Monthly Archives: September 2025

Text: Maxi Media Communication

Image: Disclosure/Zeno Nativo

Fintech ForestFi and Zeno Nativo are two startups with authentic Amazonian DNA that innovate by investing in sustainable management chains. In the partnership, one contributed the technology and the other the product.

Investment culture has been gaining momentum, with several options for more conservative profiles, such as Treasury Direct, CDB, and LCI, as well as others that cater to moderate and bold investors. And now, those interested in profiting from investments that expand profits beyond monetary terms, combining benefits—such as maintaining the forest and strengthening the Amazon's sociobiodiversity product chains—with financial returns, have found the perfect option: Amazon nut tokens.

The innovation is the result of a project between ForestiFi, a Manaus-based fintech specializing in impact investing, and Zeno Nativo, which produces and sells forest products to traditional communities living near the Acará River in Pará. Both startups are part of the portfolio of AMAZ, the largest impact business accelerator in the North Region, focusing on companies operating in the Legal Amazon.

In April of this year, the startups transformed 1,850 kilograms of Amazonian nuts into digital assets and raised R$114.7 thousand in investments. In total, 82 people participated in the campaign, purchasing 4,588 tokens sold at R$25 each. With a return expected in September (five months), each token is expected to be redeemed for R$26.69—an increase of R$1.69. This represents an increase of R$7.7 thousand in value over the tokenized harvest and a final transaction of R$122.4 thousand.

The amount raised will be transferred directly to more than 50 extractive families in the Acará River region (PA), where the nuts tokenized in this campaign came from.
Glauco Aguiar, co-founder of ForestiFi, is one of those responsible for this innovation. He has worked with other Amazonian sociobiodiversity products, including native cacao, managed pirarucu, and wild guarana, but says there has always been an interest in tokenizing the nut and boosting income generation for those working in the sustainable chain.

"This allows small producers, traditionally excluded from the financial system, to access resources. [...] We've shown that the annually harvested Brazil nuts are a legitimate asset, capable of serving as collateral for fundraising," he explains.
The procedure, however, is not limited to creating a system for buying and selling assets using blockchain technology.

Organizations interested in tokenizing their products need to analyze their governance, legal security, and accounting requirements to ensure the success of investment rounds. "This allows us to address the logistical complexities of the Amazon region in a structured and efficient manner," he adds.

Furthermore, Glauco reinforces that tokenization is an allied tool for the sustainable development of the Amazon, as it encourages the organizational maturity of producer groups, which is reflected in better management practices, increased production efficiency, and the valorization of sociobiodiversity products.

Sustainable production and appreciation of sociobiodiversity

Another key player in the tokenization process is Zeno Gemaque, co-founder of Zeno Nativo. The partnership began during a networking event hosted by AMAZ. After meetings and strategic visits, the idea emerged to innovate by transforming Brazil nuts into digital assets. He celebrates the initiative's success.

"We'll purchase raw materials, in this case, Brazil nuts, to process and sell. [...]. It will be an average of 6,900 kilograms of nuts, which will benefit more than 50 extractive families [on the Acará River]," explains the entrepreneur. Processing is a process that includes selection, shelling, dehydration, packaging, and logistics of the nuts.
Since its founding in 2012, the startup has already sold more than 15 tons of nuts and five tons of fine cocoa, preserving more than 17 thousand hectares of native forest, always with organic certification issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA).

Currently, Zeno Nativo works in collaboration with more than 300 extractive families in the Amazon, strengthening the preservation of the standing forest and generating income for the population.

"We offer sociobiodiversity products to markets that value traceability and sustainable socioenvironmental practices. This is essential to supporting standing forests, combating monoculture and river contamination, and strengthening an economy that respects nature and people," he adds.

However, Pará suffers from several socio-environmental problems, such as wildfires and illegal mining. According to the Deforestation Alert System (SAD) of the Amazon Institute of Man and Environment (Imazon), the state recorded the highest rate of deforestation last year, with 1,260 square kilometers (km²) deforested.

To change this scenario, one of the most viable alternatives is crop diversification, so that other products of regional sociobiodiversity gain value.

"We're interested in tokenizing cocoa in the future, but this will largely depend on the results of the initial experiment. We're testing the mechanism, seeing how it performs within the company and what the results are for our suppliers. From there, we'll conduct an evaluation and explore the possibility of further rounds," concludes the entrepreneur.

International recognition

This was ForestiFi's sixth project in the Amazon, which also involves work with native cacao, managed pirarucu, and wild guarana. This translates into nearly half a million reais raised since its founding two years ago.

All this dedication earned ForestiFi recognition as one of the world's most innovative sustainability startups by Change 100, a campaign by the We Make Change platform with the support of major partners such as Microsoft Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact and Techstars. The announcement was made during the "Change Now" event held in Paris in April.

ForestiFi's focus is strengthening the Amazonian bioeconomy through blockchain technology, connecting small rural producers to sustainable investment markets. The startup has transformed access to financial capital in Northern Brazil, using tokenization as a tool to finance sustainable production activities, protect forest areas, and generate positive socio-environmental impact.

"This recognition reinforces the relevance of our work and opens doors to new international connections. [...] From now on, we will intensify our expansion strategy, consolidating ForestiFi as a global benchmark in the tokenization of natural assets," concludes Glauco.

About ForestiFi

ForestiFi is an impact investment platform that connects investors to sustainable Amazon supply chains, using tokenization technology to ensure traceability, liquidity, and transparency. It has already structured tokens linked to products such as native cocoa, managed pirarucu, and wild guarana.

About Zeno Nativo

Founded by Zeno Gemaque and Coi Belluzzo, Zeno Nativo operates in the municipality of Acará, Pará, processing nuts and cocoa native to the Amazon rainforest. Focused on quality, traceability, and valuing the forest's indigenous peoples, the company operates B2B, B2B2C, and B2C models, serving domestic and international markets.

About Amaz Accelerator

ForestiFI and Zeno Nativo are part of the Amaz Aceleradora de Impacto portfolio, an initiative of the Amazon Conservation and Sustainable Development Institute (Idesam) that supports businesses with solutions to the challenges of the Amazon, from sustainability to income generation for local communities.

Initiatives like this are considered strategic for forest preservation, supporting startups that combine environmental conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity, and economic value generation. This helps strengthen local production chains, increase positive socio-environmental impacts, and promote innovative solutions that contribute to the region's sustainable development.

Text: Maxi Media Communication

Photo: Disclosure/Vivalá

From immersing yourself in indigenous villages in Acre to the beaches of Alter do Chão in Pará, to riverside inns on the Rio Negro and the adventure of Pico da Neblina, different experiences reveal several 'Amazons' in one. Exploring the region through the lens of impact tourism, practiced responsibly and with community leadership, is the best option, especially for locals.

Vivalá, a company supported by Amaz Aceleradora, operates experiences ranging from paradisiacal beaches to Pico da Neblina, connecting visitors to local communities and nature.

"Each itinerary reveals a different Amazon: from the forest to the savannah, passing by rivers and beaches. Multiple immersions are necessary to fully understand the region's diversity and enjoy unique experiences," explains Daniel Cabrera, founder of Vivalá.

At Pico da Neblina (AM), travelers trek to the highest point in Brazil, sail the Cauaburis River, and participate in the blessing of Yanomami chiefs. In the Rio Negro region (AM), the journey includes jungle trails, river bathing, sky-gazing from canoes, interactions with river dolphins regulated by ICMBio, craft workshops, and visits to local wildlife conservation projects.

Between beaches and Amazon rivers, in Pará, Alter do Chão offers navigation along the Jari Canal, the Vovó Samaúma trail, riverside dining, and carimbó and craft workshops. Also in Pará, another option is to visit Belém and Marajó Island. Visitors can stroll along creeks, participate in pottery and chocolate workshops, and experience the extraction of açaí and Turu berries, as well as experience local culture in flour mills and community fishermen's houses.

For those seeking a deeper dive into the ancestral culture of indigenous peoples, a visit to the Shanenawa village (AC) offers jungle trails, dancing and singing, body painting and weaving workshops, traditional ceremonies, and learning about ancestral medicines.

“Sustainable tourism has transformed our way of life,” says Chief Teka Shanenawa, from the Shanenawa village, a place frequented by DJ Alok.

Expeditions are available starting at R$1,125.50, with all packages including accommodations, meals, and travel insurance. More information and reservations can be found on the website. www.vivala.com.br.

Supporting the Amazon on every journey

Amaz is the largest business accelerator and investor in the North of the country. Coordinated by the Amazon Conservation and Sustainable Development Institute (Idesam), it supports initiatives that promote a positive impact on the region, such as Vivalá, including sustainable tourism experiences that value local culture, environmental preservation, and the development of Amazonian communities.

Text: Up Intelligent Communication

Photo: Disclosure/Idesam

Belém will host one of the most strategic Amazon meetings during COP30: the Amazon Impact Investing and Sustainable Business Festival (FIINSA). The event will take place on November 10, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (time to be confirmed), at the Law Campus of the Pará State University Center (CESUPA), bringing together Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, public administrators, investors, researchers, and civil society representatives in an environment of listening, dialogue, and collective development.

The "FIINSA 2025 COP30 – Where action speaks louder" is organized by Idesam and Impact Hub Manaus, co-organized by CESUPA and supported by a broad network of partners. The initiative aims to be a catalyst for positive partnerships, viable businesses, and innovative solutions—built by the Amazon, for the Amazon.

The festival has already established itself as a space for connection and relevance. Since its first edition in 2018, it has promoted strategic initiatives to strengthen sociobiodiversity economies and expand sustainable businesses. Now, in its special edition, FIINSA COP30 expands its reach, bringing debates on how to take forest businesses out of the discourse and into practice, how to create Amazonian economies that respect time and local communities, and how to redistribute decision-making power in the region, among other topics.

Priority themes

The program includes thematic panels, debates to generate action proposals, a fair showcasing sociobiodiversity products (Mercado Amazônia), social and networking spaces, and cultural and gastronomic experiences. Performances and immersions are also confirmed, such as a simulated "herbal bath"—a Pará tradition linked to protective rituals—and forest-inspired areas to foster connections among participants.

"We want to highlight the solutions emerging from the territories and their connections with businesses, investors, and other ecosystem actors who are already transforming local realities. COP30 places the Amazon at the center of the world, and FIINSA wants to highlight how this ecosystem transforms local realities," says André Vianna of Idesam.

Always with a dynamic format, the panels and discussion groups will feature a diversity of voices to enrich the discussions. At the end, an official document will be produced with demands, proposals, and solutions co-created during the festival, aimed at strengthening the bioeconomy and sustainable businesses in the Amazon forests and rivers.

"The festival is more than an event; it's a meeting place for creators, investors, and believers in the Amazon. Our focus is to strengthen the bioeconomy, foster businesses with socio-environmental impact, and promote sustainable investment models," emphasizes the Impact Hub Manaus spokesperson.

For more information, visit the website: https://fiinsa.org.br.

About

The Amazon Impact Investing and Sustainable Business Festival (FIINSA) is organized by Idesam (Amazon Institute for Conservation and Sustainable Development) and Impact Hub Manaus, co-organized by CESUPA. It is sponsored by Fundo Vale, Soros Economic Development Fund, and Bemol. Institutional partners include Instituto Sabin, Projeto Saúde e Alegria, Assobio, Redes Amazônidas pelo Clima, Amazon Entrepreneurship Center, Alliance for Impact Investing and Business, Conexsus, and Casa Amazônia.

Foodtechs Mazô Maná and Mahta and fintech ForestiFI, startups in the Amaz portfolio—an impact business accelerator coordinated by Idesam—have won national and international awards, demonstrating how Amazonian biodiversity can inspire innovative solutions with socio-environmental impact.

Mazô Maná was named Startup of the Year in the ESG category in the Future Builders program, promoted by ACE Ventures, during the ACE Summit 2025. Founded in 2022 in Altamira, Pará, with the mission of nourishing the world through the abundance and wisdom of the forest, the company combines multiple Amazonian ingredients into a supershake and works in partnership with traditional communities and indigenous peoples of the Terra do Meio region, in the Xingu region.

For Zé Porto, the company's co-CEO, the recognition validates a business model that breaks with the traditional startup logic, placing the forest at the center of the solution. "Mazô Maná was born from a need for the forest and built a multifaceted model around it to generate impact. This award shows that it's possible to think of innovation beyond financial gain, placing the forest at the center of the solution," he stated.

Zé also emphasized that Mazô Maná's essence is directly connected to ESG principles, not as a side strategy, but as part of the business's very structure. According to the entrepreneur, this approach has resulted in concrete impacts, such as the creation of compensation mechanisms for forest peoples and the promotion of Amazonian ingredients alongside large companies.

"We don't treat ESG as a separate chapter; it's part of Mazô Maná's design. All governance is built with transparency and community inclusion, and this generates real impacts, from mechanisms that reward socio-environmental services to encouraging large companies to recognize the value of Amazonian ingredients," he noted.

Superfood wins Startup Innovation Awards

Mahta, a foodtech company that operates in the area of dietary supplements and currently operates with 5 products, won the gold medal at the Startup Innovation Awards – promoted by Food Ingredients South America – in the Innovation in Health category, with the product Mahta Shake de Superfoods (acai and camu-camu flavor).

The blend combines 14 ingredients, including seven freeze-dried Amazonian fruits, Brazil nut pie as a protein source, and agroforestry cupuaçu pulp developed in partnership with the RECA Cooperative in Rondônia. For Larissa Bueno, the startup's innovation manager, the award reinforces the role of Amazonian biodiversity as a driver of food innovation.

"We know that one of the best ways to preserve biodiversity is through sustainable use. For Mahta, innovation is a key tool for enabling the widespread application of Amazonian biodiversity and the development of its value chains. However, this use must be carried out according to the principles that regulate access to biodiversity and from a systemic perspective that involves nutritional technology, social justice, and regenerative land use practices," he emphasized.

The award is one of the most traditional in the food and beverage segment and has historically recognized companies and products that combine science and functionality. In 2023, Mahta won 1st and 2nd place in the 'Most Innovative Product' category, with its Superfoods Shake (cocoa flavor) and Mahta Coffee (Original flavor), respectively. In 2024, first place went to Mahta's Brazil nut powder drink in the 'Most Innovative Product' category.

Being a finalist in the awards once again puts the startup in the national spotlight, reinforcing its commitment to a healthier, fairer future connected to the community that believes in the potential of the Amazon rainforest.

ForestiFI at COP 30

ForestiFi, a fintech that tokenizes assets from sustainable Amazon management chains, was selected at the Demoday hosted by the Climate Innovation Hub in São Paulo. The startup received a R$45,000 investment to expand its investment platform, as well as travel and accommodations for company representatives to attend COP 30 in Belém.

According to Macaulay Abreu, co-founder of ForestiFi, the contribution represents more than a financial incentive, opening the way for strategic connections at a global level, especially in the context of the next COP. "The resource ends up being something incremental. Our main focus will be to prepare for the agenda that will be developed at the COP together with the program's organizers and sponsors. The expectation is to expand strategic connections, develop new fundraising tools, and continue to improve what we are already doing," he explained.

For him, the recognition at the event also reinforces the company's consistent work in the Amazon region. The startup tokenizes natural assets via blockchain, generating traceability and income for farmers and extractivists, while connecting local projects with investors interested in socio-environmental impact.

"There were several high-level businesses competing, but we believe that the participation and the model we're developing were the key to this recognition. This demonstrates that our work is pioneering in the region and that the results achieved have been significant, recognized by partners, beneficiary organizations, and investors alike," the co-founder added.

The ACE Summit and Food Ingredients South America are benchmark events in their segments, valuing initiatives that incorporate socio-environmental criteria, such as the ESG category (Environmental, Social, and Governance), used to evaluate companies that integrate sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency into their operations. The Climate Innovation Hub is an initiative that supports businesses focused on adapting to and mitigating the negative effects of climate change.

The Amazon Accelerator

Mazô Maná, Mahta, and ForestiFi are part of the Amaz Aceleradora de Impacto portfolio, an initiative of the Amazon Conservation and Sustainable Development Institute (Idesam) that supports businesses with solutions to the region's challenges, from sustainability to income generation for local communities.

Initiatives like this are considered strategic for forest preservation, supporting startups that combine environmental conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity, and economic value generation. This helps strengthen local production chains, increase positive socio-environmental impacts, and promote innovative solutions that contribute to the region's sustainable development.

Text: Maxi Media Communication

The startups in the portfolio of Amaz Aceleradora de Impacto, coordinated by Idesam, participated in Encontro+B Amazônia 2025, which took place from September 3rd to 5th in Belém, Pará. The companies, through their founders and partners, participated in panels, connections, and experiences that put the Amazon at the center of the global agenda.

Among the highlights is Tucum, represented by CEO Amanda Santana, who participated in the "Raising the Bar" panel on the first day of the event, presenting "B Corp Case Study: Increasing the Level of Impact." For Santana, the B certification reflects the company's purpose and connects its operations to the transformations demanded by the market.

"Since Sistema B arrived in Brazil, we've recognized it. Unlike many companies that need to adapt, Tucum was practically born a B Corp. It's always been a challenge for us, as we're a small business, but during the pandemic, we decided to focus on it because it was part of our purpose," he stated.

Regarding Encontro+B, the businesswoman highlighted the excitement of participating for the first time, especially in an edition held in the Amazon. "I'm very excited; it's a great honor and also a great responsibility to represent the region. I was invited to present the Tucum case study on the first day, as one of the highlights of impact, and that makes me anxious and honored. It will be special to be in Belém, looking into the eyes of so many people, so close to COP30. I think it will be a meeting to remember," she exclaimed.

In addition to Tucum, two other startups from Amaz's portfolio will also be on stage at Encontro+B. Manioca, represented by Paulo Reis, and Mahta, led by Max Petrucci, will participate on the second day (4) to expand the dialogue on the theme "Activating the Future." The panel highlights the perspective that collective actions will be key to the legacy leading up to COP30, reinforcing the role of B Corps as agents of transformation.

It is no coincidence that, at a decisive moment for the planet, Sistema B — a global movement that seeks to redefine capitalism through companies committed to socio-environmental impact — chose the city of Belém (PA) to host the sixth edition of Encontro+B Amazônia 2025.

The event marks a strategic step towards the COP, in November, also in the capital of Pará, and promises to connect business leaders, indigenous communities, civil society representatives, investors and academics under the motto "The Root of the Future."

Other perspectives

Foodetch Tribos Superfoods, also part of Amaz's impact business portfolio, is pursuing certification. The startup's CEO, Maurício Pantoja, attended the event as an attendee and stated that he sees the meeting as a strategic opportunity to learn and be inspired by companies that have already followed this path.

"The certification proved to be very compatible with the business style and relationships we've been seeking. For us, in addition to market validation, it's also an opportunity to partner with other companies that believe in social and environmental impact, not only in the Amazon, but throughout Brazil and the world," explained Maurício.

The businessman also emphasized that his participation in Encontro+B Amazônia was strategic in accelerating the certification process. "This week was incredibly important for meeting companies that have already followed this path, understanding how they maintain consistency over time, and, most importantly, learning through side conversations how we can prepare to earn the seal. Even if it takes a while, the idea is to already apply the B System standards in our daily lives," he added.

Vivalá, another business in the accelerator's portfolio, also played a special role at the event. On Friday (5), the date Amazon Day is celebrated, the startup, in partnership with Natura, conducted two immersion experiences in local communities, bringing 80 people to experience the sociobioeconomy firsthand. The initiative is part of a project that seeks to transform tourism into an alternative source of income.

"Being at Encontro+B and providing these experiences is a way to show that tourism can be an ally of conservation and sustainable development. It's about generating income, but also valuing the knowledge and culture of Amazonian communities," said Pedro Gayotto, co-founder of Vivalá.

Held since 2012, Encontro+B is one of the B Movement's main events in Latin America. Now in its sixth edition, it features the motto "The Root of the Future" and brings together entrepreneurs, investors, organizations, and communities to discuss impactful solutions that point the way toward a more just, sustainable, and collective future.

Text: Maxi Media Communication