On Tuesday, The Hague officially welcomed Natural Ventures, an impact-focused venture capital fund dedicated to tackling global food and water security challenges.
With offices in Abu Dhabi and now in The Hague, the fund has launched to raise $100M (approximately €97M) to enhance food and water systems worldwide.
Natural Ventures is an investment firm focused on promoting sustainable water and food systems.
Backed by leading institutions and experienced investors, the firm invests in companies that use technology to create a more sustainable world.
“Opening an office in The Hague was a logical step. It places us at the heart of an impact-driven ecosystem and reinforces our mission to improve global food and water systems. From this strategic location, we will continue to innovate and collaborate to ensure that people around the world have access to natural resources. Our commitment to a healthy planet and social responsibility remains stronger than ever,” says, Paul Rous, Partner, Natural Ventures.
The fund receives financial support from the Seed Capital program of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) manages.
This government-backed funding is designated for investments within the Netherlands.
Natural Ventures is starting with five existing companies and has plans for more investments in the future. Some of them are:
Constellr (Germany)
Constellr uses advanced satellite technology to monitor nature and agriculture through thermal intelligence monitoring. It provides highly accurate data on the temperature and chemical composition of the land surface, providing better insights into water, carbon and vegetation health. The company successfully launched its first thermal infrared surveillance satellite — Sky Bee-1 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
Active Membranes (USA)
Active Membranes increase the efficiency of water treatment by desalination with electro-active membranes. Their technology addresses key challenges such as scaling and bioaccumulation, making desalination more sustainable and affordable.
Brevel (Israel)
Brevel produces alternative proteins based on microalgae using a unique fermentation and light process. Their protein-rich microalgae enhance plant-based foods without sacrificing taste or texture, aiming to make alternative proteins more accessible worldwide.
N-Drip (Israel)
N-Drip offers a cost-effective gravity-based drip irrigation system that saves water and increases crop yields without the use of filters or pumps. It is ideal for small-scale farmers and offers a sustainable alternative to traditional flood irrigation.
Kilter (Norway)
Kilter is pioneering sustainable agriculture through advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. The Kilter AX-1 is an autonomous agricultural robot that accurately identifies and eradicates weeds. The robot applies microdoses of herbicide directly to the weeds without affecting crops or soil. Herbicide use is reduced by up to 95% while crop yields improves.
RFO’s Seed Capital program: Supporting innovative startups and young companies
The RFO’s Seed Capital program is a funding program designed to support innovative startups and young companies.
It provides venture capital to help these companies develop their ideas, accelerate their growth, and bring creative solutions to market. The program aims to encourage entrepreneurship, promote technological advances, and contribute to the economic development of companies.
“RFO Seed Capital funds Natural Ventures because of their proven expertise and innovative solutions in improving global food and water systems. Our investment supports their quest for deep technological development and sustainable methods that ensure reliable access to essential resources for all. It aligns seamlessly with our ambitions to support technological development with real societal impact. support,” says Fikria El Abbouri, Seed Capital program manager, RFO.
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