
The beginnings In 2012, whilst working as researchers at the University of Bristol, Fathom’s co-founders started to discuss the major obstacles that needed to be overcome in order to simulate flooding in developing regions of the world. Flood models had historically been built at small-scales and in data-rich areas, so the creation of large-scale models in data-scarce regions would require a radically different approach.
The founders therefore began to examine the best ways to bring together cutting-edge research methods from across a range of complementary fields such as hydrology, hydraulics and remote sensing. In 2013, this conversation led to the formation of Fathom. Above all, the aim being to create a leading, data-driven and transparent modelling organisation to help improve our understanding of flooding around the world.
Today, Fathom has become a global leader in water risk intelligence. Academic research remains as important to our team now as when we started. In the face of the increasing challenges posed by climate change, this commitment ensures we are providing our customers and partners with market-leading flood models based on the ever-advancing frontiers of scientific research.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide scientifically rigorous water and climate information for the benefit of businesses and communities worldwide.
It is Fathom’s vision to become global leaders in the provision of water risk intelligence.

Our pledge
One for all — whenever in need, each teammate knows that they can lean on the whole company for support. Together, we solve problems better.
We make a difference — the impact that we have as individuals and as a team is one that we are proud of. Our work has purpose, and that is to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Science is in our DNA — as scientists, we’re on top of all the latest discoveries in the world of water risk. And working with other world-leading research teams, we make many of these discoveries ourselves. We put our peer-reviewed research to work solving our customers’ challenges.
We are open and transparent — our customers know exactly where they stand, because we’re 100% honest about how we develop our products. We thrive on open feedback and conversation with our customers and fellow scientists from around the world.
We embrace individuality — at Fathom being different is the norm and we value all opinions from our teammates. As a company, we challenge the status quo to deliver real innovations that stand out from the crowd.
We are dynamic — always determined to do even better, we are flexible with our employees, adaptable with our customers and agile as a business. We shape what we do around what needs to be done.
Quote Fathom delivered high-quality and timely analyses to improve the global flood hazard classification in ThinkHazard!, and helped make the data available for disaster risk management activities in developing countries.