Natural Ventures invests in Active Membranes, a pioneering company in the field of desalination technology.
Abu Dhabi, 10 July 2024 – Natural Ventures today announced an investment in Active Membranes, a pioneering company in the field of desalination technology. The investment round, which was led by Natural Ventures, included co-investments from Echo River Capital and Pacifica Water Solutions.
Active Membranes is the developer of revolutionary, award-winning electrically-conducting membranes used in desalination. Their patented technology, that incorporates a tuneable electrical potential unto a spiral wound desalination membrane module, makes membranes actively resistant to scaling and fouling. This investment will facilitate Active’s further corporate growth, technology scale-up, and commercialization, as well as the execution of several extended field pilot tests, all of which are co-funded by various US federal and state government agencies.
“Active Membranes is innovating the future of fresh water by redefining the technology used in reverse osmosis membrane desalination for both seawater and brackish water applications,” said Arian Edalat, Co-founder and CEO. “This round of funding enables us to further refine our revolutionary technology and accelerate its commercialization. We greatly appreciate the confidence that our investors have placed in us and also recognize that their experience brings a significant value to our company that goes far beyond the infusion of capital,” he added.
Active Membranes brings a new and entirely different approach to desalination membrane technology. Its membranes utilize the company’s patented technology that incorporates tunable electrical potential into a spiral wound desalination membrane module to make it actively resistant to scaling and fouling during the desalination process.
With their anti-scaling, anti-fouling properties, these membranes require minimal pre-treatment and minimal usage of chemicals and consumables. They also operate at a higher recovery rate and significantly simplify operation. This results in a much lower footprint, lower capital costs, and reduced operating costs. In so doing, Active Membranes transforms desalination into a technology of choice rather than a technology of last resort.
Based in California, Active Membranes has received numerous awards including the prestigious Technology Idol Award, the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the More Water Less Concentrate Prize presented by the US Bureau of Reclamation, and is a finalist for the 2024 Earthshot Prize.
Dr. Benjamin Tam, Operating Partner of Natural Ventures, commented:
“Natural Ventures is thrilled to announce its investment in Active Membranes, a pioneering company in the field of desalination technology. As the global demand for fresh water continues to rise, especially in regions heavily reliant on desalination, the need to reduce both the economic and environmental costs of this vital process becomes increasingly urgent.
Active Membranes takes a novel approach to desalination, augmenting membrane technology with unique characteristics that allow for efficient scaling. This investment underscores Natural Ventures’ commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address critical challenges in water resource management and sustainability. We look forward to contributing to Active Membranes’ journey and witnessing its impact on the global water crisis”
Peter Yolles, Managing Partner of Echo River Capital, adds:
“Active Membranes will be a leader in advancing desalination through its innovative smart membranes. Active’s unique electrically conducting coating will reduce the costs of water desalination among the existing installed base of reverse osmosis plants around the world. This will fulfil Echo River’s mission of innovating decentralised water treatment and satisfy our contribution towards SDG 6 – fresh drinking water for all”
About Active Membranes
Active Membranes is at the forefront of technology innovation aimed at making fresh water less costly and more accessible as our planet grapples with the impact of climate change on the world’s water supply.
Our membranes use our patented technology that incorporates a tuneable electrical potential unto a spiral wound desalination membrane module to make it actively resistant to scaling and fouling. More information can be found at activemembrane.com
About Natural Ventures
Natural Ventures is an impact-driven fund that is at the center of addressing the interrelated challenges arising from climate change, world population growth and the transformation of the world’s water and food systems. Natural Ventures invests across Water and Food Security globally, whilst accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies into the Middle East and Asia. More information can be found at natural.ventures
About Echo River Capital
Echo River Capital invests globally in early stage water technology companies to Digitize, Decarbonize and Decentralize the water cycle — the “Three D’s of water tech.” Our vision for the future is living in freshwater harmony with nature, made easier through technology. Echo River is among the few investors with a narrow specialty in smart water technology solving global water challenges for human health, environment, and climate resilience. We admire and seek LPs who can actively participate in the Echo River Capital community of diverse founders, share our values, and work towards an enduring water future. More information can be found at www.echorivercap.com
Press Enquiries
Active Membranes
Arian Edelat
Email: arian@activemembrane.com
Natural Ventures
Mark Jenkins, Managing Partner: mark@natural.ventures
Maarten ter Keurst, Managing Partner: maarten@natural.ventures