French natural hydrogen exploration company Mantle8 has successfully raised €3.4 million in a seed funding round from Kiko Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures Europe (BEV-E), and angel investors. This investment will enable Mantle8 to conduct a pilot project to image and quantify hydrogen systems in the ground, while also expanding their team with new AI and geochemistry experts. Mantle8 utilizes a technology that integrates geophysics, geochemistry, and seismic data to precisely locate natural hydrogen for extraction purposes, offering a sustainable alternative for industries like steel, cement, and aviation. Natural hydrogen, generated when water interacts with iron-rich rocks underground, eliminates the need for energy-intensive separation processes required by traditional hydrogen production methods. The company aims to find 10 million tonnes of natural hydrogen by 2030, aligning with the EU's hydrogen production goals. Founder and CEO Emmanuel Masini emphasizes the company's science-first approach as a paradigm shift in hydrogen exploration, enhancing scalability, accuracy, speed, and profitability. Investors like Kiko Ventures and Breakthrough Energy Ventures highlight Mantle8's innovative and science-driven methodology, expressing confidence in its potential to revolutionize natural hydrogen extraction and contribute significantly to the hydrogen economy in Europe. By securing this funding, Mantle8 is poised to lead the way in affordable and sustainable hydrogen production, marking a significant advancement in natural hydrogen exploration.