World's Top 50 Leaders to follow in 2025
Company: Carbify
Designation: Co-founder
Country: Netherlands
William ten Zijthoff is a pioneering force at the intersection of blockchain technology and environmental sustainability. As the co-founder of Carbify, he has been instrumental in developing the world’s first certified carbon debit methodology, an innovative framework that brings much-needed transparency and accountability to global carbon markets. His work empowers organizations to offset their emissions through methods that are not only measurable and verifiable but also contribute directly to real-world ecological restoration. With Carbify, carbon reduction efforts are no longer abstract numbers; they translate into tangible actions that heal the planet.
William’s impact extends far beyond the startup world. He is a respected voice in international climate policy, serving as an Article 6.4 Mechanism Expert for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In this capacity, he contributes to the design and implementation of carbon market mechanisms that align with the Paris Agreement. His insights help shape the way emerging technologies, particularly blockchain, can be used to build trust, transparency, and scalability into climate-focused solutions. His contributions are instrumental in crafting global frameworks that ensure environmental integrity while enabling innovation to flourish.
An engineer of systems and a builder of futures, William is not only a strategist but also a passionate communicator and educator. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences, summits, and forums, where he shares his vision for sustainable innovation and the potential of decentralized systems. Whether discussing the future of environmental finance or the role of Web3 in sustainability, his keynote speeches are known for breaking down complex topics into accessible narratives that inspire action. William connects with audiences ranging from corporate leaders and policymakers to environmental advocates and curious students, using storytelling and data to bridge knowledge gaps and spark new ideas.
William is equally committed to nurturing the next generation of climate leaders. Through guest lectures and partnerships with universities, he invests time and energy in education and mentorship. He regularly visits academic institutions, speaking with students about the mechanics of carbon finance, the promise of blockchain, and the mindset required for impact entrepreneurship. These interactions do more than inform, they empower students to see their own potential in shaping a sustainable global economy. By translating abstract theories into real-world applications, William ensures that the innovators of tomorrow are equipped with both the knowledge and the inspiration they need to act.
His career reflects a rare blend of technical acumen, policy expertise, and a deep commitment to the planet. Whether he's working with international bodies, founding pioneering ventures, speaking to a global audience, or mentoring future leaders, William ten Zijthoff leads with both vision and purpose. His ability to harness cutting-edge technology to drive ecological change has already positioned him as a trailblazer. As we move into 2025, William stands out as a key figure to follow, someone whose leadership is not only shaping the future of carbon markets but also redefining what it means to innovate for the Earth.
