Derrick Emsley - veritree
Thu Jan 29 2026
SummaryIn this conversation, Kevin Lim interviews Derrick Emsley, CEO of veritree and co-founder of tentree. They discuss Derrick's entrepreneurial journey, the founding of tentree, and the transition to veritree, a technology platform designed to enhance reforestation efforts. Derrick shares insights into the challenges of verifying tree planting projects and the innovative technology veritree employs, including geospatial analysis and blockchain for transparency. The discussion highlights the importance of trust in environmental initiatives and the potential for technology to drive impactful change in sustainability. In this conversation, Derrick Emsley discusses the challenges and opportunities in the reforestation sector, particularly focusing on verification standards and the importance of transparency. He highlights successful projects in Kenya and Canada, emphasizing the impact of partnerships. Derrick also shares insights on the role of AI in enhancing reforestation efforts and the significance of understanding the core problems in the industry. He concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of being problem-focused rather than solution-obsessed.Takeaways- Derrick Emsley started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age.- tentree was created to connect consumers with tree planting initiatives.- veritree emerged from the need for better verification in reforestation.- Technology plays a crucial role in monitoring and verifying tree planting.- Blockchain can enhance trust in environmental projects.- Derrick's background in Saskatchewan influenced his work ethic and values.- The importance of community support in entrepreneurship.- veritree's technology connects funders with restoration projects.- The role of geospatial technology in project design and implementation.- Trust is essential for the success of digital environmental products. Verification standards can create challenges in reforestation.- Transparency is key to overcoming verification issues.- Successful partnerships can lead to significant impact.- Traveling to project sites enhances understanding and motivation.- Diverse reforestation initiatives include mangroves and agroforestry.- AI can streamline workflows and improve data insights.- Setting ambitious goals can drive team motivation.- Quality of tree planting is as important as quantity.- Understanding the problem is crucial for entrepreneurs.- Real-world experience is essential for identifying industry challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction to veritree and tentree02:56 Derrick Emsley's Early Journey and Entrepreneurial Roots06:06 The Genesis of tentree and Its Impact09:11 Transitioning to veritree: The Need for Technology12:01 Building Technology for Reforestation15:00 Understanding veritree's Technology and Applications17:52 Customer Engagement and Project Implementation21:09 The Role of Blockchain in veritree24:02 Future of Reforestation and Technology27:52 Navigating Verification Challenges in Reforestation33:00 Highlighting Successful Projects and Partnerships38:05 The Impact of Travel on Project Insights40:55 Exploring Diverse Reforestation Initiatives45:03 The Role of AI in Enhancing Reforestation Efforts48:45 Scaling Goals: Challenges and Opportunities51:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
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SummaryIn this conversation, Kevin Lim interviews Derrick Emsley, CEO of veritree and co-founder of tentree. They discuss Derrick's entrepreneurial journey, the founding of tentree, and the transition to veritree, a technology platform designed to enhance reforestation efforts. Derrick shares insights into the challenges of verifying tree planting projects and the innovative technology veritree employs, including geospatial analysis and blockchain for transparency. The discussion highlights the importance of trust in environmental initiatives and the potential for technology to drive impactful change in sustainability. In this conversation, Derrick Emsley discusses the challenges and opportunities in the reforestation sector, particularly focusing on verification standards and the importance of transparency. He highlights successful projects in Kenya and Canada, emphasizing the impact of partnerships. Derrick also shares insights on the role of AI in enhancing reforestation efforts and the significance of understanding the core problems in the industry. He concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of being problem-focused rather than solution-obsessed.Takeaways- Derrick Emsley started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age.- tentree was created to connect consumers with tree planting initiatives.- veritree emerged from the need for better verification in reforestation.- Technology plays a crucial role in monitoring and verifying tree planting.- Blockchain can enhance trust in environmental projects.- Derrick's background in Saskatchewan influenced his work ethic and values.- The importance of community support in entrepreneurship.- veritree's technology connects funders with restoration projects.- The role of geospatial technology in project design and implementation.- Trust is essential for the success of digital environmental products. Verification standards can create challenges in reforestation.- Transparency is key to overcoming verification issues.- Successful partnerships can lead to significant impact.- Traveling to project sites enhances understanding and motivation.- Diverse reforestation initiatives include mangroves and agroforestry.- AI can streamline workflows and improve data insights.- Setting ambitious goals can drive team motivation.- Quality of tree planting is as important as quantity.- Understanding the problem is crucial for entrepreneurs.- Real-world experience is essential for identifying industry challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction to veritree and tentree02:56 Derrick Emsley's Early Journey and Entrepreneurial Roots06:06 The Genesis of tentree and Its Impact09:11 Transitioning to veritree: The Need for Technology12:01 Building Technology for Reforestation15:00 Understanding veritree's Technology and Applications17:52 Customer Engagement and Project Implementation21:09 The Role of Blockchain in veritree24:02 Future of Reforestation and Technology27:52 Navigating Verification Challenges in Reforestation33:00 Highlighting Successful Projects and Partnerships38:05 The Impact of Travel on Project Insights40:55 Exploring Diverse Reforestation Initiatives45:03 The Role of AI in Enhancing Reforestation Efforts48:45 Scaling Goals: Challenges and Opportunities51:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs