Our Purpose

At OakVinagra, we are committed to transforming Portugal’s rural landscapes into thriving, sustainable cork oak forests. Our mission is to help fight climate change by generating certified carbon credits through reforestation, while delivering strong, stable returns to our investors. By combining modern irrigation, advanced forestry techniques, and deep local expertise, we turn underused land into high-performing ecological assets. With every tree we plant, we're not just absorbing CO2 — we're investing in a greener, more resilient future.

Meet the Team

Our Project

At OakVinagra, our project is centered around the acquisition and sustainable development of two rural properties in Portugal, totaling 572 hectares of land. Our mission is to transform these underutilized areas into high-performing, biodiverse cork oak forests. By planting over 62,000 cork oak trees, we aim to significantly boost both cork production and carbon sequestration. These forests are projected to absorb approximately 35,000 tons of CO₂, making them a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and a key contributor to global net-zero targets.

Water Usage

A critical component of our project is the refurbishment of a natural water reservoir located on one of the properties. This dam will support a modern, precision irrigation system that allows us to optimize tree growth while minimizing water waste. Using real-time climate data and soil moisture sensors, we will implement technologies such as drip and micro-irrigation. Importantly, irrigation will rely entirely on rainwater captured in natural basins, with no use of piped water, ensuring we don’t impact nearby properties or communities.

Our Forests

Forests play a key role in our strategy, absorbing nearly two billion tons of CO₂ each year, which accounts for about a third of global fossil fuel emissions. They offer stable returns, lower volatility, and qualify for subsidies, appealing to-driven investors. Our focus on carbon credits meets both environmental demands and opportunities, with reforestation projects producing verified credits for trade. By 2050, prices are expected to increase significantly, and our irrigated cork oak forests may generate substantial verified carbon units per hectare over 30 years, backed by scientific modeling.

ESG Principles

We apply ESG principles for sustainable growth, focusing on positive impacts and value creation.

At OAK Vinagra, we are deeply committed to protecting the environment while aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our cork oak trees play a vital role in this mission, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and promoting sustainable land use. By sustainable practices and innovative solutions, we can create a positive on our planet. Together, we can ensure a healthy and vibrant world for future generations to enjoy and thrive.

Meet the Team

Our three partners possess extensive experience in managing sustainable forest projects, utilizing their backgrounds to implement meaningful initiatives. This combined expertise fosters stewardship and aids local communities.

Founding Partner

Francisco Sottomayor

Since 2025, Francisco has been the Founding Partner of OAKVinagra, a company that follows a strategy similar to AIM Forest, which continues to focus on sustainable Cork Oak Trees and carbon credit origination in Portugal. Since 2023, Francisco remains actively involved with AIM Forest, promoting these important values. He is also experienced Managing Director in the financial services sector, with a strong background in Capital Markets, Financial Structuring, Corporate Finance, and M&A. Throughout his career, he has worked at esteemed financial institutions such as Société Générale, Crédit Suisse, Citi Group, BPI, and AXIA Ventures Group. Additionally, Francisco is a savvy entrepreneur, investing in Technology and Real Assets, including Forestry, and holds a degree from NOVA School of Business and Economics, along with participation in a program at Harvard Business School.

Founding Partner

Andre Palmeiro Ribeiro

Since 2025, André has taken the exciting role of Founding Partner at OAKVinagra, where he passionately promotes the sustainable plantation of Cork Oak Trees and supports the surrounding communities. Continuing his impactful journey, he remains dedicated to his role as Founding Partner at AIM Forest since 2023, driving initiatives that highlight the importance of sustainability in Portugal. With a wealth of experience in Banking, Energy, and Private Equity, he been instrumental in major capital markets transactions and managed a $12 billion turnover at Galp. Additionally, André has successfully originated, structured, and executed various Private Equity deals across diverse sectors in Africa. As an entrepreneur, he has developed remarkable real estate projects, including the Dune House featured in Netflix's series "Most Extraordinary Homes," and he holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Católica.

Founding Partner

Tomas Ramos

Since 2025, Tomás Ramos has taken on the exciting role of Founding Partner at OAKVinagra, where he passionately promotes the sustainable plantation of Cork Oak Trees and supports surrounding communities. Since 2023, he has also been the Founding Partner of AIM Forest, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forests in Portugal. AIM Forest emphasizes carbon capture and climate action, highlighting the of Portuguese forests in fostering planetary health and sustainability. With over 20 years of experience sustainable cork oak forests, Tomás showcases his strong to environmental stewardship and creativity through his work as an architect and co-founder of ARC Atelier Ramos & Clark in Lisbon.

Financial Analyst

Patrick Dorey

Patrick Burke d'Orey is a finance and data analytics expert with experience in project finance, sustainable land management, and entrepreneurship. Based in London, he has been the Financial Analyst for OAK Vinagra since 2025, aligning financial planning with sustainability goals and developing budgets for forest management and carbon capture. He also identifies revenue opportunities, implements risk management strategies, and ensures ESG compliance. In 2024, he became Financial Analyst at AIM Forest, focusing on sustainable forestry in Portugal. Additionally, he founded iPlan.finance 2016 and works as a freelance consultant in project finance and data analytics. Fluent in multiple languages, Patrick collaborates effectively across international markets, earning a reputation as a reliable finance professional.

Office Manager

Vanessa Neves

Office manager with a decade-long background in the commercial and project management sectors. Also, experienced in functional and agile analysis. KYC specialist, serving as an L2 reviewer and applying Global Sanctions Screening procedures. Proficient in continuous Standard Due Diligence (PDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) processes.Vanessa's educational background includes a Master's Degree in Economics from Lusofona University in Lisbon.
‍