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Coolant, a startup using spatial AI to make 3D models of the land, has closed $4.3 million led by General Catalyst and Floodgate, CEO Michael Wu tells Axios Pro.

Why it matters: Landowners and farmers trying to adapt to the changing climate are seeking better data about forests and farmlands.

Zoom in: Coolant, spun out of MIT's Climate and Energy Ventures, raised the $4.3 million via both a seed and a pre-seed round.

General Catalyst was joined by Wicklow Capital and Ponderosa Ventures in the seed round, and Floodgate led the pre-seed financing. 

Wu says Coolant, which is operating in 14 countries and working with the Ocean Foundation, will use the proceeds to bring in new landowner, government and agriculture customers.

How it works: Coolant collects 3D visual data about a customer's land from sources like drone flyovers, satellite data, and lidar. 

This type of data has historically been expensive to collect, using tools like aerial surveys, high-end sensors, or involving manual processes. 

Coolant is tapping into the emerging world of spatial AI, to use visual land data to build spatial models and digital twins of forests, farm land and coast lines.

The models can help the landowners better manage their plots, tap into carbon credit resources and prepare for future changes like wildfire risk or deforestation.

The big picture: San Francisco-based Coolant claims over the next few years it will be creating the largest spatial dataset on the planet, mapping every centimeter of the Earth's surface.

AI is lowering the cost of mapping and managing all sorts of sectors from power grids to food chains to mining.

What's next: Coolant is looking to reach 1 million acres mapped before going out to raise its next round. 

Exclusive: General Catalyst backs climate spatial AI startup

Coolant claims it's building the largest spatial dataset on the planet.

Person holding a gray DJI drone controller with a smartphone showing a forest map and flight details outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

Startup Coolant uses a drone to map out spatial imaging of forests in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of Coolant.

Coolant, a startup using spatial AI to make 3D models of the land, has closed $4.3 million led by General Catalyst and Floodgate, CEO Michael Wu tells Axios Pro.Why it matters: Landowners and farmers trying to adapt to the changing climate are seeking better data about forests and farmlands.

Exclusive: General Catalyst backs climate spatial AI startup

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