Led · Equity · Apr 2026

Sensmet develops µDOES, a breakthrough Micro-Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy technology that enables online multi-metal analysis of aqueous samples and delivers laboratory-grade results in real time. Its analysers are deployed across raw materials value chains, including wastewater treatment, battery recycling, lithium production and fertiliser manufacture. The real-time measurements aim to improve process efficiency, increase metal recovery, ensure consistent product quality and protect the environment. Sensmet plans to scale up and deploy more µDOES online metal analysers using the €1.5M investment from EIT RawMaterials. The company is led by CEO Dr Toni Laurila, who highlights the technology’s ability to provide continuous measurements that replace slower laboratory analysis.

Participated · Seed · Feb 2026

Founded in 2020 as an Imperial College London spin-out, Nanomox has engineered a proprietary ionic-liquid chemistry process that enables both precise production of metal-oxide nanoparticles and extraction of metals such as zinc, manganese and copper from waste ores and residues. The technology delivers fine control over particle crystallinity, shape and size, unlocking performance gains for applications in UV protection, electronics and catalysis. Its first commercial focus is ultra-transparent zinc oxide for mineral sunscreens, with a product launch planned for Q3 2026 following record-clarity lab tests. Nanomox also targets the $9 billion market in recoverable zinc from electric arc furnace dust and other industrial by-products. Proceeds from its seed round are funding “Catalyst 1,” a pilot plant and R&D hub that will ramp production to multi-tonne per-month volumes to supply early cosmetics partners. The company operates from London and continues to collaborate closely with Imperial College researchers. No revenue or user metrics have been disclosed, but the recent £2.4 million infusion extends earlier non-dilutive support from Imperial and Innovate UK.

Led · Equity · Nov 2025

Founded in 2011 and based in Espoo, Sofi Filtration develops ultra-fine particle filtration systems for industrial process water. Its legacy product, Sofi Prima, has been used for over a decade in power plants, construction, and the pulp and paper sectors. Building on that platform, the company’s new Sofi Alchemist line combines ultrasound-based self-cleaning with 0.3 µm particle capture, enabling up to 20 % higher recovery of critical minerals from mining side-streams. A recent installation at Finnish battery-chemicals producer Terrafame demonstrates the technology’s ability to enhance nickel sulphate output and strengthen Europe’s battery materials supply chain. The firm is preparing industrial pilots while pursuing international expansion from Europe to Türkiye and North America. Earlier this year Sofi Filtration closed a €1 million financing round, and it has now secured a further €900 k to accelerate commercialisation, team growth, and partnership development.

Participated · Equity · Nov 2025

Founded in October 2023 by Nicolas Brien, Wastetide has developed a patented, AI-powered application that lets industrial operators photograph a piece of waste and instantly receive its current resale price and associated carbon-savings if recycled. The platform targets the rapidly growing stream of electronic waste from data centers and other industrial sites, a market the company estimates will be worth roughly $10 billion in recyclable materials by 2030. In its first year, the solution has been deployed in 30 data centers across five countries and is already used regularly by more than 2,000 users at 12 corporate clients, including Renault, Air France Industries, and Siemens. The software supports metals, fiberglass, plastics, and other materials, turning regulatory waste-sorting obligations into economic opportunities for customers. Wastetide’s technology addresses two major trends highlighted in its own global study: the mineral-intensive shift to green energy equipment and the accelerated obsolescence of hardware driven by generative AI. With fresh capital, the startup plans to enhance its AI model and expand to additional industrial verticals. The company positions itself as a key enabler of “urban mining,” aiming to replace the word “waste” with “secondary materials” in its clients’ vocabulary.

Participated · Equity · Jan 2025

ScrapBees provides a digital-first, hands-on recycling service that manages the ‘first mile’ logistics from construction sites to processors, including on-site material analysis, weighing and electronic proof of disposal. The company sells sorted materials to a network of national retailers and processors and issues credit notes to customers for valuable materials. It focuses heavily on the Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning (SHAC/HVAC) sector and currently serves more than 900 business customers, around 400 of which are in HVAC. ScrapBees operates a fleet of over 30 vehicles and employs all drivers on a permanent basis, with services available in all major metropolitan regions in Germany. The startup highlights environmental impact—claiming savings of 230 kilograms of CO2 per collected ton versus traditional recycling—and aims to be a backbone of the heating transition for the plumbing trade. Over the next 12 months ScrapBees plans a nationwide rollout of its services under the ScrapBees brand and to expand its customer base beyond HVAC. ScrapBees, operating under the brand Schrottbienen, offers an on‑demand pickup service to collect and recycle metal scrap from households, trades and commercial customers. The company’s platform digitally tracks every goods movement in real time, a capability investors highlighted when backing the startup. Founded in 2020 and based in Neuss, ScrapBees generated nearly €1 million in revenue in 2022 and employs around 50 people. Its fleet already includes more than 20 vehicles serving the Ruhr area, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Mannheim, Nuremberg and Frankfurt am Main. The business focuses on returning metal raw materials to the circular economy while improving transparency on origin and quality in the scrap market. With new capital the founders intend to scale operations, further develop platform processes and enter additional cities.