The coastal engineering industry in DACH focuses on water-related construction projects, protecting shorelines and managing marine resources. Companies range from large multinationals to specialized boutique firms, offering services in environmental impact assessments, marine construction, and coastal protection. This sector is evolving rapidly, driven by climate change and rising sea levels, which amplify the demand for sustainable and resilient infrastructures. Innovative techniques such as green coastal defenses and smart monitoring tools are gaining momentum, reflecting a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy solutions is becoming increasingly relevant, enhancing the industry's long-term viability and importance.


In the DACH region, a variety of investors are shaping the coastal engineering landscape. These include corporate giants like Siemens and smaller venture capital firms, collectively ranging in size from just a handful of employees to over 100,000. Founded between 1864 and 2017, these entities are anchored in key innovation hubs like Munich, Berlin, and Geneva. Notably, 2024 saw significant deal activity, with some investors, like Deutsche Bank with 32 investments, actively contributing to the sector, highlighting the region's dynamic engagement with coastal initiatives.


Top 13 Coastal 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 a wide range of services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. Notably, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its offerings in environmental and engineering services. In 2022, SGS acquired Ecotecnos, a Chilean company specializing in sea monitoring and oceanography services, aligning with its strategy to expand its Industries & Environment offerings. Additionally, the acquisition of Ryobi Geotechnique International Pte Ltd, which focuses on geoengineering solutions, further strengthens SGS's capabilities in construction and infrastructure sectors, including those relevant to coastal engineering. These transactions highlight SGS's commitment to enhancing its service portfolio in areas that intersect with coastal engineering.


2. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at facilitating the energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies with funding and strategic guidance. Demeter-Partners manages a diverse portfolio that promotes ecological solutions. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions, including multiple rounds of funding for Ideol Offshore, which raised significant amounts for its floating wind turbine technology, indicating a connection to marine energy solutions. Additionally, they acquired Naldeo Group, which may have relevance in environmental services. However, their focus remains primarily on energy and ecological sectors rather than specifically on coastal engineering.


3. 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 is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. The company is actively involved in various sectors, providing innovative products and services that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Notably, Siemens has made strategic acquisitions that bolster its capabilities in water management, such as the acquisition of Cambridge Water Technology in 2012, which focuses on water and wastewater treatment systems. This acquisition allows Siemens to improve solids removal and contaminant performance, essential for managing water resources in coastal areas. Additionally, Siemens' recent acquisition of Pro Integris d.o.o. and Bunt Planet further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its engineering capabilities, which can be relevant to coastal engineering projects. Overall, Siemens' diverse portfolio and focus on sustainability make it a significant player in industries that intersect with coastal engineering.


4. 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 is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1870. The bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in various transactions, including a significant investment in Coastal Projects, which raised $32.8 million in a private equity round in 2008, highlighting its engagement in the coastal engineering sector. Additionally, they have participated in other transactions such as providing debt financing for STAX Engineering, Inc., which may also relate to engineering and infrastructure projects, further showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.


5. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company


Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is a logistics company specializing in shipping and transportation services, founded in 1970 and based in Geneva, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, MSC operates globally, providing tailored logistics solutions across various industries. In recent years, MSC has made significant investments in the maritime sector, particularly in towage services, which are crucial for coastal engineering and port operations. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a 67% stake in Log-in, enhancing its cabotage operations in Brazil, and the acquisition of Boluda Towage, which strengthens its port towage capabilities. Additionally, MSC's agreement to acquire Rimorchiatori Mediterranei, an Italian towage operator, further emphasizes its commitment to expanding its influence in the maritime logistics and coastal engineering sectors. These strategic moves position MSC as a key player in the infrastructure that supports coastal engineering projects.


6. Holcim

  • Website: holcim.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: lafargeholcim

Holcim is a leading building materials manufacturer based in Zug, Switzerland, specializing in innovative and sustainable construction solutions. Founded in 1912, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates globally. Holcim offers a diverse range of products, including cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete, primarily serving construction companies and architects. Their commitment to decarbonizing building practices and promoting circular construction is evident in their recent transactions. For instance, the acquisition of Sivyer Logistics enhances their sustainability efforts by focusing on recycling construction and demolition waste, which is crucial for environmentally friendly coastal projects. Furthermore, the acquisition of Polymers Sealants North America strengthens their portfolio in waterproofing and coatings, essential for coastal engineering applications. Holcim's strategic investments reflect their dedication to sustainable practices, making them a noteworthy player in the construction sector, with potential relevance to coastal engineering.


7. Heidelberg Materials


Heidelberg Materials is a prominent building materials manufacturer based in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1873. The company specializes in producing and distributing essential products such as cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, and asphalt, serving the construction and infrastructure development sectors. In 2023, Heidelberg Materials North America acquired the aggregate assets of Bach & Co. in New York, which includes a sand and gravel site, enhancing their portfolio in core markets. Additionally, their acquisition of The SEFA Group Inc. and the planned acquisition of ACE Group, which includes AGP Logistics, further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their capabilities in providing high-quality materials. These transactions align with the demands of coastal engineering, where reliable and sustainable materials are crucial for infrastructure projects. Overall, Heidelberg Materials is positioned as a key player in the building materials industry, with activities that support coastal engineering initiatives.


8. Rwe

  • Website: rwe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1898
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: rwe-

RWE is a corporate investor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in both renewable and conventional energy solutions. Founded in 1898, RWE has evolved to offer a diverse range of services, including energy generation from wind, solar, and hydropower, alongside project management and engineering services. In 2023, RWE made significant strides in expanding its renewable energy portfolio, notably through the acquisition of Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, which enhanced its U.S. renewables portfolio to 8 gigawatts of operating assets. Additionally, RWE acquired a 49% stake in the Nordseecluster offshore wind project portfolio, becoming the sole owner of a project set to develop 1,560 MW of offshore wind capacity, with construction expected to begin in 2025. This acquisition underscores RWE's commitment to coastal engineering, as offshore wind projects necessitate specialized engineering and environmental management. Furthermore, RWE's investment in Ryse Energy, aimed at accelerating growth and diversifying technology offerings, reflects its strategic focus on sustainable energy solutions that may intersect with coastal engineering initiatives.


9. Atlantic Labs

  • Website: atlanticlabs.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-labs

Atlantic Labs is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2013, dedicated to supporting exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey. They invest in startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help these businesses grow. Notably, Atlantic Labs has been involved in several transactions that could be relevant to coastal engineering, such as their investment in zero44, a SaaS startup that focuses on CO2 management for merchant ships, which aligns with environmental sustainability in maritime operations. Additionally, they have participated in other seed rounds, such as AMPHITRITE and Purpose Green, which may also touch on climate-related initiatives. These investments reflect their commitment to supporting innovative solutions that could impact coastal and maritime environments.


10. xista science ventures

  • Website: xista.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Klosterneuburg, Lower Austria, Austria
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: ist-cube

xista science ventures is a venture capital firm based in Klosterneuburg, Lower Austria, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in visionary science start-ups across Europe, providing funding, mentorship, and support to help founders transition from scientific projects to commercial ventures. Their investment portfolio includes a focus on life sciences, software, and hardware industries. Notably, xista has invested in subdron GmbH, which specializes in autonomous underwater navigation and data processing for advanced underwater inspections, raising €1.3M in pre-seed funding. This investment is significant as it aligns with coastal engineering needs for underwater inspections and monitoring. Additionally, they led a funding round for Infrared City, a startup focused on climate-aware design, which may also have implications for coastal engineering in terms of environmental considerations. Overall, xista science ventures demonstrates a commitment to innovative technologies that could intersect with coastal engineering applications.


11. Deutz Ag

  • Website: deutz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Herten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: deutzofficial

DEUTZ AG is an engine manufacturer specializing in advanced drive systems and engine technology, founded in 1864 and based in Herten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The company offers a range of products including diesel, hydrogen, and electric engines, as well as spare parts and maintenance services. Its customers primarily include businesses in agriculture, construction, and transportation, who rely on DEUTZ's solutions for efficient and reliable engine performance. In recent years, DEUTZ AG has made strategic investments to expand its portfolio in alternative powertrains and sustainable technologies. Notably, the company acquired an 11.91% stake in Blue World Technologies, a Danish company focused on methanol fuel cell technology for the maritime sector, with a total investment of €7.5 million. This investment aligns with DEUTZ's strategy to enhance its activities in alternative energy solutions, which could have applications in coastal engineering. Additionally, DEUTZ AG's acquisition of Torqeedo, a company specializing in electric propulsion systems for boats, further emphasizes its commitment to the maritime industry. These transactions suggest that while DEUTZ AG is not exclusively focused on coastal engineering, it is actively engaging in sectors that intersect with maritime and coastal applications.


12. Hapag-Lloyd AG

  • Website: hapag-lloyd.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: hapag-lloyd-ag

Hapag-Lloyd AG is a prominent shipping company based in Hamburg, Germany, specializing in container shipping and logistics services. Founded in 1847, the company operates a large fleet of vessels and provides comprehensive logistics solutions to businesses engaged in global trade. In recent years, Hapag-Lloyd has made significant investments in terminal and infrastructure projects, highlighting its commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities. Notably, in January 2023, Hapag-Lloyd acquired a 35% stake in J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited, with plans to increase its shareholding to 40%. This investment emphasizes the company's strategic focus on terminal operations in India, a key growth market. Additionally, in September 2021, Hapag-Lloyd announced its intention to acquire a 30% stake in Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven and 50% of the shares in Rail Terminal Wilhelmshaven, further solidifying its involvement in port infrastructure. These transactions reflect Hapag-Lloyd's active role in the logistics and terminal sectors, which are integral to coastal engineering.


13. Sika

  • Website: sika.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sika

Sika AG is a specialty chemicals company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1910. With a global presence in 103 countries, Sika develops and produces innovative solutions for the construction and industrial sectors. Their product range includes concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, and flooring solutions, which are essential for enhancing the durability and sustainability of construction projects. In 2024, Sika acquired Kwik Bond Polymers, LLC, a manufacturer of polymer systems for concrete infrastructure refurbishment, thereby strengthening their offerings in the U.S. market. This acquisition is particularly relevant to coastal engineering, as it enhances Sika's capabilities in maintaining and refurbishing concrete structures that are often exposed to harsh marine environments. Additionally, Sika invested in DuraMon, a startup focused on streamlining processes for market entry, which may also have implications for innovative solutions in construction. Furthermore, their acquisition of EMSEAL Joint Systems Ltd. in 2017, a manufacturer of expansion joints and sealants, aligns with the needs of coastal engineering projects that require effective joint management and sealing solutions. Overall, Sika's strategic investments and acquisitions demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality materials and solutions that are applicable to coastal engineering projects.



Coastal Engineering Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
MSC Mediterranean Shipping CompanyGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19704
HolcimZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+191212
Heidelberg MaterialsHeidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18734
RweEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18983
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
xista science venturesKlosterneuburg, Lower Austria, Austria1-1020173
Deutz AgHerten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-500018644
Hapag-Lloyd AGHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18471
SikaBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19102


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