Woodchuck raises $3.75m to turn construction waste into clean energy

A US startup using artificial intelligence to convert construction waste into biomass fuel has raised $3.75 million (€3.45m) in seed funding.
Michigan-based firm Woodchuck, which uses AI to sort and process wood waste into renewable energy, secured the investment from a group led by investor Mason Fink, with backing from energy firm NorthStar Clean Energy, Alloy Partners and Beckett Industries.
The company says its technology helps divert timber and wood waste from landfills, instead converting it into a high-quality feedstock for bioenergy producers.
The funding will support its plans to expand operations and help firms in the construction, manufacturing and energy sectors meet growing demands for sustainable solutions.
Founder and chief executive Todd Thomas said: “Every year, millions of tonnes of wood waste are sent to landfill. Our AI-driven platform allows us to extract value from this waste, turning it into clean energy and helping companies reduce their environmental impact and costs.”
The announcement was marked with a launch event at Woodchuck’s headquarters in Grand Rapids, attended by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other local leaders. The Governor described the company as a promising example of how innovation and environmental responsibility can support economic growth.
The US construction industry produces more than 41 million tons of wood waste each year, most of which ends up in landfill.
Woodchuck’s platform uses AI image recognition to sort materials, producing a cleaner and more consistent biomass product that can be used to generate energy.
The company claims its service can reduce waste-hauling costs by up to 30% for clients, while also providing detailed reporting on carbon savings and energy output.
Woodchuck’s technology is already being used to supply biomass to CMS Energy facilities, helping to provide a stable source of energy alongside intermittent renewables like wind and solar.