Sense and Sustainability: Why We Invested in FREDsense
Ginger Rothrock lifts the lid on the rationale behind HG Ventures’ latest investment in a company focused on addressing the global issue of water contamination.
At HG Ventures, we believe our most impactful investments help industries transition towards resilience, efficiency, and sustainability – while leveraging the scale and expertise of The Heritage Group. We recently led the $7M Series A round for FREDsense Technologies, extending our commitment into real-time detection of PFAS, one of the most urgent environmental crises of our time
The PFAS Problem: A Growing Need for Quantitative Solutions
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” have become a global environmental and public health concern. During my graduate studies in fluoropolymer chemistry, I saw firsthand the remarkable – and troubling – persistence of perfluorinated materials. They exist at almost undetectable levels and stubbornly resist breakdown. That stability makes PFAS both fascinating for commercial use and deeply problematic in the environment.
Why FREDsense Stands Out
FREDsense (the “FRED” stands for Field-Ready Electrochemical Detector”) has developed a proprietary sensor platform that delivers unparalleled speed and portability in detecting PFAS. For decades, understanding PFAS contamination has meant shipping samples off to labs and waiting weeks for results. FREDsense changes that dynamic, putting actionable data into the field so industries can respond in real time. This real-time turnaround, combined with cost savings of up to 80%, makes FREDsense a game-changer for industries such as environmental consulting, industrial remediation, and municipal water treatment.
Adding Value Through the Heritage Group
One of the unique advantages HG Ventures brings to the table is our connection to The Heritage Group’s ecosystem of companies. Our deep expertise in managing, testing, and treating PFAS-contaminated waste streams has been invaluable in evaluating FREDsense’s potential in context with the broader PFAS remediation market opportunity.
During the due diligence process, our teams at Envita, Arcwood, and Heritage Research Group provided critical insights into the technical and market applications of FREDsense’s products. This collaboration highlighted how FREDsense’s solutions could integrate seamlessly into existing remediation workflows, adding significant value to customers and driving market adoption, giving us the confidence to invest.
A Compelling Leadership Team
One of the other factors we always consider when evaluating an investment opportunity is the caliber of the leadership team, and we could not help but be impressed by FREDsense co-founders, David Lloyd and Emily Hicks, who have strong backgrounds in biochemistry and analytical methods. They are joined by water industry veteran Eric Stoermer who brings deep expertise in commercial strategy. This investment round also adds additional decades of industrial leadership on the Board, with former Hach President Kevin Klau and Emerald Investment Director Clayton MacDougald joining us.
Building a Portfolio of Water Innovation
Our investment in FREDsense complements our broader focus on water security and innovation. The company joins a portfolio that already includes PFAS remediation companies Puraffinity, which is advancing adsorption-based removal, and Aclarity, which is developing groundbreaking electrochemical destruction methods to eliminate these chemicals entirely. Taken together, these investments form a comprehensive toolkit for tackling PFAS contamination, from detection to removal and destruction.
Looking Ahead
With its highly experienced team, a strong intellectual property portfolio, proven market traction, and established partnerships with many major environmental consulting firms, the company is well-positioned for growth.
Moreover, as PFAS regulations tighten globally and corporate liabilities drive urgency, the demand for efficient, scalable testing solutions will only increase. FREDsense’s innovative approach to water quality testing positions it as a first mover in the rapidly growing PFAS detection market, valued at over $1 billion in the U.S. alone.
At HG Ventures, we’re proud to support FREDsense as it pioneers solutions to one of the world’s most pressing water challenges. By investing in technologies that drive environmental and economic value, we’re helping to shape a more sustainable future for industries and communities alike.