About Us
We are experts in nature and climate solutions, working alongside smallholders in developing counties to drive innovation in forestry and agriculture.
Our Journey
2025
VENTURE Startup Competition Finalist
reilo. becomes a finalist in the VENTURE startup competition.
2025
Pilot Project Launch
reilo. launches its pilot project in Kiyowela Ward, Southern Tanzania, testing its certified forest ecosystem as a collateral lending model with 7 smallholder farmers.
2025
International Cooperation Award Finalist
reilo. and farip are selected as finalists for the International Cooperation Award by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC).
2024
Innovation Booster Grant
reilo. wins a CHF 20,000 grant from Innovation Booster Sustainable Digital Finance to test its solution.
2024
Tree as Collateral Project Launch
In collaboration with the farip Foundation, the Tree as Collateral Project is launched in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Proof of concept demonstrated across three lending cycles, each involving 10 smallholder farmers.
2022
Field Research Foundation
Field research by Rahel Guggenbühl (CEO of reilo.) identifies an initial micro-lending solution co-developed with smallholder farmers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
View Master's Thesis hereFounding Team
Rahel Guggenbühl
CEO & Founder
Rahel is a nature-tech entrepreneur dedicated to assigning economic value to natural forests, creating sustainable incentives for their protection and restoration. With experience managing climate projects in developing countries and 7+ years of entrepreneurial background in startups, she bridges environmental restoration with economic opportunity.
Tobias Holenstein
CTO
Tobias is a software and technology enthusiast. As an entrepreneur he implemented solutions in the highly regulated fintech sector. He also brings 10+ years of experience in the technology sector to the table. He implemented and managed software projects ranging from research oriented, conceptual studies to big corporate projects involving large teams.
Patrik Brandenberg
COO
As Chief Operating Officer, Patrik leads the design, implementation, and management of our field operations and core business processes. He is a strategic and systemic thinker with an interdisciplinary background in Business Transformation, Sustainability, and Cultural Anthropology. With a strong track record across corporates and academia, and hands-on experience as a project leader, management consultant, and venture architect, Patrik bridges insight and execution, driving operational excellence and sustainable impact.
Advisors
Ueli Scheuermeier
CEO at farip foundation
Urs Guggenbühl
CEO Novoviam, Innosuisse Coach
Pol Budmiger
Innosuisse Coach in Green Tech
Field Team Tanzania
Elibariki Tweve
CEO Elisema, Local Coordinator
Bahat Tweve
CEO TBM, Field Manager
Rajipar Tweve
Farmer and Forester