NatureMetrics is a startup specialising in measuring and monitoring biodiversity.
It is a pioneer in the development of environmental DNA (eDNA) technology: measuring DNA traces left by organisms in water, soil and air to identify the species present in a given area.
EDF Pulse Ventures acquired a stake in the company in 2024.
EDF's investment in NatureMetrics offers several strategic advantages. In particular, it enables EDF to remain at the forefront of environmental monitoring techniques, a key issue for projects in the energy sector, whether in the development phase, operations, or decommissioning. By supporting these ground-breaking innovations, EDF continues its long-standing commitment to protecting biodiversity.
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2014
Creation
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2024
Investment by EDF Pulse Ventures
Transcription
EDF & NatureMetrics
With NatureMetrics, EDF is investing in biodiversity conservation.
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EDF and startups
Gearing up the energy transition
Julien Villeret, Chief Innovation Officer – EDF Group:
Biodiversity isn't just a nice-to-have. Yet with over a million species at risk of extinction, we're facing a real threat to these resources and our ecological balance. That’s why EDF has been working for more than 50 years to reduce our environmental footprint and restore natural habitats. This means taking concrete action at our production sites while continuously deepening our understanding of the ecosystems around us. That's where NatureMetrics comes in.
Dimple Patel, CEO – NatureMetrics:
At NatureMetrics, our goal is to make biodiversity measurable at scale. Our solution is built on top of environmental DNA, so we have the largest commercial eDNA labs in the world. This enables us to build up species-level datasets, so from blue whales down to individual types of bacteria, that can help you understand at a forensic level what is happening in our ecosystems.
Julien Villeret, Chief Innovation Officer – EDF Group:
As both a developer and operator of industrial assets, we need a clear picture of the biodiversity in and around our facilities, and at sites we're considering for future projects. The approach works across our entire portfolio. It strengthens our ability to factor biodiversity into our decision-making and reinforces EDF's position as a leader in environmental monitoring.
Dimple Patel, CEO – NatureMetrics:
So EDF is the first corporate VC arm on our cap table, and this for us is incredibly important because it is validation of how our technology is able to contribute to large multinationals that are really trying to accelerate the energy transition. It's a huge vote of confidence in the scalability of our technology. Our next steps are to use AI to make our data more accessible, to help with standardization across complex portfolios of assets, and also to help with pre-screening risk across new developments.
Julien Villeret, Chief Innovation Officer – EDF Group:
Our goal is clear: equip ourselves with robust scientific tools to measure biodiversity more effectively and ultimately, to protect it.
