The marine surveying industry in the US focuses on assessing and monitoring physical characteristics of marine environments. Companies span consulting firms, technology providers, and service organizations offering services like underwater surveying, environmental assessments, and marine mapping. As technology advances, tools like drones and robotic systems are gaining traction to enhance efficiency and data accuracy. Given rising environmental concerns and the growing maritime sector, the industry is expected to expand rapidly. Innovative practices in sustainability and resource management will drive growth, creating opportunities in both coastal and deep-sea projects for marine surveying professionals.


This list features a variety of investors active in the marine surveying sector, consisting of corporate giants and venture capital firms. They are headquartered in key locations such as Orlando, San Francisco, and New York. Mixes of sizes from small firms to companies with over 10,000 employees illustrate the scope of investment. Founded across multiple decades, these investors logged impressive numbers in 2024, with AssuredPartners and Y Combinator among those making noteworthy contributions to marine surveying initiatives. It's clear that the interest in ecological investments is gaining momentum across the US.


Top 13 Marine Surveying Investors in the US


1. AssuredPartners

  • Website: assuredpartners.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Orlando, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: assuredpartners

AssuredPartners is an insurance brokerage and risk management consulting firm founded in 2011 and based in Orlando, Florida. With over 10,000 employees, the firm offers a wide range of services including business insurance, employee benefits, and risk management solutions tailored to various industries. Notably, AssuredPartners has made significant strides in the marine sector through its acquisitions of marine insurance companies. In 2014, they acquired Lucantha Marine Insurance, and more recently, in April 2024, they acquired Bristol Marine Insurance. These acquisitions highlight their strategic focus on enhancing their marine insurance offerings, which are essential for businesses involved in marine surveying and related activities. This positioning allows AssuredPartners to serve clients in the marine industry effectively, making them a relevant player in the marine surveying investment landscape.


2. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been active in funding projects that have implications for marine surveying, particularly in the context of marine energy. Notable transactions include grants to DNV, Integral Consulting Inc., and Ocean Power Technologies (OPT), with the latter receiving $1,100,000 in July 2022 to support its ocean energy initiatives. These transactions highlight the DOE's commitment to advancing technologies that can impact marine environments and energy production, thereby linking it to the marine surveying industry.


3. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator invested in Seabound, which raised $20,000 in a Pre-Seed round in February 2022, focusing on maritime logistics. Additionally, they participated in the Seed round for Boundary Layer Technologies, which raised $2.3 million in March 2019, a company that is likely involved in innovative maritime solutions. These investments highlight Y Combinator's interest in the marine sector, making it a significant player in the technology startup ecosystem with potential relevance to marine surveying.


4. 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 various needs including 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 2024, the Government of Canada has been active in funding marine-related initiatives, including a venture round for Open Ocean Robotics, which raised $2,023,278, and grants to organizations such as Open Ocean Robotics ($592,571) and Huntsman Marine Science Centre ($645,747). These transactions highlight the government's role in supporting marine technology and research, aligning with the interests of the marine surveying industry.


5. 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, founded in 1947. The firm provides technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for infrastructure, utility, and building systems, serving both public and private sector clients. In 2024, NV5 has made significant strides in expanding its capabilities through various acquisitions. Notably, they acquired CRS Survey, which directly enhances their surveying capabilities, indicating a strategic move into the marine surveying sector. Other acquisitions, such as CHW Professional Consultants and Group Delta, further bolster their engineering and environmental services, which are critical in marine and coastal projects. NV5 operates through a network of over 100 offices, offering a wide range of services including environmental consulting, geospatial solutions, and construction quality assurance, making them a versatile player in the consulting landscape.


6. 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 founded in 1995, based in Reston, Virginia. The firm provides a wide range of services including civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental consulting. They serve both government agencies and private sector companies, ensuring compliance and efficiency in infrastructure projects. In 2023, Bowman expanded its capabilities in the surveying sector by acquiring MTX Surveying, Inc., a geospatial and project management company, which is expected to enhance their energy-oriented services and contribute approximately $9 million in annualized net service billing. This acquisition highlights Bowman's commitment to diversifying their service offerings and indicates their potential involvement in marine surveying projects.


7. Sustainable Ocean Alliance


Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, California. The organization is dedicated to promoting ocean health and sustainability by activating young leaders and providing resources such as grants and mentorship to develop innovative solutions for ocean-related challenges. SOA operates globally, engaging youth and communities to promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Notably, SOA has been involved in several transactions relevant to marine surveying, including investments in PlanBlue, which focuses on marine data and monitoring, EcoDrone, which utilizes drone technology for environmental assessments, and Whale Seeker, which aims to enhance marine wildlife monitoring. These investments reflect SOA's commitment to supporting technologies that contribute to the understanding and preservation of marine ecosystems.


8. 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 operates globally, focusing on transforming data into actionable insights to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across various sectors. In the marine surveying context, Hexagon has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its capabilities in this field. Notably, the acquisition of Veripos Inc. in 2014, a leader in satellite navigation and positioning systems, allows Hexagon to leverage advanced technologies essential for marine surveying. Additionally, the acquisition of Leica Geosystems, a prominent provider of surveying equipment, and SCCS, a supplier of Leica Geosystems products in the UK, further strengthens Hexagon's portfolio in surveying solutions. These transactions highlight Hexagon's commitment to enhancing its offerings in the surveying domain, making it a significant player in the marine surveying industry.


9. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated


Teledyne Technologies Incorporated is an industrial conglomerate based in Thousand Oaks, California, founded in 1960. The company provides advanced technologies and high-reliability products across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, and environmental monitoring. Teledyne has made significant strides in the marine surveying industry through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired The Oceanscience Group Ltd., which specializes in marine sensor platforms and unmanned surface vehicles, in 2014. In 2016, they acquired CARIS, a company known for its software solutions in marine mapping and surveying. More recently, in 2024, Teledyne announced the acquisition of Valeport Holdings Limited, a UK-based company specializing in underwater sensors. Additionally, they have acquired Bowtech Products, which focuses on underwater vision systems, and BlueView Technologies, enhancing their marine technology portfolio. These acquisitions reflect Teledyne's commitment to advancing marine surveying technologies and solutions.


10. Patrick Industries, Inc.


Patrick Industries, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Elkhart, Indiana, specializing in manufacturing and distributing component products and building materials for various markets, including Recreational Vehicles, Marine, Manufactured Housing, and Industrial sectors. Founded in 1959, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and operates across multiple states, providing high-quality materials to manufacturers. Notably, Patrick Industries has made significant acquisitions in the marine sector, including Tumacs Covers, which specializes in custom boat covers, and SeaDek Marine Products, a manufacturer of non-slip foam flooring for the marine OEM market. Additionally, they acquired Coyote Mfg. Co., enhancing their portfolio in the OEM market, and Diamondback Marine, further solidifying their presence in marine products. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Patrick Industries' commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities within the marine industry.


11. 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 provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes and achieve strong financial returns. Among its notable transactions, KKR acquired a majority stake in the UK's Acteon Group, a subsea services provider, which highlights its involvement in the marine sector. Additionally, KKR has made significant investments in various industries, including a $580 million acquisition of Hyundai Heavy Industries' A/S arm, further demonstrating its capacity to engage in large-scale industrial investments. KKR's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position it as a key player in sectors that intersect with marine surveying.


12. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

  • Website: iqt.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups that aim to enhance U.S. national security. IQT collaborates with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions in fields such as software and materials sciences. Notably, IQT has participated in funding rounds for companies like Rovco and Vaarst, which are involved in marine technology and surveying. Rovco, for instance, focuses on underwater robotics and data collection, while Vaarst is advancing computer vision and data management solutions, both of which are crucial for modern marine surveying. Additionally, IQT has invested in Vatn Systems, which raised $13 million in a seed round, further indicating its interest in innovative technologies that could have applications in marine environments. These transactions highlight IQT's commitment to supporting advancements that can enhance operational capabilities in marine surveying contexts.


13. 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 leading 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. The firm has made significant acquisitions to enhance its capabilities, including the acquisition of RPS Group in September 2022, which strengthens their position in environmental consulting, and WYG Group in July 2019, aimed at creating a leading international consulting firm. These transactions reflect Tetra Tech's commitment to expanding its expertise in areas that intersect with marine surveying, particularly in environmental assessments and compliance related to marine and coastal environments.



Marine Surveying Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AssuredPartnersOrlando, Florida, United States (USA)10001+20117
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Nv5Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)1001-5000194710
Bowman ConsultingReston, Virginia, United States (USA)1001-500019958
Sustainable Ocean AllianceSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020141
Hexagon Asset Lifecycle IntelligenceMadison, Alabama, United States (USA)10001+19929
Teledyne Technologies IncorporatedThousand Oaks, California, United States (USA)10001+19606
Patrick Industries, Inc.Elkhart, Indiana, United States (USA)10001+19593
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662


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