French natural hydrogen exploration startup Mantle8 has raised €3.4 million in a seed funding round to advance its innovative approach to identifying and quantifying underground hydrogen resources. The round was led by Kiko Ventures and Breakthrough Energy Ventures Europe (BEV-E), with additional participation from angel investors. This investment will allow Mantle8 to accelerate its pilot program, enhance cross-border scalability, and expand its team of AI and geochemistry specialists.

Innovative Approach to Hydrogen Discovery

Mantle8 employs a unique combination of geophysics, geochemistry, and seismic data to accurately detect natural hydrogen reserves. Unlike traditional exploration methods that rely on trial and error, the company's proprietary technology visualizes the entire hydrogen generation system, assessing both quantity and quality. By leveraging scientific precision, Mantle8 aims to make hydrogen discovery more scalable, efficient, and cost-effective.

Scaling the Hydrogen Economy

Natural hydrogen is formed when water reacts with iron-rich rocks beneath the Earth's surface, offering a clean alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods. Unlike electrolysis and other low-carbon processes, natural hydrogen extraction does not require energy-intensive separation techniques, making it a more cost-effective solution. As industries in steel, cement, and aviation sectors seek sustainable energy sources, Mantle8’s approach has the potential to eliminate the "green premium" and drive large-scale adoption.

Strategic Use of Funding

The newly secured funds will be used to conduct a pilot program aimed at imaging and quantifying underground hydrogen systems. In addition to advancing its technology, Mantle8 will expand its team by hiring experts in AI and geochemistry to refine exploration techniques. The company also plans to develop cross-border scalability, ensuring its approach can be applied globally to maximize hydrogen discovery.

A Paradigm Shift in Exploration

Mantle8’s CEO and founder, Emmanuel Masini, emphasized the transformative nature of their approach, highlighting the role of scientific collaboration in their breakthrough technology. With investor support, the company is positioned to scale operations at an accelerated pace, unlocking new hydrogen reserves worldwide. Masini described the company’s work as a "science-first" initiative that aims to reshape the future of natural hydrogen exploration.

Investor Confidence in Mantle8

Rob Trezona from Kiko Ventures expressed strong confidence in Mantle8’s potential to revolutionize the hydrogen economy, noting that prior hydrogen investments have yielded significant returns. Trezona pointed out that Mantle8's rigorous, data-driven approach could surpass previous market successes. This backing from experienced investors underscores the startup's potential to create a major impact in the renewable energy sector.

Building a Sustainable Future

Carmichael Roberts of Breakthrough Energy Ventures highlighted Mantle8’s regional expertise and its geology-based methodology as key differentiators in the industry. With a team of experienced geologists and an emphasis on subsurface analysis, the company aims to unlock vast reserves of natural hydrogen. This strategic approach positions Mantle8 as a leader in making hydrogen an affordable and scalable energy source in Europe and beyond.

By 2030, Mantle8 aims to identify at least 10 million metric tons of natural hydrogen, aligning with the EU’s hydrogen production and importation goals. The company’s technology significantly reduces exploration timelines, potentially cutting development costs and expediting market adoption. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, Mantle8’s advancements could play a crucial role in shaping the future of hydrogen exploration and sustainability.