Outcome of UK space agency’s unlocking space for business grant showcases the power of MRV technology for natural capital investments
Treeconomy, a leading nature-based solutions and remote sensing technology company, and Octopus, an investment manager developing a natural capital strategy to support high-integrity carbon removal, are pleased to announce the release of a groundbreaking due diligence tool designed to enhance transparency and trust in nature-based carbon investments. This innovative tool is the outcome of a nine-month grant funded project awarded by the UK Space Agency as part of the Unlocking Space for Business programme, which began in July 2024.
The project aimed to pilot and integrate satellite-based analytics and data tools into investment decision-making processes for nature-based carbon projects, such as afforestation. The tool will streamline investment assessments by embedding space-based digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) technology into Octopus’s due diligence, evaluation, and reporting workflows while ensuring trust, traceability, and transparency—key challenges in carbon markets today.
A new standard for nature-based investment due diligence
The newly developed due diligence tool leverages Treeconomy’s cutting-edge dMRV technology, combining high-resolution satellite imagery, remote sensing analytics, and more than 60 geospatial datasets to assess the viability and performance of nature-based carbon projects. By defining key investment metrics, refining methodologies, and integrating findings into Octopus’ standard evaluation framework, the tool will support more rapid and confident decision-making for natural capital investment.
“It’s been a pleasure partnering with Octopus’ ambitious and innovative natural capital team to develop a solution to enable and accelerate data-driven decision-making for nature finance. We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Octopus, contributing our purpose-built technology as they look to build a world-class natural capital portfolio. In the hands of a growing number of natural capital investors and nature project developers, our new due diligence and screening tool will help private finance to find and act upon quality restoration opportunities, closing the UK’s £44 billion funding gap to achieve its climate and nature targets. I’d like to thank the UK Space Agency for supporting this exciting partnership and believing in the power of satellite data and earth observation to connect nature-based solutions and financial services.”
Rob Godfrey, Co-Founder of Treeconomy
A milestone in space-powered sustainability innovation
Over the nine-month period, Treeconomy and Octopus collaborated to define key investment metrics, develop a scalable due diligence product, and successfully embed it into Octopus’ natural capital investment process. Powered and delivered by Treeconomy’s Sherwood platform, the new tool represents a major step forward in leveraging space technology to support responsible, data-backed investments in nature restoration.
In embracing the solution, Octopus becomes the first major UK investor that will embed purpose-built satellite data and geospatial analysis into its core natural capital investment workflow.
“By integrating earth observation technology into our due diligence processes, we will gain unique insights that will increase both speed and efficiency in helping finance to reach quality nature restoration projects more quickly. It’s been great working with Treeconomy on this new tool, giving us the confidence that our future investments will deliver tangible environmental benefits.”
Alex Godfrey, Investment Director of Octopus Capital
Following successful project completion and product launch, Treeconomy is engaging with natural capital investors and project developers as early adopters to refine and enhance the tool’s capabilities. The due diligence tool is set to play a crucial role in expanding investment in credible, high-integrity carbon projects, supporting the transition toward a more transparent and accountable natural capital market in the UK and beyond.
