: Embed Your Why into Everything. Your Why should guide your branding, product roadmap, investor pitch, and hiring decisions. If it’s not driving how you operate, it’s just a slogan.
Why This Matters for Sustainable Innovation
At Talking Tree Ventures, we believe that startups have a responsibility to build businesses that don’t just chase short-term gains, but contribute to long-term sustainability.
Whether you’re working in Forest Restoration, Fire Management, or any other industry where technology and nature intersect, your Why isn’t just a branding exercise – it’s a moral compass for how you scale.
A well-defined Why ensures that as you grow, your business stays aligned with the values that made it meaningful in the first place.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Why, and Your Startup Will Follow
If you’re struggling to gain traction, raise funding, or scale effectively, take a step back and re-evaluate:
Are you clearly communicating why your startup exists?
Does your Why inspire investors, customers, and employees?
Is your Why guiding your strategic decisions, or is it just an afterthought?
The founders who own their Why will always have a competitive advantage. Those who don’t will struggle to stand out.
Want more insights like this? Join our mailing list for exclusive startup advice, industry trends, and actionable strategies for scaling with purpose.
Recommended Books:
by Jim MacLennan | Forest Economics, Forest Restoration
The Big Question: What Are Carbon Credits, and Why Should You Care?
Carbon credits are one of those ideas that sound simple on the surface – companies pay to offset their emissions, and the planet wins – but once you start peeling back the layers, things get complicated. If you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, or a leader in manufacturing or forestry, you need to know how this market works.
Carbon credits are becoming a critical piece of global sustainability strategies. They create financial incentives to reduce emissions, but they also introduce complexities that businesses and investors must navigate. For those looking to innovate in ForestTech or sustainable manufacturing, understanding this space isn’t optional – it’s a competitive advantage.
The Origins: Where Did Carbon Credits Come From?
The concept of carbon credits emerged in the 1990s as part of global efforts to combat climate change. Some key moments:
- 1997: Kyoto Protocol – Introduced the first international carbon market, allowing countries to trade emission reductions.
- 2005: European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) – Created the largest regulated carbon market, setting the stage for corporate participation.
- 2015: Paris Agreement – Shifted focus toward voluntary carbon markets, where companies set their own reduction goals and buy credits to offset emissions.
Fast forward to today, and we have an evolving landscape of compliance markets (government-regulated) and voluntary markets (corporate-driven). The challenge? Making sure these systems actually work.
The Value: Why Carbon Credits Matter
At their core, carbon credits serve three major purposes:
- Incentivizing Emission Reduction– Companies that exceed reduction targets can sell credits, creating financial rewards for sustainability.
- Funding Climate Projects – Many credits support initiatives like reforestation and carbon sequestration, giving capital to projects that make a tangible environmental impact.
- Enhancing Corporate Responsibility – Companies use carbon credits to align with sustainability goals, improve brand image, and stay ahead of regulations.
For entrepreneurs and investors, carbon credits aren’t just a compliance tool – they represent an opportunity. Startups in ForestTech are building digital verification tools, AI-driven carbon assessments, and next-gen forestry models that make these markets more efficient and transparent.
The Challenges: What’s Holding Carbon Credits Back?
Carbon markets sound great in theory, but execution has been a challenge. Some major roadblocks:
- Verification Issues – Not all credits represent real reductions. Some projects exaggerate impact, and without reliable monitoring, greenwashing becomes a problem.
- Market Volatility – Prices for carbon credits fluctuate wildly, making it hard for businesses to plan long-term strategies.
- Double Counting & Fraud – Some credits are counted more than once, eroding trust in the system. Blockchain and AI solutions are emerging to solve this, but adoption is slow.
This is where innovation comes in. Investors and startups are stepping up to create more transparent, data-driven solutions. Companies like Pachama and Sylvera are leveraging satellite imagery and AI to improve carbon credit verification. If you’re looking for high-impact opportunities, solving these challenges could be your next big move.
Lessons from the Past: How Challenges Have Been Overcome
Carbon markets have faced skepticism before, but solutions have emerged:
- Stricter Verification Standards – The introduction of third-party auditors has improved credit legitimacy.
- Tech-Driven Transparency – Companies are developing blockchain-based registries to track credits and prevent double counting.
- More Corporate Buy-In – Big tech firms like Microsoft and Amazon are investing heavily in carbon offsets, signaling confidence in the market’s future.
As these systems improve, they open the door for entrepreneurs to build next-gen climate solutions and for investors to back high-growth companies that bridge the gap between sustainability and profitability.
The Future: Where Are Carbon Credits Going?
Looking ahead, several trends will define the next five years:
- Integration with AI & Remote Sensing – AI-driven monitoring will make verification faster and more reliable.
- Growth of Nature-Based Solutions – Forest conservation, soil carbon sequestration, and regenerative agriculture will dominate the space.
- Stronger Regulation & Standardization – Governments and organizations will push for more accountability, increasing demand for trusted carbon credits.
For startups and investors, this means opportunities to create value by solving inefficiencies, improving tracking, and building scalable, tech-driven solutions.
Why You Should Care (And What to Do About It)
The carbon credit market isn’t just an environmental initiative – it’s a business reality. Whether you’re in manufacturing, ForestTech, or sustainability investing, this space is shaping global markets and supply chains.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
- For Entrepreneurs: Look at pain points in verification, pricing, or accessibility. Are there ways to streamline processes with better tech?
- For Investors: Find startups tackling these challenges with scalable solutions. Companies bridging the gap between carbon markets and AI, blockchain, or remote sensing are prime candidates.
- For Business Leaders: Understand how carbon credits fit into your sustainability strategy. This isn’t just about compliance – it’s about staying competitive.
The bottom line? Carbon credits are a fast-moving space where innovation is needed. Whether you’re building, funding, or adapting, now is the time to engage.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Join our mailing list for insights on ForestTech, sustainability markets, and startup opportunities: Join Here.
by Jim MacLennan | Communication, Startups
If you have been following my recent series of articles, you know that I have a certain level of respect for the common buzzword. Yes, they can be overused and trivialized in the business press (and in everyday life). Alas, some buzzwords are overworked, laden with so much meaning as to be almost unrecognizable. Case in point – Sustainability.
What Does Sustainability Mean?
I consistently hear this simple question when I broach the subject. It is laden with subtext—are we talking about hot-button social issues or block-and-tackle business concerns? And there are so many social, environmental, and economic topics getting lumped in—how can we define something so broad with a single word?
Entrepreneurs in forestry and environmental industries grapple with this even more. Investors want “sustainable” ventures, but what does that really mean? A startup planting trees for forest restoration has a different sustainability challenge than one developing AI-driven wildfire prediction models.
I sense a certain amount of exasperation over this term from engineers and technical folks who have been around a few years. Nicely amped up over a beer, we reminisce about the Roaring 90s when we were designing systems and processes that lived within the four walls of our respective companies.
Back in the day, we designed systems and processes that were ‘sustainable and scalable.’
That meant robust systems that could keep going over time, surviving the twists and turns of everyday operations. This idea of sustainability—the ability to keep things running—applies just as much to startups today.
For an early-stage entrepreneur, sustainability starts with:
- Technology—Can your core solution evolve with industry changes?
- Operations—Can you scale without burning cash too fast?
- People—Can you train and retain the right talent as you grow?
From this viewpoint, sustainability is a **proactive** practice, ensuring your business model doesn’t collapse under pressure.
Resilience vs. Sustainability: Startups Need Both
Wait a sec … that sounds like ‘resilience.’ Aren’t you designing resilience into your systems and processes?
Yes—but resilience and sustainability are different. Resilience is a **reactive** approach to risk management, ensuring systems and processes keep running today, tomorrow, next week, next month.
For example, if your startup relies on a specific supplier for seedlings, what happens if that supplier goes out of business? A resilient company has backups. If you’re using drones for wildfire detection, what happens when a regulation changes? A resilient company adapts.
Think of it this way:
- Resilience is about surviving surprises. Sustainability is about thriving long-term.
- Resilience is defensive. Sustainability is strategic.
- Resilience keeps the lights on. Sustainability ensures you have a future.
Startups need both.
What Does Sustainability Mean … Today?
The world has expanded the definition of sustainability. It’s no longer just about operations and supply chains—it’s about broader impact. How did we get from that to diversity, poverty, climate change, and forest economics?
Actually, we haven’t made that big of a leap. We’re still talking about systems and processes—just on a larger scale. And for startups, this means thinking about:
- Environment – How does your product or service impact the natural world? Whether you’re in reforestation, sustainable timber, or carbon capture, you need to prove your environmental sustainability to attract funding.
- Economics – Can your startup grow profitably without constant funding rounds? How will you scale without exhausting resources?
- Community – Who benefits from your business? Investors? Customers? Local communities? Employees? Can you build lasting relationships that make your startup indispensable?
Cutting Through the Buzzword Clutter
To avoid drowning in sustainability jargon, entrepreneurs need to simplify and communicate clearly—especially when pitching investors. Consider these startup success stories:
- DroneSeed – Uses drones to plant trees after wildfires, tackling both sustainability and scalability issues in reforestation.
- Pachama – Uses AI and remote sensing to validate carbon offsets, making sustainability data-driven and transparent.
- Bark House – Produces sustainable wood siding and wall panels while ensuring ethical sourcing and carbon-negative operations.
What do they have in common? They explain their impact in plain language. No jargon. No fluff. Investors and customers understand exactly what they do.
Can We Get Back to Our Beer?
That’s actually a wise idea. Most startups will resonate with a subset of sustainability’s broad range of concepts. As a first step, it’s enough to understand the three pillars—Environment, Economics, and Community—and how they fit into your business strategy.
Then, communicate it clearly and simply. That’s how you cut through the buzzword clutter and build a truly sustainable business.
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Share your thoughts in the comments—how does your startup define sustainability?
