The environmental engineering industry in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) focuses on designing and implementing solutions to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Companies range from large multinationals specializing in water treatment and waste management to innovative startups developing technology for carbon capture and pollution reduction. As sustainability gains significance, the sector is evolving fast, with increased investments in green technologies and infrastructure. Driven by regulatory requirements and consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions, investment in this space is expected to rise, offering lucrative opportunities for companies at the forefront of innovation in sustainability.


This article highlights 12 noteworthy investors in the DACH region’s environmental engineering sector. These include private equity firms, corporate entities, and venture capitalists, all demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Among them, notable players like Partners Group and Siemens Financial Services showcase multi-billion-dollar assets and numerous investments. Founded between the 19th and 21st centuries, these investors are strategically positioning themselves in a sector set to flourish in the coming years, as evidenced by their substantial deal counts in 2024.


Top 12 Environmental Engineering Investors in DACH


1. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS operates globally, providing independent services that ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In recent years, SGS has strategically expanded its environmental engineering capabilities through several key acquisitions. Notably, the acquisition of Ecotecnos in 2022 enhanced their sea monitoring and oceanography services in Chile. The acquisition of EKO-PROJEKT LTD in 2009 bolstered their environmental monitoring and testing capabilities in Central Europe. Furthermore, the acquisition of Aster Global Environmental Solutions in 2025 allowed SGS to enhance its sustainability offerings, particularly in carbon and greenhouse gas validation and verification services. Additionally, the acquisition of MIS Environmental Ltd. and MIS Testing Ltd. in 2013 strengthened their environmental and industrial operations in the UK. These transactions reflect SGS's commitment to advancing its environmental engineering services and supporting sustainability initiatives.


2. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Climeworks, a leader in carbon capture technology, in a funding round that raised CHF 600 million, highlighting their focus on environmental solutions. Additionally, their acquisition of Gren for €710 million further emphasizes their interest in sustainable energy infrastructure. These investments reflect Partners Group's strategy to integrate sustainability into their portfolio, making them a significant player in the environmental engineering space.


3. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a corporate venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments that support the energy and ecological transition, focusing on sustainable development. Demeter-Partners manages a diverse portfolio aimed at promoting ecological solutions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Naldeo Group and Fondasol SA, both of which are involved in environmental services. They also participated in funding rounds for companies like Le Floch Depollution, which focuses on pollution control, and Dr. Födisch Umweltmesstechnik, which specializes in environmental measurement technology. These investments highlight Demeter-Partners' commitment to fostering innovation in the environmental engineering sector.


4. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG, founded in 1847 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a prominent technology conglomerate specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. With a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees, Siemens generates substantial revenue and operates globally. The company has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in environmental engineering, notably the acquisition of Cambridge Water Technology in 2012, which bolstered its water and wastewater treatment systems. More recently, Siemens acquired Bunt Planet in December 2023 and Pro Integris d.o.o. za inženjering in November 2023, further expanding its portfolio in innovative environmental solutions. These transactions reflect Siemens' commitment to enhancing efficiency and sustainability across various sectors, including environmental engineering.


5. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. With over 10,000 employees, the bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. In 2024, Deutsche Bank was involved in 32 investments, showcasing its active role in the financial market. Among its notable transactions, Deutsche Bank participated in the debt financing of Origis Energy, which raised $750 million in March 2023, indicating a commitment to energy solutions. Furthermore, the bank was involved in a significant funding round for Adani New Industries, which raised $394 million to support its solar module manufacturing facility, highlighting Deutsche Bank's engagement in renewable energy projects. These transactions reflect Deutsche Bank's strategic interest in sectors that contribute to environmental sustainability, making it a relevant player in the environmental engineering space.


6. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has made a total of 9 investments in 2024, focusing on innovative solutions across various sectors. One of their notable investments includes Epoch Biodesign, which raised $3.5 million in a Pre-Seed round, indicating Possible Ventures' interest in sustainable and biodesign technologies. They also invested in Renoster Systems, which closed a $3.75 million seed funding round aimed at improving transparency in carbon offset projects, a critical area in environmental engineering. Other investments include CIRCA5000 and Tanso, which further demonstrate their commitment to supporting initiatives that may contribute to environmental sustainability and engineering solutions.


7. Andritz

  • Website: andritz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Graz, Styria, Austria
  • Founded year: 1892
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: andritz

Andritz AG is a technology provider based in Graz, Austria, specializing in industrial equipment and solutions across various sectors, including pulp and paper, metals, and energy. Founded in 1892, Andritz has a global presence and focuses on innovation and digitalization to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability for its business customers. The company has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its capabilities in environmental engineering contexts. For instance, the acquisition of Euroslot KDSS in 2015 enhanced Andritz's ability to design and manufacture filtration and separation equipment, which is crucial for environmental management in various industries. Additionally, their acquisition of Royal GMF-Gouda, a manufacturer of drying solutions, aligns with sustainable practices in energy and resource management. These transactions reflect Andritz's commitment to integrating sustainability into its operations and product offerings, positioning it as a relevant player in the environmental engineering sector.


8. Siemens Financial Services


Siemens Financial Services, founded in 1997 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a corporate investor that specializes in providing financial services to support technological advancements across various sectors, including industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The firm is dedicated to enabling digital transformation and sustainability for businesses and organizations. In 2024, Siemens Financial Services has been involved in several significant transactions that highlight their focus on environmental solutions. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding rounds for Mission Zero, which raised over $27 million, and Carbyon, which secured approximately $16.9 million. Additionally, they were involved in the funding of CarbonCapture, which raised $80 million, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting companies that are developing technologies for carbon capture and removal. These investments reflect Siemens Financial Services' strategic interest in promoting sustainability and addressing environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions.


9. Aenu

  • Website: aenu.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: pirate-impact

Aenu is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on empowering climate tech founders by providing investment brokerage and advisory services, primarily targeting tech entrepreneurs who are addressing climate change and sustainability challenges in Europe. Aenu aims to drive systemic change in venture capital through intentional investments in impactful technologies. Notable transactions include a $5.3 million seed round for the Ecosystem Restoration Standard, a $54 million Series B investment in Running Tide, and a $53 million Series A funding for Heirloom, a direct air capture startup. Additionally, Aenu participated in a seed round for Pivotal Future Ltd., a company focused on biodiversity measurement, further emphasizing their commitment to environmental engineering and sustainability.


10. Mercuria


Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is a global energy trading company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. The company operates primarily in the commodity markets, focusing on crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. Mercuria provides trading services and invests in sustainable projects, catering to businesses transitioning to net zero. In recent years, Mercuria has made significant strides in the environmental engineering space through various transactions. For instance, they acquired Beyond6, a clean energy specialist, for $169 million, enhancing their presence in the alternative fuels and energy transition sector. Additionally, they led a $34 million Series A funding round for Exergyn, an Irish CleanTech firm developing thermal management technology, and co-led a $12.5 million Series A financing for Nth Cycle, which focuses on recycling technologies. These investments highlight Mercuria's commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and supporting innovative technologies that align with environmental engineering objectives.


11. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio, catering primarily to entrepreneurs and innovative companies seeking investment. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Puraffinity, which raised $8.8 million in Series A funding for its PFAS removal technology, and Neustark, a carbon removal provider that raised $69 million. These transactions highlight Verve Ventures' active role in supporting startups that are directly addressing environmental issues, further solidifying their position as a relevant player in the environmental engineering sector.


12. Speedinvest

  • Website: speedinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: speedinvest

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help these companies scale their operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have made significant investments in the environmental sector, such as Purpose Green, a climate technology company that raised $15 million in a seed round in October 2024, and Riverse, which raised €1.5 million for further development and expansion. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the environmental engineering space, making them a relevant player in this industry.



Environmental Engineering Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
AndritzGraz, Styria, Austria10001+18925
Siemens Financial ServicesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1001-5000199715
AenuBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020229
MercuriaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020047
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145


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