Metabolic

What Metabolic does

Metabolic is a Netherlands-based cleantech development and systems consulting firm founded in 2012 by Eva Gladek, headquartered in Amsterdam. The company operates a four-division model spanning Consultancy, Metabolic Institute (non-profit research), Metabolic Ventures (venture building), and Metabolic Software (steward-owned enterprise), with a Metabolic Foundation in Aruba supporting community initiatives. It serves a diversified client base including corporations (HEMA, Danone, Philips, C&A, FrieslandCampina, Schiphol, ABN AMRO, DSM, Rabobank), municipal and regional governments (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Charlotte NC, Mecklenburg County, Stuttgart), global NGOs (WWF, Climate-KIC, WRI, Ellen MacArthur Foundation), and EU institutions. Its core intellectual property consists of proprietary frameworks — notably the Seven Pillars of the Circular Economy, the Artichoke Theory of Risk, and Planetary Boundaries assessment methodologies — and a portfolio of software tools including the Link sustainability impact and risk assessment platform, Material Flow Analysis Tool, ChemDSS eco-design tool, and the Alternative Materials Tool developed with WWF Singapore.

The business model is primarily fee-for-service consulting, with project-based engagements spanning systems analysis, circular economy roadmaps, carbon footprint assessment (scope 1/2/3 including FLAG emissions), supply chain redesign, and policy support. Revenue is generated through custom-scoped, multi-year advisory mandates, with software tools (Link, MFA Tool, ChemDSS) positioned as productized methodologies sold alongside implementation services under likely subscription or licensing terms. The non-profit Institute receives grants from philanthropies, foundations, and EU research programs, while Metabolic Software operates as a steward-owned enterprise recycling profits into the broader mission. Go-to-market is sales-led and content-driven: the company publishes research, frameworks, and case studies to drive inbound, and organizes high-profile convening events such as The Missing Trillions climate finance series at COP28, Davos, and Climate Weeks. Distribution relies on direct enterprise engagement, with partnerships across EU institutions, financial institutions, and NGOs providing referral pathways. Projects span four continents and have included flagship engagements such as Circular Charlotte (quantifying $111M in annual residual waste value and $2.3B potential revenue by 2040), HEMA's first complete carbon footprint, and the EU-funded TIMBERHAUS consortium for sustainable construction.

Recently, Metabolic has signaled a strategic pivot toward place-based transition work and sector-specific deep engagement, exemplified by the co-founding of the Systems Transformation Hub with Climate-KIC, Club of Rome, SystemIQ, and WRI in 2024, and renewed focus on systemic resilience announced in 2025. The company has 51-100 employees, serves over 400 cumulative clients since founding, and maintains no disclosed external institutional ownership, remaining founder-led with a private, mission-aligned structure.

Name

Metabolic

Legal name

Metabolic

Website

https://metabolic.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Metabolic is a Netherlands-based cleantech consultancy and software firm using systems thinking to help cities, corporations, financial institutions, NGOs, and EU institutions transition to circular and regenerative economies. It operates four divisions — Consultancy, Institute (non-profit), Ventures, and Software — offering proprietary frameworks, assessment tools, and venture-building programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainability Consulting

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (541620)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability & ESG Consulting (BPAHACAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate Target-Setting, Transition Planning & Performance Management Platforms (EUABAEAF), Circularity Consulting & Program Management (EPR, Design-for-Circularity, LCA) (EUAIANAH), Circular Economy & Sustainable Products (Reuse, Repair, Upcycling) (BPAGALAF)

Keywords

• Sustainability consulting
• Circular economy advisory
• Carbon footprint assessment
• Material flow analysis
• Systems thinking consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Sustainability Consulting Engagements: Metabolic's primary revenue stream is fee-for-service consulting engagements with cities, companies, NGOs, financial institutions, and government bodies. Engagements range from strategic analysis and circular economy roadmaps to development masterplans, resource management strategies, and product/supply chain redesign. Services span analysis, strategy, design & implementation, and tool development.
2. Carbon Footprint Assessment Services: Metabolic offers science-based carbon footprint assessment services, including scope 1, 2, and 3 calculations, FLAG emissions analysis, and ongoing monitoring. These are project-based consulting engagements with pricing based on scope and complexity.
3. Metabolic Software (Platform Subscriptions/Licensing): Metabolic Software develops and markets proprietary sustainability tools (Link platform, MFA Tool, ChemDSS). As a steward-owned enterprise, all profits are cycled back into Metabolic's broader mission. Revenue model likely combines software licensing/subscription with professional services for implementation.
4. Event Series and Program Participation: Metabolic organizes and hosts event series such as 'The Missing Trillions' (climate finance events at COP28, Davos, Climate Week NYC, Climate Week London) which serve as lead generation and partnership development vehicles. Events are free to attend but generate consultancy and partnership opportunities.
5. Research Grants and Non-profit Funding (Metabolic Institute): Metabolic Institute is a non-profit organization (RSIN: 8595 90 975) that receives funding from philanthropies, foundations, and EU research programs to conduct open-source research on bioeconomy, urban transitions, and sustainability policy. The Institute's work informs and generates consulting opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Metabolic is a sustainability consulting and software firm that helps cities, companies, financial institutions, and NGOs transition to a circular economy using systems thinking methodologies. Its core offerings include sustainability strategy consulting, carbon footprint assessments (scope 1/2/3), material flow and life cycle analyses, and proprietary software platforms (Link, MFA Tool, ChemDSS, Alternative Materials Tool) for measuring and managing environmental impacts.

Product overview

Metabolic is a sustainability consultancy and software organization comprising multiple organizational units: Consulting, Metabolic Software, Metabolic Institute, Metabolic Ventures, and Metabolic Foundation. The product portfolio includes sustainability assessment tools (Link platform, Carbon Footprint Assessment), analytical software (Material Flow Analysis Tool, ChemDSS, Alternative Materials Tool), and venture building programs. These offerings work together to provide strategies, tools, and on-the-ground projects that guide decision-makers toward circular economy transitions across cities, companies, and NGOs worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Link: Sustainability impact and risk assessment platform by Metabolic Software to support organizations' nature and biodiversity strategy.
• ChemDSS
• Material Flow Analysis Tool
• Dayrize
• The Alternative Materials Tool

Products and services

• Link
• Material Flow Analysis (MFA) Tool
• ChemDSS
• Alternative Materials Tool
• Dayrize
• Carbon Footprint Assessment
• Sustainability Consulting Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 400 cities, regions, and companies served since founding in 2012
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers25 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Climate-KICcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-founder of the Systems Transformation Hub (STH) alongside Club of Rome, SystemIQ, and WRI. Climate-KIC is also listed as a partner on TIMBERHAUS and appears in Metabolic's venture ecosystem partners. Climate-KIC collaborates with Metabolic on systemic climate finance initiatives including The Missing Trillions event series.
• Club of RomecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-founder of the Systems Transformation Hub (STH) alongside Climate-KIC, SystemIQ, and WRI. The Hub aims to bring systems thinking to European policymaking through five impact spaces: Sanctuary, Situation Room, Community Garden, Sandbox, and Kitchen.
• SystemIQcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-founder of the Systems Transformation Hub (STH) alongside Climate-KIC, Club of Rome, and WRI. SystemIQ works with Metabolic on driving systemic solutions for Europe through strategic problem-solving and system-change capacity building with EU policymakers.
• World Resources Institute (WRI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-founder of the Systems Transformation Hub (STH) alongside Climate-KIC, Club of Rome, and SystemIQ. WRI collaborates with Metabolic to provide strategic guidance and support European institutions and Member States in policy analysis and development.
• Bauhaus EarthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in the TIMBERHAUS consortium (EU-funded project, 2024-2028) focused on transforming the European construction industry through sustainable wood products. Bauhaus Earth contributes to the New European Bauhaus initiative's cultural and design dimensions.
• Built by NaturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in TIMBERHAUS and supporter of the Built By Nature Prize, an open call for bio-based materials. Built by Nature collaborates with Metabolic Ventures on accelerating bio-based innovation in the built environment.
• Climate-KIC (TIMBERHAUS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in the TIMBERHAUS consortium alongside Bauhaus Earth, Built by Nature, Danish Technological Institute (coordinator), and other European organizations. Climate-KIC contributes to advancing sustainable wood construction practices across Europe.
• Ellen MacArthur FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a leading circular economy thought leader, and the partnership supports knowledge sharing and network expansion in the circular economy space.
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Client and strategic partner for Digital Product Passport research (2023). Metabolic conducted a systems analysis of DPP opportunities across chemicals, electronics, textiles, and construction sectors for WBCSD, producing dynamic sector maps and recommendations.
• WWF SingaporecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Client and partner for the Alternative Materials Tool (2020), a science-based software tool guiding businesses toward sustainable packaging alternatives in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. The tool assesses over 30 packaging types across multiple countries.
• Impact HubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website, supporting the network of innovators and entrepreneurs working on systemic change.
• City of BoulderminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website, indicating collaboration on sustainable city initiatives.
• 103.venturesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website, supporting the venture ecosystem for new economy organizations.
• ArupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website. Arup is a global engineering consultancy that may collaborate on sustainable infrastructure and urban development projects.
• Purpose EconomyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website, supporting the purpose-driven economy ecosystem.
• BiovisionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website. Biovision supports sustainable development and may collaborate on bioeconomy projects.
• F6SminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website, a network for social impact entrepreneurs and organizations.
• World Green Building CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website, collaborating on circular built environment initiatives including the Circular Buildings Coalition.
• UnearthodoxminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website. Metabolic Ventures supports Unearthodox to innovate on their current business model and understand best pathways to impact.
• Circular Buildings CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Metabolic Ventures leads the Circular Buildings Coalition together with other organizations, driving the transition to a circular built environment.
• Eratosthenes Center of ExcellenceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as an Institute partner on the Metabolic Institute website, collaborating on sustainability research and knowledge sharing.
• ICLEIminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as an Institute partner on the Metabolic Institute website. ICLEI is a global network of local governments dedicated to sustainability, supporting Metabolic's urban transitions work.
• SystemIQminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as an Institute partner on the Metabolic Institute website alongside the Club of Rome, WRI, Climate-KIC, Bauhaus Earth, and others, indicating ongoing research collaboration beyond the STH.
• Danish Technological Institute (DTI)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024Coordinator of the EU-funded TIMBERHAUS project (2024-2028). DTI leads a diverse European consortium including Metabolic, Bauhaus Earth, Built by Nature, Climate-KIC, ETH Zurich, and others to drive sustainable wood construction across Europe.
• Impact ExpressminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Listed as a venture ecosystem partner on the Metabolic Ventures website, supporting impact-driven entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Peace DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2023Collaborated with Metabolic and Open Earth Foundation to develop the 'Playbook for Place-based Transition Funds' (September 2023 – April 2024), an innovative approach to financing decarbonization through location-specific climate investment portfolios.
• Open Earth FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2023Collaborated with Metabolic and Peace Department on the Place-based Transition Funds Playbook. Open Earth Foundation contributes expertise on climate and environmental systems to the financing framework.
• IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Co-organizer of The Missing Trillions event series alongside Metabolic and Climate-KIC. IIED contributes expertise on climate finance, sustainable development, and systemic approaches to environmental challenges.
• UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Client for the 'Harnessing Digital Technologies for the Circular Economy' study (January 2023), conducted in collaboration with One Planet Network and CODES. The study informs UNEP's Digital Transformation Programme of Work and the UN Secretary General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation.
• One Planet NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Collaborated with Metabolic and CODES on analyzing barriers to digital technologies as circular economy enablers. One Planet Network is a UN-led initiative supporting sustainable consumption and production.
• CODES (Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Collaborated with Metabolic and One Planet Network on the digital technologies for circular economy study. CODES is a coalition driving digital environmental sustainability, and the study forms the basis for the Digitalization 4 Circular Economy (D4CE) Impact Initiative.
• Wageningen UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2019Consortium partner in the Alpro Science-Based Targets pilot project (March 2019), contributing academic research expertise to the development of methodologies for setting planetary boundaries-based targets in food supply chains.
• IUCN-NL (International Union for Conservation of Nature Netherlands)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2019Consortium partner in the Alpro Science-Based Targets pilot project (March 2019), providing biodiversity and conservation expertise for assessing Alpro's almond and soya supply chains against Planetary Boundaries.
• PlansupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2019Consortium partner in the Alpro Science-Based Targets pilot project (March 2019), contributing to the development of science-based target methodologies for land use and agricultural supply chains.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• South Pole Group: Global climate solutions and sustainability consultancy offering carbon footprint assessment, science-based target setting, and net-zero strategy. Directly competes with Metabolic's carbon footprint and corporate sustainability consulting practice across European and global accounts.
• EcoAct (ENGIE Impact): Climate change consultancy and carbon market advisory acquired by ENGIE, offering carbon footprinting, net-zero strategy, and CSRD services. Comparable to Metabolic's enterprise carbon advisory and ESG consulting practice.
• Circle Economy: Amsterdam-based circular economy consultancy and data platform that publishes the Circularity Gap Report. Highly comparable as a fellow Dutch-headquartered firm offering circular economy strategy, indicator development, and city/corporate engagement overlapping with Metabolic's core offerings.
• Anthesis Group: Largest pure-play sustainability consultancy globally, offering strategy, ESG advisory, carbon accounting, and circular economy services. Directly comparable across corporate sustainability advisory and CSRD preparation engagements.
• Quantis: Sustainability and environmental impact consultancy specializing in Life Cycle Assessment, carbon accounting, and science-based targets for large enterprises (food, cosmetics, apparel). Closely comparable to Metabolic's methodology-heavy approach to scope 3 emissions and footprinting.
• SystemIQ: Systems-change organization working on circular economy, climate, and nature-based solutions; co-founder of the Systems Transformation Hub alongside Metabolic. Highly comparable as a peer/partner in EU policy advisory and systems transformation.

Emerging players

• Persefoni: AI-enabled carbon accounting and climate management platform for enterprises and financial institutions. Comparable to Metabolic's software tools (Link, MFA Tool) and carbon advisory offerings as a dedicated, capital-rich climate software peer.
• Watershed: Enterprise carbon accounting and climate platform offering emissions measurement, reporting, and reduction software. Directly comparable to Metabolic's Link platform and Carbon Footprint Assessment service, particularly for CSRD/SEC climate disclosure buyers.

Broad incumbents

• Climate-KIC: EU-backed climate innovation community and knowledge integrator funding and convening systemic climate solutions. Comparable as a partner/peer on TIMBERHAUS, NetZeroCities, and Systems Transformation Hub — overlapping on EU program delivery and circular/climate innovation.
• ERM (Environmental Resources Management): Global environmental and sustainability consulting incumbent with deep expertise in environmental impact assessment, circular economy, and ESG strategy. Comparable across environmental due diligence, sustainability strategy, and large-enterprise circular economy engagements.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MetabolicHQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/metabolics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/metabolic-lab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Metabolic