Mantle8, a French natural hydrogen exploration company, has successfully raised a €3.4m seed round with investments from Kiko Ventures and Breakthrough Energy Ventures Europe (BEV-E) along with contributions from angel investors. The company plans to utilize these funds to conduct a pilot project to image and quantify hydrogen systems in the ground, further develop its technology for cross-border scalability, and expand its team by hiring AI and geochemistry experts. Mantle8's proprietary technology combines geophysics, geochemistry, and seismic data to accurately detect natural hydrogen locations, offering a more energy-efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods. This natural hydrogen, produced by nature through the reaction of water with iron-rich rocks underground, presents a promising solution for industries looking to decarbonize sectors like steel, cement, and aviation. The company aims to revolutionize hydrogen exploration by visualizing entire hydrogen-generating systems to evaluate the quality and quantity of hydrogen present. Mantle8 believes that its technology is scalable for global applications and targets to discover 10Mt of natural hydrogen by 2030, aligning with the EU's hydrogen production goals. Through collaborations with the scientific community, Mantle8 has developed a science-first approach that enhances the scalability, accuracy, and profitability of hydrogen discovery. This approach contrasts with traditional trial-and-error methods used in natural hydrogen extraction, positioning Mantle8 as a leader in the field. Investors like Kiko Ventures and Breakthrough Energy Ventures recognize the potential of Mantle8's technology to transform hydrogen exploration and make affordable hydrogen a reality in Europe. By leveraging its regional expertise, geology-based exploration approach, and experienced team of geologists, Mantle8 is well-positioned to drive innovation in the hydrogen economy and contribute significantly to achieving sustainability goals in the energy sector.