The drinking water purification industry in DACH focuses on enhancing water quality through advanced filtration and treatment solutions. Various companies, ranging from large corporations like Siemens and Nestlé to specialized tech startups, offer services such as desalination, ultrafiltration, and advanced disinfection systems. As global water shortages mount and environmental standards tighten, the industry is evolving. Companies are increasingly embracing sustainability and innovation, driving growth toward integrating smart water technologies, renewable energy solutions, and environmentally friendly practices into their operations. With an increasing emphasis on efficiency and clean access to water, this market holds significant potential for future investments and technological breakthroughs.


The investors featured on this list include a mix of corporate giants and venture capital firms specializing in the water purification sector. Headquartered across DACH countries—Switzerland, Germany, and Austria—these organizations vary in size, with some boasting employee counts exceeding 10,000. Founded between 1802 and 2018, they have collectively completed numerous impactful investments in 2024, indicating an active interest in the sector's growth. These investors aim to back innovative technologies that address water quality challenges, showcase their commitment to sustainability, and seize opportunities in an increasingly important market.


Top 14 Drinking Water Purification Investors in DACH


1. Deg

  • Website: deginvest.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: deg

DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a public entity based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1962. As a development finance institution, DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and job creation. DEG supports businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Notably, DEG has participated in significant transactions related to water, such as their partnership with Emerging Capital Partners to invest in Eranove, a French company involved in electricity and water production. This involvement highlights DEG's commitment to supporting initiatives that can enhance access to clean water, aligning with their broader mission of sustainable development. Additionally, their recent transactions, such as the debt financing for Georgia Global Utilities and ACWA Power, further demonstrate their active role in sectors that may include water purification and management.


2. 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. In recent years, Siemens has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the drinking water purification sector. Notably, in 2004, Siemens acquired USFilter Corp. from Veolia Environnement for $993 million, significantly boosting its portfolio in the water supply and treatment industry, particularly in the U.S. market. Additionally, in 2012, Siemens acquired Cambridge Water Technology, which specializes in water and wastewater treatment systems, further strengthening its capabilities in this area. These transactions demonstrate Siemens' active involvement in the drinking water purification industry, making it a relevant investor in this sector.


3. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE is a leading chemical distributor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1874. The company connects chemical manufacturers and users, offering a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas, simplifying access to complex supply chains. Notably, in February 2023, Brenntag acquired a water treatment facility in Pomona, South Africa, to enhance its operations and improve blending and storage capacities for water treatment customers. This strategic move highlights Brenntag's commitment to the water treatment sector. Additionally, the company has made several other acquisitions, such as Monarch Chemicals and Industrial Chemicals Corporation, which, while not directly related to water purification, demonstrate Brenntag's growth strategy in the chemical distribution market.


4. NORMA Group


NORMA Group is a corporate investor based in Maintal, Hesse, Germany, specializing in engineered joining technology. Founded in 2006, the company provides a range of products including clamps, connectors, and fluid systems across various industries, notably automotive and water management. In recent years, NORMA Group has made significant acquisitions to bolster its presence in the water management sector. Notably, in April 2018, they acquired Kimplas Piping Systems, a leading Indian manufacturer of electrofusion and compression fittings, for €1 billion, aiming to enhance their expertise in water management solutions in the growing Indian market. Additionally, they announced the acquisition of a water management company in India on the same date, further solidifying their commitment to this sector. These strategic moves highlight NORMA Group's focus on delivering innovative solutions that ensure safety and reliability in critical applications, including drinking water purification.


5. Coca-Cola HBC


Coca-Cola HBC AG is a beverage manufacturer and bottling company based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1951. The company specializes in producing and distributing a diverse range of beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and ready-to-drink teas. Coca-Cola HBC operates in multiple countries, ensuring a steady supply of beverages to meet customer demand. Notably, the company has made significant acquisitions in the water sector, including Valser Mineralquellen AG in 2002, which is a Swiss mineral water company. This acquisition highlights Coca-Cola HBC's involvement in the bottled water market, which is closely related to drinking water purification. Additionally, they acquired Neptuno Vandenys, UAB in 2016, further expanding their portfolio in the beverage industry. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Coca-Cola HBC is positioned to potentially contribute to advancements in water quality and purification processes.


6. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company founded in 1866, headquartered in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. In recent years, Nestlé has made significant investments in the drinking water sector, acquiring several companies to strengthen its position in this market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Princes Gate Spring Water in 2018, which bolstered its water division in the UK, and the acquisition of Henniez in 2007. Additionally, in 2021, Nestlé acquired Essentia Water, a leading alkaline water brand, as part of its strategy to enhance its premium beverage portfolio and meet the growing demand for functional water products. These transactions highlight Nestlé's active role in the drinking water purification industry, focusing on providing high-quality water products to consumers.


7. Georg Fischer

  • Website: georgfischer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1802
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: georg-fischer

Georg Fischer Ltd, founded in 1802 and based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in innovative solutions across various sectors, including piping systems, building flow solutions, casting, and machining. The company serves a diverse clientele, including municipalities and industries such as automotive and aerospace, with a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability. Notably, Georg Fischer has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the piping systems domain, such as the acquisition of Alfa Plastics Inc. in 2008, which transformed it into Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd, enhancing its role in managing piping systems in Canada. In 2019, the acquisition of Global Supply Company further expanded its reach. Additionally, Georg Fischer acquired a minority stake in Urecon in 2017, and participated in a funding round for Oxford Flow in 2020, indicating its interest in innovative solutions that may intersect with water purification technologies. These transactions highlight Georg Fischer's commitment to enhancing water management infrastructure, making it a relevant player in the drinking water purification sector.


8. Technology Fund

  • Website: technologyfund.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: technology-fund

Technology Fund is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It provides loan guarantees to innovative Swiss companies focused on environmental sustainability, particularly in the cleantech sector. The fund aims to bridge the gap between startup funding and traditional loans, enabling businesses to develop and market their innovative products. Among its notable transactions, Technology Fund has supported companies like rqmicro, which raised approximately $1.5 million in debt financing in 2019, and onCyt, Neustark, and Wegaw, which also secured undisclosed amounts in debt financing in 2022. While these transactions do not specifically highlight drinking water purification, they indicate the fund's commitment to supporting innovative environmental solutions, which may include technologies relevant to water purification.


9. Bitburger Ventures


Bitburger Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Bitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm invests in mission-driven founders and supports them in reshaping their industries by providing not only financial capital but also access to networks and expertise for sustainable growth. Their focus spans various sectors, including food, health, and technology. Notably, Bitburger Ventures has participated in significant transactions such as investing in Mitte, a company that raised funds for water purification technology, and Waterdrop, an Austrian beverage brand that emphasizes innovative hydration solutions. These investments indicate a potential interest in the drinking water purification sector, making them a noteworthy player in this space.


10. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment portfolio includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Puraffinity, a startup dedicated to PFAS removal, raising significant amounts in both Seed and Series A rounds. This involvement highlights their commitment to addressing critical environmental issues, including drinking water purification. Their strategic support aims to help innovative companies grow and succeed in their respective markets, particularly those focused on sustainability and technology-driven solutions.


11. Sulzer

  • Website: sulzer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1834
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: sulzer

Sulzer Ltd. is an industrial engineering and manufacturing company based in Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1834. The company specializes in fluid engineering solutions, providing a wide range of products and services, including pumps, compressors, and aeration systems. Sulzer serves various sectors, including water treatment, oil and gas, and power generation, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. In recent years, Sulzer has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the water treatment market. For instance, in January 2021, Sulzer acquired Nordic Water Products for SEK 1.2 billion (€119 million), enhancing its capabilities in water purification. Additionally, the acquisition of JWC Environmental in December 2017 for $215 million aimed to strengthen Sulzer's wastewater treatment offerings and expand its market presence in North America and beyond. These strategic moves reflect Sulzer's commitment to improving operational efficiency and sustainability in water treatment solutions.


12. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, eCAPITAL has been involved in several transactions relevant to the drinking water purification context, including investments in CNM Technologies and Evodos. Evodos, for instance, focuses on innovative water treatment solutions, which aligns with the drinking water purification industry. Additionally, their investment in Subitec, a manufacturer of automated algae photobioreactors, further demonstrates their engagement in technologies that can contribute to water purification and sustainability.


13. Basf

  • Website: basf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF SE is a multinational chemical manufacturer based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, founded in 1865. The company provides a wide range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. In 2011, BASF completed the acquisition of inge watertechnologies AG, a Germany-based ultrafiltration specialist, which allowed them to enhance their position in the growing water treatment market. This strategic move demonstrates BASF's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving operational efficiency in water purification. Additionally, BASF has been involved in other acquisitions, such as Pushpa Polymers and Grupo Thermotek, but the acquisition of inge watertechnologies AG is particularly significant in the context of drinking water purification.


14. wienerberger

  • Website: wienerberger.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 1819
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: wienerberger

Wienerberger AG, founded in 1819 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a leading construction materials manufacturer specializing in bricks, roof tiles, and plastic pipes. The company serves construction businesses and contractors by providing innovative and sustainable building solutions, with a strong focus on ecological practices. In 2024, Wienerberger made significant strides in the water management sector by acquiring GrainPlastics, a drainage specialist, which aims to enhance sustainable water management and support the company's sustainability goals through increased use of recycled materials. Additionally, the acquisition of Wideco Sweden AB in 2023, a technology company specializing in energy and water management solutions, further emphasizes Wienerberger's commitment to integrating advanced water management technologies into their offerings. These strategic acquisitions reflect Wienerberger's dedication to enhancing the quality and efficiency of construction projects while addressing water management challenges.



Drinking Water Purification Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
DegNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany501-1000196217
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
NORMA GroupMaintal, Hesse, Germany5001-1000020060
Coca-Cola HBCZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+19510
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Georg FischerSchaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland10001+18020
Technology FundZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020148
Bitburger VenturesBitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany1-1020180
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
SulzerWinterthur, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18340
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
wienerbergerVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+18192


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