Gentian

Gentian is a London-based nature tech company that analyses very-high-resolution satellite imagery with bespoke machine learning models to map habitats and quantify biodiversity. Its tools classify habitat types and conditions, map vegetation, canopy cover, tree counts and green roofs, track invasive species, and measure change over time, with outputs intended to support nature-positive planning, nature-related risk assessment and regulated disclosure. Workflow begins with site selection, followed by acquisition of satellite imagery, AI-based habitat classification, and verification by in-house ecologists and GIS analysts, with results delivered through an online platform in timeframes described as days, hours or minutes.

The company packages this capability into four products: True Sight for rapid Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) screening and feasibility studies; True Sage for detailed habitat assessment, monitoring and framework-aligned reporting; True Oracle for bespoke enterprise biodiversity intelligence including peatland and tree surveys; and True Urban for urban habitat, green roof and climate resilience mapping. Service lines span BNG assessments, Phase 1 habitat surveys, ecological surveys, habitat mapping, biodiversity monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), tree surveys, peatland mapping, and reporting aligned to TNFD, CSRD, SBTN and ESG frameworks.

Founding story

Gentian was founded by Daniel White, Dusty Gedge, Thomas Fenal and Karen Day. White's background is in ecology and, previously, leadership roles including CEO of Signol and advocacy work for the homeless in London; Gedge is a green infrastructure specialist and former President of the European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations known for urban biodiversity and green roof work in London; Fenal is a satellite engineer who worked on deep-space spacecraft design and European Space Agency Earth Observation missions; Day has worked in organisations tracking maritime pollution and marine conservation. The company initially focused on urban environments before broadening to global biodiversity intelligence.

Business model

Gentian sells satellite-and-AI-derived biodiversity assessments and monitoring as productised services and platform access, with expert verification included. Its published positioning references a pricing model that scales across multi-site pipelines and portfolios, reducing cost per hectare at volume, and assessments that can be commissioned as needed rather than through heavy fixed overhead.

Revenue is generated from paid biodiversity assessments, habitat mapping, surveys and monitoring services delivered through its platform, with pricing that scales by task and across multi-site portfolios.

Traction

Named customers and references include Barratt Developments PLC, whose Group Head of Biodiversity provided a testimonial, Scottish Power for high-resolution peatland assessment, and Lewisham Council for borough-wide urban green infrastructure mapping.

Latest developments

As of a June 2025 interview, Gentian said it was focused on extending its global reach and was recruiting additional staff, while seeking partnerships, collaborative research bids and investment to scale its platform.