The Hague welcomes Natural Ventures, an impact-focused venture capital fund that addresses global food and water security. Together with the launch, they announced the first close of its inaugural fund of $100 m. The fund is granted financial support by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Seed Capital program, which RVO manages. This governmental loan is earmarked for investments in the Netherlands. The fund will invest in companies dedicated to improving food and water security globally. Current investments include:
1. Constellr uses advanced satellite technology to monitor Earth’s resources through thermal intelligence. It provides highly accurate Land Surface Temperature (LST) data for better water, carbon, and vegetation health insights. Through daily high-resolution data, Constellr's tailored solutions promote resource accountability and sustainability on a global scale. (Picture Credit to: Insights | constellr, thermal intelligence for decisions with confidence)
2. Active Membranes is revolutionising desalination with electro-active membranes that cut costs and enhance efficiency in water purification. Their technology addresses key challenges like scaling and fouling, making desalination more sustainable and economically viable. This innovation offers a practical solution to global water scarcity by turning desalination into a scalable and affordable option. (Picture Credit to: Advanced Desalination Membrane Technology | Active Membranes)
3. Brevel is revolutionising alternative proteins by producing affordable, sustainable microalgae-based ingredients using a unique fermentation and light process. Their high-protein microalgae seamlessly enhance plant-based foods without sacrificing taste or texture, aiming to make alternative proteins more accessible globally.
(Picture Credit to: Product - BREVEL - The Future Looks Better With Sustainable Ingredients)
4. N-Drip provides a cost-effective, gravity-powered drip irrigation system that conserves water and increases crop yields without needing filters or pumps. Ideal for small-scale farmers, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional flood irrigation, reducing water use while enhancing productivity. (Picture Credit to: N-Drip - the first and only micro irrigation solution powered by gravity)
5. Kilter is pioneering sustainable agriculture through advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. Their flagship product, the Kilter AX-1, is an autonomous farming robot that uses deep-learning neural networks to identify and target weeds precisely. The robot applies micro-doses of herbicide directly to the weeds without affecting crops or soil. This innovation reduces herbicide usage by up to 95%, promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing crop yields.
About Natural Ventures
Natural Ventures takes an impact-driven approach to investing in and supporting the drive towards a more sustainable future and stable climate. It focuses on high-technology solutions and invests in scalable technologies with proven commercial traction that directly impact water and food security.
Addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, population growth, and the transformation of water and food systems, the fund aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, healthy, and economical food and water supply. Natural Ventures has offices in Abu Dhabi and The Hague. The fund launches with an existing portfolio of four companies and a strong pipeline of opportunities globally. Existing of HELM AG, a strategic UAE investor. Chemovateq, a Swiss-based family office. It is a global Agtech scouting and advisory company, as well as Isle Utilities.
The Seed-Capital scheme by the RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) is a funding program designed to support innovative startups and early-stage companies. It provides venture capital to help these businesses develop their ideas, accelerate growth, and bring creative solutions to the market. The program aims to foster entrepreneurship, drive technological advancements, and contribute to the economic development of companies.
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Sustainable Micro-Algae producer Alver moves to The Hague
People need protein. Meat production and consumption have negative effects on climate change, water and land-use, other protein sources have to be found to feed the increasing population on the planet. Swiss-Dutch company Alver focusses on micro-algae as the green food source of the future. Currently the company is moving its entire business to The Hague.
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