NatureMetrics

NatureMetrics provides biodiversity monitoring and nature intelligence services by analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) from environmental samples like soil and water. Founded in 2014 by a group of scientists including Dr. Kat Bruce, Professor Douglas Yu, and Professor Alfried Vogler, the company aims to connect environmental managers with the data needed to monitor biodiversity effectively. The founders, all molecular ecologists, were pioneers in DNA-based biodiversity assessment.

The company's core offering involves sending simple field sampling kits to clients, who then collect samples and return them to NatureMetrics' labs in the UK, Canada, or a partner lab in Indonesia. Using a process called DNA metabarcoding, the firm analyzes the collected eDNA to create a comprehensive profile of the species present in an ecosystem, from bacteria to vertebrates. This data is then converted into simplified metrics and indicators of biodiversity health, which are delivered to clients through the company's Nature Intelligence Platform. This approach allows organizations to establish biodiversity baselines, track the impact of their operations, monitor conservation and restoration progress, and manage nature-related risks.

NatureMetrics serves a diverse client base of over 600 organizations across more than 110 countries, including corporations like Unilever, Anglo American, and Tesco, as well as conservation groups such as WWF and Fauna & Flora. The business model is driven by the increasing demand for nature-related data, spurred by regulatory frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). The company has raised a total of $52.4 million over six funding rounds, with its latest Series B in January 2025 securing $25 million led by investors including Just Climate and EDF Pulse Ventures.

Keywords: biodiversity monitoring, environmental DNA, eDNA, nature intelligence, DNA metabarcoding, ecosystem assessment, nature-related financial disclosures, corporate sustainability, conservation technology, environmental impact assessment, biodiversity data, species identification, soil biodiversity, water biodiversity, nature risk management, restoration tracking, genetic analysis, environmental reporting, TNFD, CSRD