The geotechnical engineering industry in the US focuses on analyzing soil and rock properties for infrastructure projects. Companies in this sector provide a range of services, including site investigations, foundation design, and geological mapping. The industry has seen notable growth due to increased demand for sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects, addressing the need for resilient construction solutions. Technological advancements such as geospatial mapping and data analysis tools are transforming traditional practices, enabling more efficient project planning and execution. As climate change concerns rise, geotechnical engineering is set to play a crucial role in developing robust solutions for our built environment.


The list of top investors highlights a mix of corporate and venture capital firms engaged in geotechnical engineering. Spanning cities like New York and Pasadena, these investors range from established firms like KKR, founded in 1976, to more recent ones like Liquid 2 Ventures, established in 2015. Notably, 2024 saw varied levels of investment involvement—from Plug and Play's whopping 253 deals to smaller entities like Montrose Environmental Group, which completed seven. Together, these firms provide essential funding and support to drive innovation and excellence in the geotechnical arena.


Top 13 Geotechnical Engineering Investors in the US


1. Nv5

  • Website: nv5.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1947
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nv5

NV5 is a consulting and engineering company based in Hollywood, Florida, that provides technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for infrastructure, utility, and building systems. Founded in 1947, NV5 serves both public and private sector clients, helping them improve efficiency and resilience in their projects. The company operates through a network of over 100 offices and offers a wide range of services, including environmental consulting, geospatial solutions, and construction quality assurance. Notably, NV5 has made significant acquisitions in the geotechnical engineering space, including GeoDesign, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental engineering company, and TerraTech Engineers, Inc., which specializes in geotechnical engineering and environmental consulting. These acquisitions enhance NV5's capabilities in key markets, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Southeast, and demonstrate their commitment to expanding their expertise in geotechnical engineering.


2. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing needs such as employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has been involved in several funding transactions, including grants to various companies. Notably, it announced $25.45 million in funding for the Greenview Geothermal Power Project in Alberta, led by Terrapin Geothermics, which highlights its support for renewable energy initiatives that may involve geotechnical engineering. Other transactions include grants to companies like Kinetica Dynamics, Comcor, and Copperstone Technologies, indicating a broader interest in supporting innovative projects, some of which may intersect with geotechnical engineering applications.


3. Bowman Consulting

  • Website: bowman.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Reston, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: bowman-consulting

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. is an engineering and consulting firm based in Reston, Virginia, founded in 1995. The company provides a diverse range of services, including civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental consulting. They serve both government agencies and private sector clients, ensuring compliance and efficiency in infrastructure project execution. In recent years, Bowman has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its service offerings and expand its market presence. Notably, they acquired Trudell Consulting Engineers in February 2024, a firm that may have capabilities relevant to geotechnical engineering. Additionally, their acquisition of Dennis Corporation in October 2023, a civil engineering firm, further strengthens their position in the engineering sector, potentially including geotechnical services. These transactions reflect Bowman's commitment to broadening their expertise and capabilities in engineering, including areas pertinent to geotechnical engineering.


4. Tetra Tech

  • Website: tetratech.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Pasadena, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: tetra-tech

Tetra Tech, Inc. is a prominent consulting and engineering firm based in Pasadena, California, specializing in water management, environmental services, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Founded in 1966, Tetra Tech serves both government and commercial clients, leveraging advanced technologies and local knowledge to address complex challenges in resource management and compliance. Notably, Tetra Tech has made significant strides in the geotechnical engineering sector through strategic acquisitions. In 2015, Tetra Tech acquired Coffey International, Australia's first geotechnical engineering firm, enhancing its international development business. In 2022, Tetra Tech further expanded its geotechnical capabilities by acquiring Piteau Associates Engineering, a firm known for its expertise in geotechnical and environmental engineering. These transactions underscore Tetra Tech's commitment to strengthening its position in the geotechnical engineering market, making it a key player in this industry.


5. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily targeting the technology sector. In 2024 alone, they made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies like Concrete Sensors, which focuses on technology relevant to construction and materials, indicating their interest in sectors that intersect with geotechnical engineering. Other transactions include investments in Terra AI and Involve Space, which, while not directly related to geotechnical engineering, reflect their broad investment strategy that could encompass relevant technologies in the future.


6. Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence


Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, a division of Hexagon AB, is a corporate investor based in Madison, Alabama, specializing in industrial technology and software solutions. Founded in 1992, Hexagon has a global presence and focuses on transforming data into actionable insights to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across various sectors. Notable transactions include the acquisition of MicroSurvey Software, a Canadian developer of surveying and mapping software, which enhances Hexagon's capabilities in key markets relevant to geotechnical engineering. Other significant acquisitions, such as Intergraph and LISTECH, further demonstrate Hexagon's commitment to expanding its technological offerings, which can be leveraged in geotechnical applications. Their strategic focus on precision sensors and geospatial tools positions them as a key player in industries that intersect with geotechnical engineering.


7. Bentley Systems

  • Website: bentley.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Exton, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bentley-systems

Bentley Systems, Incorporated is a corporate investor based in Exton, Pennsylvania, specializing in software development for infrastructure engineering solutions. Founded in 1984, the company provides a range of software products that support the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure projects globally. Notably, Bentley Systems has made significant acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in geotechnical engineering. For instance, the acquisition of Plaxis in April 2018 allowed Bentley to integrate advanced geotechnical analysis tools into its offerings. Additionally, their acquisition of TDV GmbH in 2007, which specializes in structural modeling and design software, complements their infrastructure focus. More recently, their participation in the Series A funding round for Niricson in 2023, which aims to develop AI-driven predictive analytics for managing critical infrastructure assets, further demonstrates their commitment to advancing technologies that can benefit geotechnical engineering. Overall, Bentley Systems is positioned as a key player in the infrastructure sector, with a strong emphasis on enhancing geotechnical engineering capabilities through strategic investments and acquisitions.


8. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on sectors like health and climate technology, SOSV operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. Notably, SOSV has been involved in multiple funding rounds for RockMass Technologies, a company that specializes in geotechnical engineering solutions. These transactions include several seed rounds and a convertible note, showcasing SOSV's commitment to supporting RockMass's growth and innovation in the geotechnical space. The firm's active engagement in this sector highlights its relevance to geotechnical engineering investments.


9. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It specializes in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation. The firm offers a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. MassVentures primarily serves startups looking to commercialize their research and technology. Among its notable transactions, MassVentures has invested in Cyvl.ai, which raised $6 million in a seed round in March 2024 and aims to transform civil engineering practices. This investment, along with their previous funding activities, highlights their commitment to advancing technologies that could intersect with geotechnical engineering, particularly through civil engineering applications.


10. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. Among their notable transactions, KKR acquired GeoStabilization International in 2018, a key player in geotechnical maintenance services, highlighting their commitment to the geotechnical engineering sector. Additionally, KKR's investment in Resource Environmental Solutions in 2016 further underscores their interest in environmental initiatives that may relate to geotechnical applications. These strategic investments reflect KKR's ability to navigate complex investment landscapes while supporting growth in sectors relevant to geotechnical engineering.


11. Montrose Environmental Group


Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. is an environmental consulting company founded in 2012, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Montrose provides a wide range of services including testing, compliance, and remediation solutions across various sectors such as chemical manufacturing and oil & gas. In 2024, Montrose has been particularly active, acquiring several consulting firms to bolster its environmental service capabilities. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Paragon Soil and Environmental Consulting and Environmental Alliance, both of which enhance their expertise in environmental engineering and consulting. These acquisitions reflect Montrose's strategy to expand its footprint in the environmental sector, which often intersects with geotechnical engineering, thereby positioning them as a significant player in this industry.


12. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investments. In recent years, Blackstone has made notable investments in the geotechnical engineering sector, including a majority stake acquisition in Geosyntec Consultants for $380 million, reflecting their belief in the growing demand for environmental engineering services. Additionally, they have invested in Atlas Technical Consultants, which focuses on engineering services, and Salas O'Brien, further solidifying their presence in the engineering and consulting landscape. These transactions highlight Blackstone's commitment to supporting firms that contribute to geotechnical and environmental engineering, positioning them as a significant player in this industry.


13. Quanta Services, Inc.

  • Website: quantaservices.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: quanta-services

Quanta Services, Inc. is a Houston-based corporate investor specializing in infrastructure services across various sectors, including electric power, pipeline, industrial, and communications. Founded in 1997, the company has grown significantly, employing over 10,000 people and actively engaging in multiple acquisitions to enhance its service offerings. Notably, Quanta Services acquired Crux Subsurface, Inc. in April 2024, a company specializing in geotechnical drilling, which strengthens their capabilities in the geotechnical engineering field. Additionally, their acquisition of HBK Engineering, LLC in 2020 further enhances their engineering capabilities, particularly in utility markets. These strategic acquisitions reflect Quanta's commitment to providing comprehensive infrastructure solutions, including those relevant to geotechnical engineering.



Geotechnical Engineering Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Nv5Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)1001-5000194710
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Bowman ConsultingReston, Virginia, United States (USA)1001-500019958
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Hexagon Asset Lifecycle IntelligenceMadison, Alabama, United States (USA)10001+19929
Bentley SystemsExton, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)1001-500019841
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Montrose Environmental GroupLittle Rock, Arkansas, United States (USA)1001-500020127
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Quanta Services, Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19975


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