World Tree USA LLC offering is now closed and is no longer accepting investments.

INVEST IN WORLD TREE USA LLC TODAY!

Eco-Timber that offsets your carbon footprint

We are not growing trees fast enough to keep up with the demand for wood products. World Tree is planting fast-growing, carbon-crunching, soil-restoring Empress trees with farmers to produce sustainable hardwood lumber. Unique in the market, this beautiful, versatile hardwood is strong and light - the aluminum of lumber. By our calculations, one acre of trees planted offsets your carbon footprint for a decade.

This Reg CF offering is made available through StartEngine Capital, LLC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment.
World Tree USA LLC

$267,538.50 Raised

Reasons to Invest

  • A beautiful eco-lumber grown for speed and scale: With a goal of reducing harmful deforestation practices, and giving back to the planet in the process, World Tree partners with farmers to grow Empress Splendor trees - which are known for their ability to reach maturity within ten years,* to be harvested for lumber, and then regenerate naturally to begin the process anew.


  • Massive future growth in lumber markets predicted: Wood products are a global multibillion-dollar industry, currently valued at around $684.26B and expected to reach roughly $903.33 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 7.2%.* World Tree is targeting the US market for wooden furniture, cabinets, surfboards, instruments and veneers - which we estimate to be worth $178B by 2033 based on our own market analysis.


  • Proven, scalable model: World Tree has been developing its proprietary Eco-Tree Program for the past six years, with an expert team that brings together decades of combined forestry experience. Our operation is an international network that includes farmers, foresters, scientists, investors, and business partners, encompassing multiple regions and locations.


*Market information provided by (source) (source

overview


How World Tree's farms create profit for people and the planet


World Tree’s approach is simple. With the help of our supporters, who invest in a series of trees, we supply our farmers with saplings, and train them to grow our Empress Splendor trees according to an exact science. Within ten years, the trees are ready to be harvested and sold as hardwood lumber for a profit that is shared between farmers, investors and our company. Your investment will only entitle you in a share from potential profits in our expected harvesting round after the completion of this offering and planting of trees. Please refer to our Why Invest section below for further details on our business model and structure.



World Tree has established a network of nurseries across four countries and has over 20 different genotypes in our collection. Empress Splendor has the botanical names Paulownia elongata and Paulownia fortunei. We use only non-invasive varieties specially selected for each growing region.

the problem & our solution


Eco-friendly, planet-healing, Empress farming saves forests

Global demand for timber is predicted by the World Bank to quadruple by 2050  (source). With 30% of the world’s trees already on the verge of extinction, finding a sustainable supply is a huge issue (source). If this trend continues, we are at risk of losing more native forests, environmental diversity, and the carbon capture benefits that trees provide.


World Tree has a solution. Our regenerative tree farms produce a beautiful versatile hardwood called Empress Splendor. This blonde lumber is strong yet light, does not warp or rot and is a fantastic replacement for cedar, ash, balsa and other commonly used at-risk tree species. Additionally, because Empress trees are non-invasive (source), revive degraded soil, and help promote the growth of other plants (source), this process has a positive impact for the surrounding ecosystem.


the market & our traction 


Climate-smart lumber grown for speed, quality and scale


World Tree targets high-end markets, focusing on products with long-life spans to maximize the time the carbon is stored. These markets are huge - covering furniture, window blinds, veneers, musical instruments, surfboards, and more.

 

Our most famous partner is former president Jimmy Carter. We harvested his Empress tree farm and put his wood into the hands of high-end designers and luthiers. The designers crafted guitars, paddle boards, furniture, and an art installation at the Securities and Exchange Commission building in New York City.



Having completed fieldwork, research, and development in our early years, we believe we have a six-year head start over any would-be competitors. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to scale the Empress species in North and Latin America. To date we have successfully planted 5,000 acres of trees, across 300+ farms in the Southeastern United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.


As momentum for our mission and our supply grows, our long-term goal is to plant over 300,000 acres of trees, while securing positive returns for our investors and farmers.


why invest


Every $4,600 invested plants another acre of Empress trees, benefiting our planet and our partners


The Eco-Tree Program is designed to unite investors and farmers to fund and grow Empress Splendor trees.


For every $4,600 invested we plant 1 acre of Empress trees across dozens of farm locations in the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica. By spreading our farms over multiple locations we can diversify risk and maximize impact.



After harvest, any profits are shared with our farmers and investors. Farmers receive 50% of profits, investors 25% and World Tree 25%. Please note World Tree USA LLC is a limited liability company that is structured around its planting & harvesting. What this means, is that an investor in this offering will be investing in the planting of a new round of trees and the Series A Units do not reflect a voting equity position in the Company but rather rights to share in any profits generated by the harvest of this particular crop of trees. Please refer to the Company’s securities section for more information regarding current authorized and outstanding securities. The Company is 100% controlled by Series B Unitholders.

 

*The information included above is forward looking information. Please refer to our risk factors section in our Form C and to our Forward Looking Information Legend included in our Terms section on this page.



 

Be a part of our next vintage by investing with World Tree!

 

Code View

ABOUT

HEADQUARTERS
2361 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 475
El Segundo, CA 90245

We are not growing trees fast enough to keep up with the demand for wood products. World Tree is planting fast-growing, carbon-crunching, soil-restoring Empress trees with farmers to produce sustainable hardwood lumber. Unique in the market, this beautiful, versatile hardwood is strong and light - the aluminum of lumber. By our calculations, one acre of trees planted offsets your carbon footprint for a decade.

TEAM

Douglas Willmore
Douglas Willmore
CEO & Co-Chair of the Board

Doug Willmore has an accomplished career in both the public and private sectors and was a sought-after consultant in breakthrough performance to Fortune 100 companies.

Doug led growth as CEO of Reference Pathology Services from 21 employees and $1.2 million in revenue to 120 employees and $22.2 million in revenue upon the company’s sale of $33.5 million four years later.

He led the turnaround of the City of Bell, CA after it was on the verge of bankruptcy. The city went from a $200K general fund balance to a $22.5M fund balance.

Doug was the Chief Administrative Officer of Salt Lake County, UT for 6 years where he managed more than 4000 employees and an annual budget of more than $800 million. 

Wendy Burton
Wendy Burton
Founder, Co-Chair of the Board

Wendy Burton has over 24 years of experience with the Paulownia (Empress Splendor) tree, appearing on shows such as Oprah, Family & Home, and the American Environmental Review.

She has been the motivating force behind World Tree’s mission to regenerate our forests, drawdown carbon, and create a timber investment that creates healthy market rate returns.

Wendy created World Tree as a "for-profit, for-good" company and advocates for the business philosophy that investors can earn while positively impacting the world.

Catherine Key

Catherine Key

President, Chief Business Development Officer and Director

Dr. Cathy Key has been working with the Empress Splendor tree (Paulownia) for 8 years. 

She has been instrumental in the rollout of cutting-edge audit processes, supply chain diversification and management of biological assets. 

Cathy launched and managed a software company for 15 years, working with companies that included Telus and Johnson and Johnson.

With a PhD in Anthropology, specializing in the economics of cooperation, Cathy brings a diverse skill-set to the organization.

Deborah Cullen

Deborah Cullen

CFO, CAO & Director

Deborah Cullen is an accomplished finance executive who worked for more than 25 years as a finance executive with USPS.

Deb has been a senior audit manager for Mayer Hoffman McCann and audited organizations ranging in size from $10 to $150 million.

Deb was also the Finance Director for the City of El Segundo, CA for almost 10 years. She oversaw and managed a budget of more than $225 million annually.

Most recently, Deb was Finance Director for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA until October 2019 when she joined World Tree as CFO.

Terry Rodrigue

Terry Rodrigue

COO

Terry Rodrigue oversees the Company’s operations in 5 countries, including the tissue labs, nurseries and farmers. He is a professional engineer and experienced entrepreneur. 

He grew an engineering company from one person to almost 500. It managed the planning, design and construction of billions of dollars of infrastructure and was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. 

He brings his extensive background in operating in a rapid growth environment and knowledge of field operations to World Tree.

Chris Wedding

Chris Wedding

Director

Dr. Chris Wedding is a former environmental private equity investor and impact investment banker, Duke and UNC Chapel Hill professor, 3x startup founder, and executive coach with over $1 billion of investment experience and 60,000 professional students taught.

Chris brings a global perspective, with experience in 20+ countries in climate tech, renewable energy infrastructure, impact/ESG investing, corporate sustainability strategy, and green real estate. 

He is the Founder of Entrepreneurs for Impact, an executive peer group program for founders, CEOs, and investors tackling climate change.

Chris dedicates less than 5 hours per week to World Tree. His primary jobs are with Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business and Entrepreneurs for Impact.

Allan English

Allan English

Director

Allan English is the founder of SilverChef, which has helped more than 50,000 hospitality businesses achieve their dreams. It is regularly listed in the Top 50 great places to work in Australia.

In 2010 he created the English Family Foundation with a donation of just over 50% of family shares to ensure the largest shareholder of the public company was a non-profit.

In 2011 a goal was set to fund 1.5 million people out of poverty by 2020 through Microfinance programs. With significant staff efforts and 8,000 customers who committed regular funding, they achieved the goal in June 2019.

Allan dedicates approximately 5 hours per week to World Tree. Allan's primary job is with English Family Foundation.

Filippo Bozotti

Filippo Bozotti

Director

Filippo Bozotti is the co-founder of Tribewanted Ltd., developing sustainable communities for eco-tourism in Fiji and Sierra Leone. Both projects were handed back to local communities after 5 years.

He also founded Tribewanted Monestevole in Umbria, Italy, retrofitting a 15th century borgo into a sustainable hamlet and farm. Monestevole welcomes dozens of school groups and retreats every year, offering a fully immersive, sustainable experience.

Filippo was a documentary film producer in New York and was a founding partner of Shine On Sierra Leone, a non-profit operating in healthcare, education and microfinance. 

Filippo dedicates approximately 5 hours per week to World Tree. Filippo's primary job is with Tribewanted Ltd.

Todd Fein

Todd Fein

Director

Todd Fein is a creative, driven, future-facing executive with a passion for creating a sustainable world. He has 25 years of experience in management and technology consulting and business building. 

He founded and serves as CEO of Green Diamond, which helps large corporations and government agencies achieve maximum, sustainable performance.

Todd serves as director on the board of the World Future Society, speaks around the world, and has been written about by Forbes. He holds Global Reporting Initiative, Carbon Disclosure Project, and other specialized credentials and affiliations.

Todd dedicates approximately 5 hours per week to World Tree. Todd's primary job is with Green Diamond. 

Tiffany Persons

Tiffany Persons

Director

Tiffany Persons founded Tiffany Company Casting in 2005, which provides commercial casting for some of the largest brands in the world such as Apple, Google, Nike, Facebook, Disney and Starbucks.

Known for bringing joy, passion and vulnerability to the advertising world, Tiffany also founded Shine On Sierra Leone, an organization that has created groundbreaking education, healthcare, micro-loans, sustainability and agriculture programs.

Tiffany works with David & Goliath Ad Agency to recruit new and more diverse talent and lead trainings on Black culture in media to change the conversation about minority groups in marketing at its root.

Tiffany dedicates approximately 5 hours per week to World Tree. Tiffany's primary job is with David & Goliath. 

Jeff Nuss

Jeff Nuss

Director

Senior advisor and impact investor focused on sustainable working landscapes, green products and materials, renewable energy and fuels, and built environment after 22 years as Founder and former President & CEO of GreenWood Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Jeff dedicates approximately 5 hours per week to World Tree. Jeff's primary job is with GreenWood Resources.

Mark Watson

Mark Watson

Director

Mark Watson is Co-founder and President of Potlikker Capital, a farm community-governed charitable integrated capital fund dedicated to supporting BIPOC farmers at the intersection of racial and climate justice. Potlikker Capital is a supporting entity to Jubilee Justice. He also serves as Senior Investment Strategist, after serving as Managing Director of the Fair Food Fund, which offers catalytic capital with a social equity lens to improve community access to healthy food and increase wealth through more local ownership of the means of the production and distribution of food. He is also the founder of Keel Asset Management LLC, a financial advisory firm that provides socially responsible financial planning and investment advisory services to nonprofits, public and corporation pension plans. Mr. Watson started his career as a banker at the First National Bank of Chicago, now JP Morgan in commercial banking, corporate and public finance. He had a 30-year career which included managing investment portfolios for foundations, endowments, and institutional pensions funds. Most recently, Mr. Watson co-designed and launched an integrated racial justice capital fund, The Boston Impact Initiative Fund and managed the deployment of capital to over 30 small businesses. Mark continues as an investment committee member of the Boston Impact Initiative Fund; an advisory board Member of MIT/Health Innovation Systems Inc.; Director of Transition of The Institute of Educational Leadership; board president of Sustainable Cape, Inc.; and a former board member of the Social Venture Network. Mr. Watson holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance, University of Illinois Champaign -Urbana and a Master’s in Business Administration, The Booth School, University of Chicago

Mark dedicates 5 hours per week to World Tree. Mark's primary job is with Potlikker Capital. 

Jesus Espinoza

Jesus Espinoza

Director of Forestry and Farms

International professional with over 28 years of work experience with a wide range of species and forestry operations in South America, Central America, North America, Asia, and Africa focused on developing robust and innovative solutions to value creation. Strong skills in silviculture management, genetics, biometrics, statistics, harvesting and supply chain logistics. Expertise in quantitative analysis, verifying harvesting projections, reporting of operation results, modeling growth and yield performance, estimation of carbon accounting. Proficiency in SAS, Unscrambler, MS Office, and capability with sophisticated tools for applied forest management.

Thierry Bodson

Thierry Bodson

Climate, Carbon, and Social Impact Programs Manager

Agrologist and environment professional with over 15 years of technical or managerial experience in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, community development, ecotourism, conservation, and natural systems restoration. Work experience in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Professionally fluent in French, English, and Spanish.

Jack Matson

Jack Matson

Director of Lumber Division

Jack Matson has deep knowledge in manufacturing, marketing and selling lumber in 26 countries and sustainably harvesting hardwood lumber without manufacturing waste. 

Jack managed 23,000 acres of his family’s land to maximize yield, growth and ROI for an 80-year growth cycle. He was responsible for $40M in annual sales and ran the green lumber buying program ($12M annually).  

His family’s lumber business is known globally as one of the best for quality and service.

Jack has introduced Empress splendor to his vast network in the lumber industry and is educating people worldwide about the fantastic properties of Empress splendor at trade shows, industry events, manufacturing facilities, lumber yards, sawmills and farms.

Mariana Alfaro

Mariana Alfaro

Manager of Latin America

Mariana Alfaro is a biologist with expertise in ecology and sustainable development. She has worked on several conservation and environmental education projects, including Costa Rica's coastal flora conservation project as well as sustainable development work in rural communities in Guanacaste and the Distance State University of Costa Rica.

She has been part of World Tree since 2016. She works tirelessly to bring sustainable growth opportunities to Central America's rural communities.

Andy Norris

Andy Norris

Head of USA Forestry and Farms

Andy Norris is a natural resource veteran with 30 years of expertise guiding timber procurement and natural resource management operations in the evolving forest products sector across the U.S. South and Appalachia.

He has a unique combination of expertise in upland and bottomland silviculture, FSC certification, public and private collaborative natural resource projects, forest conservation strategies and forest products negotiation.

Andy is accomplished in building relationships, leading company staff and contractors, manipulating spatial and tabular databases, budgeting and private landowner assistance.  

TERMS

World Tree USA LLC
Overview
PRICE PER SHARE
$2.30
DEADLINE
Jan 5, 2023
VALUATION
$23.57M
AMOUNT RAISED
$267,538.50
Breakdown
MIN INVESTMENT
$496.80
MAX INVESTMENT
$499,997
MIN NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERED
4,347
OFFERING TYPE
Equity
ASSET TYPE
UNITS
SHARES OFFERED
Series A SE 2022 Units
MAX NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERED
1,521,739

Maximum Number of Shares Offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares


Company

:

World Tree USA, LLC

Corporate Address

:

2361 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 475, El Segundo, CA 90245

Offering Minimum

:

$9,998.10

Offering Maximum

:

$3,499,999.70

Minimum Investment Amount

(per investor)

:

$497.70











Terms


Offering Type

:

Equity

Security Name

:

Series A SE 2022 Units

Minimum Number of Shares Offered

:

4,347

Maximum Number of Shares Offered

:

1,521,739

Price per Share

:

$2.30

Pre-Money Valuation

:

$23,572,854.10











*Maximum Number of Units Offered subject to adjustment for bonus units. See Bonus info below.

Investment Incentives and Bonuses*

Time-Based:

Super Early Bird Bonus

Invest within the first week and receive 15% bonus units 

Early Bird Bonus

Invest within the first 21 days and receive 10% bonus units

Amount-Based:

$500+

1/10 acre of trees planted

Offset 1 year of carbon emissions

Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits

Impact Certificate

 

$1,150+

¼ acre of trees planted

Offset 2.5 years of carbon emissions

Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits

Impact Certificate

 

$2,300+

½ acre of trees planted

Offset 5 years of carbon emissions

Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits

Impact Certificate

 

$4,600+

1 acre of trees planted

Offset 10 years of carbon emissions

Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits

Impact Certificate

 

$10,000+

2+ acres of trees planted

Offset 20 years of carbon emissions

Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits

Impact Certificate

5% bonus units

 

$25,000+

5+ acres of trees planted

Offset 50+ years of carbon emissions

Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits

Impact Certificate

Offset Inner Circle Talk with CEO (Doug Willmore) 

10% bonus units 

Audience-Based:

5% bonus units for existing/previous investors 

*In order to receive perks from an investment, one must submit a single investment in the same offering that meets the minimum perk requirement. Bonus units from perks will not be granted if an investor submits multiple investments that, when combined, meet the perk requirement. All perks occur when the offering is completed.

*Investors will receive the highest single bonus they are eligible for among the bonuses based on amount invested and time of offering elapsed (if any). Eligible investors will also receive the Owner’s Bonus and existing/previous investors' bonus in addition to the aforementioned bonus.

10% StartEngine Owners' Bonus

World Tree USA, LLC will offer 10% additional bonus units for all investments that are committed by investors that are eligible for the StartEngine Crowdfunding Inc. OWNer's bonus.

This means eligible StartEngine members will receive a 10% bonus for any units they purchase in this offering. For example, if you buy 100 units of Series A SE 2022 Units at $2.30 / unit, you will receive 110 units of Series A SE 2022 Units, meaning you'll own 110 units for $230. Fractional units will not be distributed and unit bonuses will be determined by rounding down to the nearest whole unit.

This 10% Bonus is only valid during the investors' eligibility period. Investors eligible for this bonus will also have priority if they are on a waitlist to invest and the company surpasses its maximum funding goal. They will have the first opportunity to invest should room in the offering become available if prior investments are canceled or fail.

Investors will receive the highest single bonus they are eligible for among the bonuses based on the amount invested and time of offering elapsed (if any). Eligible investors will also receive the Owner’s Bonus and the Previous Backer Bonus in addition to the aforementioned bonus.

PRESS

Article Image
Bloomberg Quicktake

The most efficient carbon capture technology might be this tree

Article Image
Bloomberg

We Already Have the World’s Most Efficient Carbon Capture Technology

Article Image
Earth Speed by Adrian Grenier

Most of us know that modern farming is unsustainable. So what alternatives do we have?

ALL UPDATES

01.04.23

Only hours left to invest and find out how $500 can change the world!

Hello! We are nearly at the finish line with our raise but there is still time to invest. Here are 4 reasons to jump in NOW:

 

We solve a real problem:  Global demand for timber is set to set to quadruple by 2050 and we are not growing trees fast enough to meet this demand. Our fast-growing, regenerative Empress trees provide hardwood for decades to come. 

 

We share our profits fairly:  World Tree shares the profits from our harvests with 50% to farmers, 25% to investors and 25% to World Tree. 

 

Our track record:  Based on our current performance, we are on track to provide previous investors a 2-5x return on their investment.

 

Multiple layers of impact:  Offsetting thousands of tons of carbon, restoring the soil and providing new opportunities for farmers. Every investor receives an ‘Impact Badge’ with the metrics for the real difference you make. 

 

$500 to change the world: That’s what it takes, $500, and you can help offset your carbon footprint, support great farmers, and potentially make a profit. What better investment to start off your new year?

 

But hurry – only hours days left to invest!

01.04.23

A Truly Green Investment with World Tree – last chance!

Today is THE day! If you’ve been thinking about investing, now is the time because our investment closes in just a few hours.


How do trees bring money to investors?

The concept is simple. We raise money from investors to plant the Empress Splendor tree (Paulownia Fortunei & P. elongata) trees in the world, on independently managed farms across North and Central America. After 10 years, we will cut the trees down and sell them on the timber market. Our investors and farmers share in any profits. 

 

Plant Trees, Save the World

The lumber from the Empress Splendor trees can be used to make musical instruments or furniture, or as material for housing and marine applications. 

And there’s more: Trees are great for carbon sequestration. 

As trees grow, they take in carbon and release oxygen. They then store the carbon in their biomass and put it back into the soil. As long as the tree is alive, it will continue this process. The bigger the tree, the more carbon it has stored. When a tree is cut down or dies, carbon begins to be released back into the atmosphere. If the tree’s lumber is used to make products such as furniture, much of the carbon becomes trapped in the product for years and even decades. 


Plant a tree. Help save the world. And potentially make a profit. That pretty much covers all the bases, doesn’t it?

Join our community of investors creating a legacy of environmental and social impact, while earning potential financial returns for themselves and their families. 


 But hurry – this investment opportunity closes in a few hours!

01.03.23

Love trees? Love investing? So do we!

An abundance of healthy trees on the planet is essential to support all life – they clean the air, store carbon, and regulate biodiversity on the ground and in the soil. 

 

Trees also give us wood – our most natural, renewable building material, growing in demand around the world. 

 

An investment in World Tree gives you the opportunity to invest both for the environment and for people. 



There are just a few days left to invest in World Tree. Start 2023 with an investment you can be proud of!

12.27.22

Only a few days left to invest!

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” - Bill Gates 

 

In 10 years, the amazing Empress Splendor trees we plant will be ready for harvest! .



Join us to create economic and environmental returns 3-4 times faster than with any other tree.  

 

But there are just a few days left to invest! Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an eco-revolution that creates prosperity for people and the planet. 

12.22.22

A special Christmas message from our team in Costa Rica

We’re giving a huge “shout-out” to all the people who have invested with us so far this year. Our work is made possible because of you!

To bring on some holiday cheer, here is a seasonal song from our forestry team in Costa Rica. Enjoy!


 

Don’t forget: There are less than 2 weeks left to invest with us here on StartEngine and allow us to plant more beautiful Empress Splendor trees.


12.21.22

Closing soon, but it's not too late to join our community of impact investors

It’s true that all good things must come to an end, even our time here on StartEngine.

Our investment offering must close on January 5th.

But it’s not too late to join our community of close to 2,000 impact investors who believe it IS possible to invest for both profit and for good.

Our amazing Empress Splendor trees provide long-term benefits to people and the planet. The fuel to start this process is the capital provided by our investors. Without people like you, we could not grow the tree saplings and give them to our partner farmers for free. Thousands of tons of CO2 would not be sequestered, the soil would not be replenished, and our farmers would not have a critical new source of revenue. And we would not be able to supply a global market hungry for more wood, with a renewable supply beautiful, versatile eco-lumber.

We invite you to join us on this journey to show the world that prosperity is best when shared.

But act now as our investment opportunity on StartEngine must close on January 5th.

12.19.22

Give the gift of trees!

With the holiday season upon us, you might be wondering what could be the perfect gift for the people on your Christmas list who have everything. Why not give them a meaningful gift of an investment in World Tree’s Empress Splendor trees?


These incredibly fast-growing and beautiful trees keep on giving well past the holiday season as they sequester carbon, replenish the soil, feed bees and provide life-changing opportunities for small farmers. This is an investment in a real, tangible asset that they can literally watch grow over time!


Everyone benefits further when the trees are harvested with any profits from the lumber being shared between the investors, farmers and World Tree.


What other gift provides all these benefits to your loved one?

  • Offset their carbon footprint (one acre effectively offsets an average investor for 10 years)
  • Zero waste produced
  • Supports small farmers
  • Replenishes soil
  • Feeds bees and other pollinators
  • Helps protect forests
  • A share in any profits from the sale of the lumber


The gift of an investment in World Tree is a perfect way to show others how much you care for them, their future, and the future of planet.


But act fast as our investment offering on StartEngine is closing soon. Don’t miss this opportunity to give a gift that keeps on giving!


 

NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "can," "expect," “will,” “continue,” “predicted,” “expected,” “projected,”  and similar references to future results. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding the market for lumber in general, profitability, the future purchase, planting, or harvest of trees, return on investment and overall success of our Empress Splendor tree growing programs. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, weather events and natural disturbances such as drought, insects, pests, disease, fire, flood, and climate change, the ability to locate and contract with suitable farmers, domestic and international economic conditions, lockdowns, and government interventions due to health and other emergencies, competitive conditions in the lumber industry, changes in market conditions and global and regional economies and others, and risks related to doing business in foreign countries, including foreign currency risks.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Communication is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. 

This Communication is not to be construed either as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.

12.16.22

Your Top 3 Questions Answered

Got questions about World Tree? Here are your top three questions on StartEngine answered:

 

1) What is World Tree’s track record and what can I expect from my 2022 investment? 

 

Every year the price of the investment has increased, alongside improvements to the program and the overall tree health and survival rates. World Tree has also worked extremely hard to implement measures to improve farmer performance. The improvements include expanded forestry teams, new genotypes, new nurseries, additional growing regions and more in-depth soil analysis.   

 

We are now on track for our target of 75% survival for our previous two years of plantings.  It is important to note that we don’t expect all the trees to survive, and our experience is that the highest losses are in the first two years after planting. This is why we have a fund for replacement trees that are lost in those first two years.   

 

There are no guarantees with any investment – especially one as pioneering as the Eco-Tree Program. Our downside analysis indicates a breakeven point for investors of 25% tree survival. In other words, as long as at least 25% of the trees survive and grow to our target size, and we can sell the lumber, investors will receive a return.

 

2) Is the Empress Splendor tree invasive? 

 

The short answer is: No! 

 

The longer answer is: The Empress Splendor comes from the genus Paulownia. It is grown around the world with common names including Empress, Princess, Foxglove, and Kiri tree. These trees are grown and loved for enjoyment and shade in gardens, and for lumber on tree farms. 

 

There are at least 9 species of Paulownia. Unfortunately, popular internet search results on Paulownia most often lead to the P. tomentosa, the only species of Paulownia that is on an invasive species list. There are at least 8 other species of Paulownia that are not invasive, including the P. fortunei and P. elongata planted by World Tree. 

 

World Tree does not grow or plant invasive species and in our audits of our tree farms we have never once seen any spread. 

 

For more information on this important topic visit our website

 

3) It sounds risky - How do you protect the investment? 

 

An important aspect of Word Tree’s program is a ‘many eggs in many baskets’ approach to planting the trees. Rather than plant all the trees in one area, we invest in many different tree farms spread across a wide geographic area. 

 

Our farms are based in the USA, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico and are highly diversified within each region. The average farm size is 20 acres, with 110 trees planted per acre. 

 

There can be huge variation in farm performance, due to factors such as local conditions, climate events, farmer engagement and life events. However, investors receive a pro-rata share of any profits from all the farms in the particular series they invested in - diversifying risk across all the locations. 

 

Other precautionary measures include the maintenance of a reserve for replacement trees, and a regular farm monitoring and auditing system. Our teams are working with the farmers putting in corrections along the way to get the best outcome we can. 

 

 If you have any other questions for us, please post them and we’ll get back to you ASAP!

 

12.14.22

6 Reasons to invest in lumber in tough times

Thank you to everyone who has invested in World Tree. We’re now on the countdown to closing, and with just a few weeks to go please jump in now if you can. 


“It is sometimes said that ‘trees don’t read The Wall Street Journal,’ and so even in tough times, trees grow, compounding in size and value. This is why big institutional investors such as university endowments and pension funds make timber investment allocations in their giant portfolios.” – Cabot Wealth


The world needs wood, now more than ever, as people look for more sustainable building materials for homes and consumer goods. As a real asset class that follow’s natures timetable, rather than Wall Street, there are many reasons why timber can offer long-term scaffolding to a diverse portfolio. And, when done the right way, it can also offer a host of highly valuable benefits to the environment. 


Here are just some of the benefits:


1.  Consistent growth, historically 3% higher than inflation

Whether we’re in a time of boom or bust, pandemic or not, we always need wood. On average, the U.S. lumber market has grown by 14% a year between 2017 and 2022. (ref: https://moneyweek.com/investments/commodities/605016/investing-in-timber)

 

2.  Out-performs the stock market in the long run

Timber has a track record of out-performing the stock market – with less volatility than other asset classes.  (ref: https://www.escapeartist.com/blog/teak-hardwood-types-timber-investments/)

 

3.  The price is always right 

In the bad years, when lumber prices are low, most timber companies will opt not to harvest. The trees continue to grow and produce more assets until the markets shift to be more profitable. (ref: https://www.cabotwealth.com/daily/stock-market/timber-investments-portfolio-solid-oak)

 

4.  Demand is predicted to grow .. and grow, and grow …

According to the World Bank, the demand for wood is expected to quadruple by 2050, tracking increases in global population, increased GDP and urbanization. (ref: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/forests/brief/forests-generate-jobs-and-incomes)

 

5.  Shrinking supply

It is estimated that over 30% of the world’s trees are threatened with extinction because of over-cutting, development and a changing climate. (ref: https://www.bgci.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FINAL-GTAReportMedRes-1.pdf)

Finding a fast-growing, sustainable, and even renewable, supply of wood to meet the growing demand is critical if we want to stop further species loss and soil degradation. 

 

6.  An investment that’s good for the planet

Growing more trees is one of nature’s most efficient ways for fighting climate change. Like all green things, they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow, and they store the carbon in their trunks, limbs, roots and surrounding soil, becoming essential carbon “sinks”. 

 

Join Us

World Tree offers a new option for you to participate in the many financial, and ecological benefits of the lumber market. With short harvest rotations and a low investment threshold, World Tree has put lumber investing within reach for everyone.  

 

Investment Highlights

  • World Tree is positioned to capture a significant share of the $178 B U.S. market.
  • Specially selected trees produce lumber 3x faster than other species
  • Versatile, light yet strong – known as the ‘aluminum of lumber’
  • Climate-smart growing produce far-reaching environmental benefits
  • Low minimum investment of just $500

 

We’re closing on StartEngine in less than a month. Don’t miss your opportunity to benefit from a unique investment in the growing eco-timber market!

 

12.08.22

Getting stuck? Ask for help!

Have you tried investing in World Tree but got stuck on the ‘”Invest Now” page? You are not alone. We’re noticing a lot of people need a bit of help along the way, so we’d like to give you some guidance on the investment process. 


The first thing you need to do to invest is set up your Start Engine account. You will be asked a series of questions about your current finances, for example, regarding how much you earn, your net worth and your tolerance to risk. 


These questions are standard in the industry. They are the kind of questions your financial advisor would typically ask you. We want to reassure you that none of your answers come to World Tree and they are not used by Start Engine for anything beyond compliance purposes. 


After that, you’ll be asked to select your investment amount and payment method. It should be pretty straight foreword at that point - but if you have ANY questions, please reach out to StartEngine’s investor support team


Our investment opportunity on StartEngine is only open for one more month - so if you have been thinking about investing but just haven’t gotten around to it - please jump in now! You’ll get the warm feel-good for the holidays knowing you did something good for yourself and for the planet.  

 

Owners bonus
Stack Owner's Bonus & Rewards!

Members get an extra 10% shares in addition to rewards below!

REWARDS

Multiple investments in an offering cannot be combined to qualify for a larger campaign perk. Get rewarded for investing more into World Tree USA LLC.

$496

StartEngine Owner’s Bonus

This offering is eligible for the StartEngine Owner’s 10% Bonus program. For details on this program, please see the Offering Summary section below.

$500

1/10 acre of trees planted

Offset 1 year of carbon emissions Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits Impact Certificate

$1,150

¼ acre of trees planted

Offset 2.5 years of carbon emissions Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits Impact Certificate

$2,300

½ acre of trees planted

Offset 5 years of carbon emissions Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits Impact Certificate

$4,600

1 acre of trees planted

Offset 10 years of carbon emissions Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits Impact Certificate

$10,000

2+ acres of trees planted

Offset 20 years of carbon emissions Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits Impact Certificate 5% bonus units

$25,000

5+ acres of trees planted

Offset 50+ years of carbon emissions Receive 25% (pro-rata) of lumber profits Impact Certificate Offset Inner Circle Talk with CEO (Doug Willmore) 10% bonus units

JOIN THE DISCUSSION













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