44.01Turning CO2 into rock through accelerated carbon mineralization

Carbon removal is a crowded pitch deck, but 44.01 has something most climate startups lack: geological advantage. Their mineralization process permanently locks CO2 into peridotite rock, abundant in Oman, turning the Gulf's geology from a fossil fuel asset into a carbon storage one. The Earthshot Prize and Amazon/Breakthrough Energy backing validate the science at a level most carbon startups never reach.

At $42M, the company is transitioning from proof-of-concept to commercial scale — where most carbon removal companies stall. Regulatory tailwinds, particularly European carbon border taxes, could drive enterprise demand regardless of cost. 44.01 is a bet that permanent removal commands a premium over temporary sequestration, and that bet looks increasingly sound.