The e-waste recycling industry in Benelux is a growing sector focused on reclaiming valuable materials from discarded electronic devices. Companies here specialize in various processes including collection, disassembly, shredding, and material recovery. Not only do they work on reducing landfill waste, but they are also boosting their eco-friendly approaches forward. The industry is evolving towards enhancing technology in recycling processes and expanding systems to handle increasing e-waste volume. As consumers and corporations become more aware, the emphasis on sustainable solutions means one thing: the positive potential for innovation and investments in e-waste recovery is enormous.


In 2024, thirteen notable investors operated in the Benelux e-waste recycling sector, showcasing a blend of venture capitalists and corporate entities. Based mainly in the Netherlands and Belgium, these firms range from small teams, like Infinity Recycling, to larger institutions such as Prosus Group. The investors were established in various years, with the oldest dating back to 1911, and collectively executed numerous investments, with InnoEnergy leading the pack with an impressive 52 deals. Their focus on environmental sustainability reveals a promising shift in investment strategies, highlighting the region's commitment to responsible growth.


Top 13 E-Waste Recycling Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, such as the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has invested in ROSI, a startup focused on recycling photovoltaic panels, which raised 7.4 million euros to finance its first industrial site for recycling in France. Additionally, the EIC has provided grants to Gr3n Recycling, which specializes in recycling plastics, and DePoly, which is involved in recycling processes. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in supporting innovative recycling solutions, particularly in the context of e-waste.


2. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has been involved in several transactions relevant to e-waste recycling, including a significant investment in ROSI, a French startup that raised 7.4 million euros to finance its first industrial site for recycling photovoltaic panels. This investment highlights InnoEnergy's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the recycling of electronic waste. Additionally, InnoEnergy has participated in funding rounds for other companies like Circular, which focuses on electronic gadgets subscription services, indicating a broader interest in sustainable practices within the electronics sector.


3. Invest-NL

  • Website: invest-nl.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: invest-nl

Invest-NL is an impact investment firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2020, that focuses on financing sustainable and innovative projects in the Netherlands. They support entrepreneurs with promising plans for societal transitions, particularly in the energy and technology sectors. Invest-NL mobilizes capital from various sources to make impactful investments that contribute to a more sustainable economy. Notably, they have invested in Fairphone, a sustainable smartphone company that aims to improve brand positioning and integrate fair and recycled materials, which is directly relevant to e-waste recycling. They also invested in Umincorp, which processes plastic waste into raw materials, and in PRYME BV, which focuses on reducing plastic waste through innovative recycling processes. These transactions highlight Invest-NL's commitment to sustainability and their involvement in sectors that intersect with e-waste recycling.


4. Infinity Recycling


Infinity Recycling, founded in 2020 and based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, is a corporate investor specializing in advanced recycling technologies aimed at converting end-of-life waste into valuable commodities. The company is actively engaged in addressing the plastic waste crisis while promoting sustainability and a circular economy. In 2024, Infinity Recycling led a Series B funding round for Polystyvert, which raised over $16 million to support the construction of its first commercial plant in Québec, focusing on recycling plastics. Additionally, they participated in a seed funding round for DePoly, which is developing a universal chemical recycling process for plastics, and invested €5 million in Itero, a company working on chemical recycling solutions. Their investment in Pryme N.V. also highlights their commitment to reducing plastic waste through innovative pyrolysis processes. These transactions demonstrate Infinity Recycling's active role in the recycling sector, making them a relevant player in the broader context of waste management, including e-waste recycling.


5. Chemelot Ventures


Chemelot Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Geleen, Limburg, Netherlands, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups that address societal challenges, particularly in the areas of health and sustainability. Chemelot Ventures manages multiple funds and provides capital and support to early-stage companies. Notably, they have invested in Ioniqa Technologies, which focuses on the full and affordable recycling of colored PET, and ReSolved Technologies, which is developing sustainable recycling solutions. These investments highlight their engagement in the recycling industry, particularly in technologies that could have implications for e-waste recycling. Other relevant transactions include investments in Quality Circular Polymers and Black Bear Carbon, both of which are involved in recycling and sustainability initiatives.


6. Brightlands Venture Partners


Brightlands Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Geleen, Limburg, Netherlands, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups that focus on health and sustainability. They provide venture capital and advisory services to help these startups tackle complex societal challenges. In recent years, Brightlands has made significant investments in companies that are relevant to the e-waste recycling industry. For instance, they led a €1 million Seed investment in ReSolved Technologies, which is developing sustainable recycling solutions, indicating a direct interest in e-waste recycling technologies. Additionally, their investment in Fuenix, aimed at scaling production for a circular economy, and their participation in funding rounds for Black Bear Carbon, which focuses on sustainable carbon recovery, further highlight their commitment to sustainability and recycling initiatives. These transactions reflect Brightlands Venture Partners' strategic focus on supporting innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and resource recovery.


7. Rubio Impact Ventures


Rubio Impact Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in impact investing, providing growth capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs tackling significant social and environmental challenges. Their investment areas include clean energy, mental health, and education, emphasizing collaboration with portfolio companies. Notably, Rubio has participated in several transactions that align with sustainability and recycling, such as their investment in Black Bear Carbon, which focuses on recycling carbon black, and E-magy, a company innovating in battery materials. Additionally, their involvement in Valyuu.com suggests a commitment to platforms that may enhance recycling efforts and promote a circular economy. Overall, Rubio Impact Ventures is dedicated to fostering impactful solutions that address pressing environmental issues.


8. ArcelorMittal Luxembourg


ArcelorMittal Luxembourg is a corporate investor and a leading steel manufacturer founded in 1911, based in Luxembourg. The company produces a wide range of steel products for construction and infrastructure projects, emphasizing sustainability and low emissions. In recent years, ArcelorMittal has made significant strides in the recycling sector, acquiring several metal recycling companies to enhance its supply of recycled materials. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Zaklad Przerobu Zlomu (Zlomex), a Polish steel scrap metal recycling business, and Legault Métal, a Canadian metal recycling company. These acquisitions reflect ArcelorMittal's strategy to secure access to key raw materials and promote responsible steel production through increased recycling efforts. By integrating these recycling operations, ArcelorMittal is positioning itself as a more sustainable player in the steel industry, which is relevant to the e-waste recycling context.


9. Traxys Group

  • Website: traxys.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Strassen, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: traxys

Traxys Group is a corporate investor based in Strassen, Luxembourg, specializing in the trading of raw materials, particularly metals and minerals essential for various industries. Founded in 2003, the company provides comprehensive logistics and financial services to businesses in the mining and energy sectors. In recent years, Traxys has made significant investments in the e-waste recycling space, notably participating in funding rounds for companies like Princeton NuEnergy, which focuses on recycling technologies and has plans for new recycling facilities. They also invested in Li-Cycle, a leader in lithium-ion battery recycling, which highlights their strategic interest in sustainable practices and the circular economy. These investments reflect Traxys Group's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the recycling industry, particularly in the context of electronic waste.


10. Capricorn Partners


Capricorn Partners is an investment management firm based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in venture capital, growth capital, and quoted equity funds. Founded in 1993, the firm focuses on innovative companies across various sectors, including digital technologies, health, and clean technologies. They are committed to responsible investing, aiming to create both financial returns and strategic value for their clients. Notably, Capricorn Partners has invested in Black Bear Carbon, a cleantech company that recycles end-of-life tires into carbon black, showcasing their interest in sustainable practices. Their involvement in such transactions highlights their potential alignment with the e-waste recycling industry, as they support companies that contribute to environmental sustainability and resource recovery.


11. Pdenh


Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH) is a not-for-profit organization based in Haarlem, North Holland, founded in 2014. It is dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development by investing in innovative projects and providing financing and advisory services to companies that contribute to a sustainable and circular economy. PDENH collaborates with various partners to stimulate sustainable business activities in the region. Notably, PDENH has invested in Fairphone, a sustainable smartphone company that integrates fair and recycled materials into its products, and Mud Jeans, which focuses on creating jeans from 100% old jeans. These investments highlight PDENH's commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, making them relevant in the context of e-waste recycling.


12. Prosus Group

  • Website: prosus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology and operates across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology. Notably, Prosus has made significant investments in the re-commerce space, particularly with its involvement in Cashify, which raised $50 million in a Series E funding round led by Prosus. Cashify is dedicated to the resale of used electronics, which is a critical aspect of e-waste recycling. This investment reflects Prosus's commitment to fostering sustainable business practices and supporting local entrepreneurs in creating valuable products and services that contribute to community growth and environmental sustainability.


13. Shamrock Ventures

  • Website: shamrockventures.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: shamrockventures

Shamrock Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage tech companies that are focused on sustainability. Their mission is to support entrepreneurs who develop impactful solutions contributing to a sustainable future. Shamrock Ventures has been involved in notable transactions such as Seenons, which raised €10 million in a funding round aimed at enhancing waste management and recycling solutions, and Peerby, a circular sharing startup that raised €2.3 million to promote resource sharing and reduce waste. These investments reflect their commitment to the circular economy and sustainable practices, which are integral to the e-waste recycling sector.



E-Waste Recycling Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
Infinity RecyclingRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands1-1020203
Chemelot VenturesGeleen, Limburg, Netherlands1-1020040
Brightlands Venture PartnersGeleen, Limburg, Netherlands11-5020044
Rubio Impact VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-10201413
ArcelorMittal LuxembourgLuxembourg1001-500019111
Traxys GroupStrassen, Luxembourg, Luxembourg201-50020031
Capricorn PartnersLeuven, Flanders, Belgium11-5019935
PdenhHaarlem, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020142
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
Shamrock VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020213


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