Impact Inside Company Profile

Background

Impact Inside is a technology-driven company dedicated to enhancing the quality and transparency of nature-based carbon projects. Founded to address industry challenges such as project transparency, equitable co-benefits, and durability risks, the company leverages a cost-effective Software as a Service (SaaS) platform to assist projects and stakeholders in demonstrating high-quality carbon, thereby earning premium prices.

Key Strategic Focus

Impact Inside's strategic focus centers on delivering high-quality nature-based carbon projects through its SaaS platform. Built upon the Theory of Change (ToC) framework, the platform integrates real-time data and AI-enhanced storytelling to support robust project design and reporting. This approach aims to elevate both the actual and perceived quality of carbon projects, fostering greater trust among stakeholders and contributing to the overall health and growth of the industry.

Financials and Funding

Specific details regarding Impact Inside's funding history, total funds raised, recent funding rounds, notable investors, and capital utilization have not been publicly disclosed.

Pipeline Development

Impact Inside's SaaS platform is designed to support the development of high-quality nature-based carbon projects. While specific pipeline candidates, stages of development, target conditions, and anticipated milestones are not publicly detailed, the platform's focus is on enhancing project design, measurement approaches, and communication strategies to generate greater trust and higher credit prices for stakeholders.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Impact Inside's SaaS platform is constructed atop the well-understood Theory of Change (ToC) framework, a respected model for project design and development. It is fueled by real-time data that drive AI-enhanced storytelling and reporting, compatible with highly-recognized co-benefit standards. This technological approach delivers better quality in project design and drives higher credit prices for those that leverage the platform.

Leadership Team

Kyle Holland, PhD – President and CEO

Dr. Holland has over 17 years of experience in nature-based carbon projects and holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. Previously, he contributed to more than 45 carbon projects and authored multiple accounting methodologies under the Verified Carbon Standard. He is a recognized expert in the field and serves on multiple working groups.

Chris McLaren, MBA, CSPO – Chief Operations Officer

With over 25 years of experience, Chris has built high-performing product, sales, and marketing teams across various industries. His previous roles include Chief Commercialization Officer and Chief Customer Officer at Forest Carbon Works and US Market Development Officer at Forest Stewardship Council. He holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Chris Belden – Chief Product & Technology Officer

Chris has over 16 years of experience in product strategy, design, and development across multiple industries. Prior to Impact Inside, he held senior leadership roles at NBC Sports Next, leading product and technology across a portfolio of software products. He holds a B.S. degree in Architecture and Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Jeff Kirkley – Chief Financial Officer

Jeff is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in financial and executive management. He has built companies from the ground up, taken companies public, and raised over $500 million in funding. His experience includes roles at Unity Technologies, Striva, and Sunrise Test Systems. He also created Cornerstone Academy, a charter school in San Jose, CA.

Leadership Changes

There have been no recent significant changes or appointments within Impact Inside's leadership team as of the latest available information.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The impact investing market, which includes nature-based carbon projects, reached USD 1.47 trillion in 2025 and is expected to climb to USD 2.08 trillion by 2030, advancing at a 7.17% CAGR during the forecast period. This growth reflects a shift from philanthropic origins toward a core institutional allocation strategy, driven by mandatory sustainability disclosure rules, expanding sovereign green bond programs, and rising demand for measurable outcomes.

Competitor Analysis

While specific competitors to Impact Inside are not detailed in the available information, the market includes various organizations offering solutions for nature-based carbon projects. These competitors focus on project design, measurement approaches, and communication strategies to enhance project quality and stakeholder trust.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Impact Inside was created to meet the demanding quality requirements of EP Carbon, its first Certified Partner. EP Carbon has been developing nature-based projects for over a decade and is recognized for quality and integrity. Leveraging EP Carbon's extensive experience, Impact Inside developed its SaaS platform to help all projects and stakeholders demonstrate the highest quality in carbon to earn the highest prices.

Operational Insights

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Impact Inside aims to expand its platform's capabilities to address evolving industry challenges, such as project transparency, equitable co-benefits, and durability risks. By continuously enhancing its SaaS platform with advanced technologies and methodologies, the company seeks to support the development of high-quality nature-based carbon projects, fostering greater trust among stakeholders and contributing to the overall health and growth of the industry.