The environmental remediation industry in the US focuses on cleaning contaminated sites, ensuring a healthier environment. It includes companies such as consulting firms, engineering services, and technology developers specializing in soil, water, and air cleanup. With increasing scrutiny on pollution and environmental regulations, this sector is witnessing robust growth. Innovative technologies like bioremediation and green cleanup strategies are gaining traction, making the industry more dynamic. Moreover, the increasing investment from governmental and private sectors underlines its importance in combating climate change and promoting sustainability. By addressing hazardous waste and pollution, the industry plays a critical role in public health and ecological restoration.


The following list of investors showcases a mix of corporate giants, private equity firms, and venture capitalists, all deeply embedded in the environmental remediation space. Headquartered in various key cities like New York, Washington, and California, these investors range in size from small firms with a handful of employees to large organizations with thousands of staff. Founded between 1947 to 2023, their variety spans decades of growth and adaptation. In 2024 alone, these investors were active in 39 transactions, injecting hundreds of millions into initiatives aimed at improving environmental outcomes and sustainable practices.


Top 14 Environmental Remediation Investors in the US


1. 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, located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. The DOE 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 involved in several transactions that support environmental remediation initiatives. For instance, it provided a grant of $3,793,329 to Integral Consulting Inc. in January 2022, which may involve environmental consulting services. In June 2024, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority received a grant of $1,380,000, likely aimed at improving local environmental conditions. Additionally, Capture6 received $400,000 in March 2024, and Membrion was awarded $3,150,000 in February 2019, both of which could be related to innovative technologies for environmental remediation. Southface also received a grant of $2,000,000 in May 2024, further indicating the DOE's active role in funding projects that address environmental challenges.


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 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 recent years, the Government of Canada has also engaged in environmental remediation efforts by providing grants to organizations focused on this area. Notable transactions include a grant of $1,125,000 to IWR Technologies in March 2022, $1,725,000 to BQE Water in June 2023, and $131,278 to Aski Reclamation in January 2024. Additionally, significant funding was allocated to the Saskatchewan Research Council, with grants totaling over $22 million in 2024 alone. These transactions highlight the Government's commitment to supporting environmental remediation initiatives.


3. 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 global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also essential resources to help startups grow and succeed. In recent years, SOSV has been actively involved in the climate technology sector, which includes environmental remediation. Notably, they supported Oxyle, a Zurich-based cleantech startup that raised significant funding to develop solutions for water treatment, highlighting their commitment to environmental sustainability. Other transactions include investments in startups like Vader Nanotechnologies and Lillianah, which may also have implications for environmental technologies, further solidifying SOSV's role in the environmental remediation landscape.


4. 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 provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in environmental sustainability, including BluumBio, which focuses on biotechnological solutions, and Living Carbon, which is dedicated to enhancing carbon capture through innovative forestry practices. Additionally, Noya, another startup in their portfolio, is working on technologies that could contribute to environmental remediation. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that are addressing critical environmental issues, particularly in the realm of climate technology.


5. Elemental Impact


Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012. The organization is dedicated to scaling climate technologies with a strong emphasis on community impact. They provide funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments in deploying sustainable solutions. In recent years, Elemental Impact has been involved in various transactions that reflect their commitment to innovative climate solutions. For instance, they participated in the funding rounds for Capture6, which raised significant capital in both Series A and Convertible Note transactions, indicating a focus on companies that may contribute to environmental remediation through advanced technologies. Additionally, their support for Microvi Biotechnologies and Matter. showcases their interest in early-stage companies that could potentially address environmental challenges. Overall, Elemental Impact's mission and recent transactions suggest a proactive role in fostering sustainable practices that align with environmental remediation goals.


6. 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 comprehensive range of services including testing, compliance, and remediation solutions tailored for various sectors such as chemical manufacturing and oil & gas. The company has been actively expanding its footprint in the environmental remediation space through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Environmental Alliance, Inc., a prominent environmental engineering and consulting firm, and TriAD Environmental Consultants, both of which enhance Montrose's capabilities in remediation services. Additionally, their acquisition of Spirit Environmental LLC and Epic Environmental Pty Ltd further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their consulting and engineering divisions, particularly in areas related to air permitting, compliance, and global service capabilities. These activities underscore Montrose's role as a significant player in the environmental remediation industry.


7. 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 solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. In recent years, KKR has made significant strides in the environmental sector, particularly through its investments in companies focused on sustainability and environmental remediation. Notable transactions include a substantial investment in Resource Environmental Solutions, aimed at supporting its growth and development, which is part of KKR's Green Solutions Platform. This platform emphasizes eco-efficiency, eco-innovation, and ecosolutions across its portfolio. Additionally, KKR's acquisition of ERM, a leading sustainability consultancy, further underscores its commitment to environmental initiatives. These strategic investments reflect KKR's dedication to integrating sustainability into its investment approach, making it a key player in the environmental remediation landscape.


8. 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. Notably, MassVentures has participated in funding rounds for Aclarity, Inc., which has developed the Octa™ system aimed at sustainably eradicating PFAS contaminants. In 2023, MassVentures contributed to Aclarity's Series A funding round, which raised $15.9 million, and also supported the company with grants in previous years. These transactions highlight MassVentures' engagement in the environmental remediation space, particularly in addressing critical contamination issues.


9. Breakthrough Energy


Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They support innovative technologies and advocate for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Their investment portfolio includes significant transactions in companies like Heirloom, which raised $53 million in Series A funding to develop Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology aimed at reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. This technology is directly relevant to environmental remediation as it addresses the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Additionally, Breakthrough Energy Ventures participated in a $5 million seed financing round for MZT, which is focused on scaling R&D activities that could also contribute to environmental solutions. With 38 investments in 2024 alone, Breakthrough Energy is actively engaged in funding initiatives that align with environmental remediation goals.


10. American Water

  • Website: amwater.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Camden, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: american-water

American Water is a public entity that provides essential water and wastewater services to approximately 3.4 million customers across the United States. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, the company operates in the water utility industry, ensuring clean and safe water supply while managing wastewater treatment. Their services cater to residential, commercial, and governmental clients, emphasizing community support and environmental stewardship. In recent transactions, American Water has engaged in several initiatives that align with environmental remediation. For instance, they provided grants to organizations like Allegheny CleanWays and Raritan Headwaters, each raising $10,000 to support local environmental efforts. Additionally, they acquired the Delaware Sewer Company and the wastewater system of the Metro East Sanitary District, which reflects their commitment to improving wastewater management and environmental quality in the regions they serve.


11. 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. With a network of over 100 offices, NV5 offers a wide range of services, including environmental consulting, geospatial solutions, and construction quality assurance. Notably, NV5 has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its environmental services capabilities. In 2019, they acquired Alta Environmental, L.P., a firm specializing in environmental services, which has enhanced their consulting offerings. They also acquired GeoDesign, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental engineering company, further expanding their expertise in the environmental sector. Most recently, NV5 announced the acquisition of Group Delta, a provider of infrastructure engineering and environmental services, which aligns with California's significant investment in infrastructure improvements. These transactions underscore NV5's commitment to environmental remediation and consulting, positioning them as a key player in the industry.


12. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing, with a strong emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Advantage Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in the environmental remediation sector, including multiple debt financing rounds for Environmental Operations and a Series B investment in TAS Environmental Services. These transactions highlight their engagement in the environmental services industry, showcasing their flexibility in capital solutions that can aid in the growth of businesses focused on environmental remediation.


13. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions, including a $2.2 million seed round for Mycocycle, a startup focused on mushroom-based materials that can potentially contribute to environmental remediation. Additionally, the fund participated in a significant $80 million Series A round for CarbonCapture, a company dedicated to carbon capture technology, which is crucial for mitigating climate change and enhancing environmental sustainability. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in sectors that align with environmental remediation efforts.


14. 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 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 tackle complex resource management and compliance challenges. The firm has made significant strides in the environmental remediation sector through strategic acquisitions, including Cornerstone Environmental Group, which focuses on solid waste management, and Parkland Pipeline, which provides services in the oil and gas industry and operates under Tetra Tech's Remediation and Construction Management segment. Additionally, Tetra Tech's acquisition of RPS Group and Piteau Associates Engineering further solidifies its position in the environmental consulting space, enhancing its ability to deliver innovative solutions for environmental remediation projects.



Environmental Remediation Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
Montrose Environmental GroupLittle Rock, Arkansas, United States (USA)1001-500020127
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
American WaterCamden, New Jersey, United States (USA)5001-10000188634
Nv5Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)1001-5000194710
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662


Want to find more investors focusing on the environmental remediation industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the environmental remediationindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!