The energy efficiency industry in Benelux focuses on optimizing energy use to reduce waste and costs across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Companies include startups developing smart technology solutions, established firms offering innovative energy services, and corporate investors focused on sustainable investments. This industry is experiencing growth as climate policies advance, promoting renewable energy sources and energy management systems. Interesting strides are being made in building technologies, energy storage, and sustainable mobility, driving demand for solutions that enhance energy efficiency and lower carbon footprints.


This list showcases various investors in the energy efficiency sector, including venture capital firms, corporate entities, and private equity players. Headquartered in notable locations like Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Brussels, these investors range in size and focus. Founded between 1958 and 2021, they collectively made 106 investments in 2024. Major contributors such as the European Investment Bank and Rockstart emphasize commitment to innovation and sustainability in energy efficiency.


Top 13 Energy Efficiency Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to energy efficiency, such as providing grants to BlueHeart Energy, which focuses on energy solutions, and Efenco, a cleantech startup that integrates advanced materials for energy applications. These investments demonstrate the EIC's commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.


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. It is dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations by providing a marketplace for energy solutions, training programs, and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to address the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has been involved in several relevant transactions, including investments in Energiency, which raised €4.5 million in its Series A round aimed at enhancing energy intelligence manufacturing in Europe. Additionally, Energiency has received multiple rounds of funding from InnoEnergy, highlighting their commitment to supporting energy efficiency innovations. Other investments, such as Betterspace, further demonstrate InnoEnergy's focus on fostering advancements in energy efficiency and sustainable practices.


3. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. The EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, including energy efficiency. In recent transactions, the EIB has demonstrated its commitment to energy efficiency by providing a EUR 12 million loan to Resalta for the development of new energy management systems and technologies aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings. Additionally, the EIB participated in a financing round for Tado°, a company focused on energy management solutions, further showcasing its involvement in the energy efficiency sector. Overall, the EIB's activities reflect its role as a significant investor in projects that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.


4. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. In the energy sector, Rockstart has been involved in significant transactions such as the investment in Circadian Technologies GmbH, which raised funds to expand its energy solutions across Africa. This highlights Rockstart's commitment to supporting innovative energy startups that contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability. Their business model focuses on supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs, driving positive change in the energy landscape.


5. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has been involved in significant transactions relevant to energy efficiency, including the acquisition of LOGSTOR in 2013, which specializes in pre-insulated pipe systems that enhance energy efficiency in the transportation of liquids and gases. This strategic acquisition highlights Triton's commitment to investing in companies that contribute to energy-efficient solutions. Other acquisitions, such as Unica Group, Bravida, Kelvion, and FläktGroup, further demonstrate Triton's focus on industrial technology, which often intersects with energy efficiency initiatives.


6. EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative


EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative is a not-for-profit impact investment facility based in Belgium, established in 2016. It is dedicated to financing renewable energy projects in developing countries, providing both equity and debt financing along with technical assistance to improve access to clean energy. The organization targets renewable energy companies and projects, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to help them achieve sustainable energy solutions. Notable transactions include investments in Powergen Renewable Energy, which raised significant funds through debt financing and Series B rounds, and PEG, which secured $5 million in debt financing. These investments are crucial as they not only support renewable energy generation but also contribute to energy efficiency by enhancing energy access and sustainability in the regions served.


7. SET Ventures

  • Website: setventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: setventures

SET Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2007. The firm is dedicated to advancing a carbon-free energy system by investing in innovative energy technologies and supporting energy entrepreneurs with both capital and insights. Their investment strategy focuses on startups in the energy sector that are developing solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. Notable transactions include their investment in vilisto GmbH, a startup that raised EUR 5 million to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, and Sefaira, which raised significant funding to develop software that aids in designing energy-efficient buildings. Other investments, such as in EnOcean and Minibems, further illustrate their commitment to energy efficiency and smart energy solutions.


8. Eneco Wind Belgium S.A.

  • Website: eneco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Wavre, Wallonia, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: eneco-wind-belgium-s-a-

Eneco Wind Belgium S.A. is a corporate investor based in Wavre, Wallonia, Belgium, founded in 1995. The company is dedicated to providing sustainable energy solutions, including renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and heat, to both consumers and businesses. With a strong commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2035, Eneco engages in various community projects and biodiversity initiatives aimed at facilitating the energy transition and promoting sustainable practices. In recent years, Eneco has participated in several significant transactions relevant to energy efficiency, including a Series A investment in Gradyent, a startup focused on improving the efficiency and sustainability of district heating systems. This investment, along with their involvement in other energy-related ventures, underscores their active role in the energy efficiency landscape.


9. 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. Notable transactions include a €9 million investment in Exasun for building a new PV assembly line, an €81 million funding round for Lightyear, a solar EV startup, and a €6 million seed investment in AquaBattery, which is developing a low-cost, sustainable energy storage solution. Additionally, they invested €14.5 million in HyET Solar to scale up production capacity for solar technology. By mobilizing capital from various sources, Invest-NL aims to make impactful investments that contribute to a more sustainable economy, particularly in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.


10. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital firm based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM acts as a development agency that supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region, offering various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. They collaborate with businesses to provide funding, expertise, and networking opportunities, facilitating their success in competitive markets. Notably, BOM has been involved in several transactions relevant to energy efficiency, such as their investment in IM Efficiency, which aims to accelerate the use of solar energy in road freight transportation. Additionally, they participated in funding for Cellcius, a company developing heat battery technology, further showcasing their commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable innovations.


11. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across multiple sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has been involved in several transactions relevant to the energy efficiency sector. For instance, they acquired Itho Daalderop, a company known for its energy-efficient heating and ventilation solutions, in January 2016. Additionally, their investment in Lampiris, a provider of green energy solutions, highlights their commitment to sustainable energy practices. These transactions demonstrate Gimv's active role in supporting companies that contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability.


12. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, CVC acquired Naturgy in 2016, a significant player in the energy sector, which is involved in the generation and distribution of energy, including renewable sources. Additionally, their acquisition of a 50% stake in Gridspertise in 2022 highlights their interest in smart grid technologies that enhance energy efficiency. Other relevant acquisitions include PKP Energetyka, which operates in the energy distribution sector, and Armacell, known for its insulation solutions that contribute to energy efficiency in buildings and industrial applications.


13. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition. Founded in 2021, the firm focuses on providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in the energy sector through its acquisitions. In 2022, they acquired NEM Energy, a company specializing in heat transfer technology, which plays a crucial role in energy efficiency. Additionally, their acquisition of Guascor Energy in April 2022 and Balcke-Dürr in December 2016 further emphasizes their commitment to enhancing energy solutions. These transactions highlight Mutares' strategic focus on companies that contribute to energy efficiency, making them a notable investor in this field.



Energy Efficiency Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing InitiativeBelgium11-5020162
SET VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020075
Eneco Wind Belgium S.A.Wavre, Wallonia, Belgium1-1019951
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116


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