The waste management industry in Europe is an ever-evolving sector focusing on innovative solutions for handling waste and promoting sustainability. Companies in this space include collectors, recyclers, waste-to-energy firms, and tech-driven startups. They provide a range of services from waste collection and sorting to recycling and energy generation from waste materials. With growing awareness around sustainability, the industry is shifting towards circular economy principles, aiming to minimize waste generation and maximize resource recovery. Interestingly, regulations and public awareness are paving the way for investment opportunities, making clean, efficient waste management an attractive venture for businesses and investors alike.


This article highlights 14 notable investors in the European waste management sector. These investors represent various types such as venture capital firms, corporate entities, and public organizations. Their headquarter locations span across key European cities, including London, Paris, and Brussels. With many founded in the last two decades, they have been active, completing numerous deals in 2024. For example, some investors executed over 50 transactions, underscoring their commitment to supporting innovative waste solutions and companies making strides in sustainability practices across the continent.


Top 14 Waste Management Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to promote innovation in diverse sectors. Recently, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions within the waste management sector, such as its support for Sensoneo, a Slovak startup that specializes in smart waste solutions, through multiple funding rounds totaling over €6 million. Additionally, the EIC has backed TreaTech, a Swiss engineering company focused on circular waste treatment, which raised CHF 9 million in Series A funding with EIC's support. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in advancing waste management technologies and solutions.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the waste management sector, such as investing in Tri’n’collect, which specializes in the responsible management of construction waste, and Hesus, an industrial pollution and waste management specialist. These investments reflect Bpifrance's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to sustainable waste management practices.


3. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the waste management sector, including Innovate Recycle, which raised over $3.7 million for recycling solutions, Antaco, which raised $742,222 for waste-to-energy technology, SortFlow, focused on waste sorting technologies, and CirculOil, which raised funds for oil recycling processes. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting innovative companies that address waste management challenges.


4. RSK Group

  • Website: rskgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: rsk-group

RSK Group is an environmental consultancy and engineering services company based in the UK, founded in 1989. With over 10,000 employees, RSK provides a wide range of services including environmental assessments, engineering solutions, and sustainability consulting to businesses across various sectors such as energy, healthcare, and construction. The company aims to help its clients navigate environmental challenges and improve their sustainability practices. Notably, RSK has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the environmental sector. For instance, the acquisition of Ecologia Environmental Solutions Ltd in 2019 enhanced RSK's expertise in site remediation, a critical aspect of waste management. Additionally, their acquisition of MSS Group and RJT Excavations further expands their operational footprint in facilities management and civil engineering, which can intersect with waste management services. These transactions reflect RSK's commitment to enhancing their environmental service offerings, including waste management solutions.


5. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, the firm serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. In the waste management context, EQT has made significant investments, including the acquisition of Covanta, a leading waste-to-energy company, for $5.3 billion, and Synagro Technologies, which focuses on organic residuals management, for $465 million. Additionally, EQT acquired AMCS Group, a waste recycling company, reflecting their growing interest in sustainability and innovative waste management solutions. Their acquisition of EEW Energy from Waste further emphasizes their commitment to the waste management sector, showcasing their strategic focus on enhancing operational efficiencies and sustainability in waste processing.


6. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the waste management sector, including RiverRidge Recycling, which received £10M to enhance its operations, and J&B Recycling, which secured £7.5M to expand its recycling facilities. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to supporting the growth of businesses that contribute to waste management and recycling efforts, showcasing their relevance in this industry.


7. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has made significant investments in the waste management sector, including funding for Recycla, which focuses on expanding recycling capabilities, and Bintel, a startup dedicated to waste management solutions. Almi's investments in these companies highlight their commitment to supporting innovative approaches in waste management and sustainability.


8. Suez

  • Website: suez.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: suez

Suez SA is a corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in utility services with a strong emphasis on water and waste management. Founded in 1997, Suez has over 160 years of experience in addressing critical environmental challenges through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. In recent years, Suez has actively expanded its footprint in the waste management sector through several key transactions. Notably, the company acquired EnviroServ in June 2022, enhancing its waste management capabilities. In December 2023, Suez entered the UK market by acquiring F&R Cawley Ltd., a firm focused on waste management and battery recycling, particularly for lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles. Additionally, Suez's acquisition of Devon Contract Waste in October 2023 further solidifies its position in the UK waste collection market. The company's involvement in the Vinca waste-to-energy facility project also underscores its commitment to innovative waste management solutions. Overall, Suez is a significant player in the waste management industry, providing essential services to public sector operators and industrial clients.


9. 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, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has invested in companies like Naoden, which focuses on waste-to-energy technology, securing over EUR 1.6 million in funding to industrialize its solutions. They have also invested in Bin-e, a company that provides smart waste management solutions, indicating their active role in the waste management sector. These transactions highlight InnoEnergy's commitment to integrating waste management innovations within the broader context of sustainable energy.


10. Katapult

  • Website: katapult.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They focus on tech startups that address global challenges, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been involved in several transactions, including a notable investment in RecyGlo, a waste management and recycling platform in Myanmar, where they provided seed funding to enhance services in Yangon and expand to other cities. This investment highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in waste management, alongside other sectors like climate-tech and ocean-tech. Other transactions include investments in companies like Recylink, SmartEnds, Ichthion, and Ecospears, showcasing their diverse portfolio while still maintaining a focus on impactful solutions.


11. Veolia

  • Website: veolia.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Aubervilliers, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1853
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: veolia-environnement

Veolia is an environmental services company founded in 1853, headquartered in Aubervilliers, Île-De-France, France. With over 10,000 employees, Veolia specializes in water management, waste management, and energy solutions, providing innovative services to municipalities and industries with a strong emphasis on sustainability and ecological transformation. In recent years, Veolia has made significant acquisitions to bolster its waste management capabilities, including the acquisition of Cleanaway UK for £589 million in 2023, which positioned them as a leader in the UK waste market. Additionally, their acquisition of Suez in 2021 for $26 billion further solidified their presence in the waste management sector. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of Esterra in 2014 and C&C Recycling in 2008, both aimed at enhancing their recycling and waste processing capabilities. These strategic moves highlight Veolia's commitment to expanding its waste management services and its role as a key player in the industry.


12. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB focuses on initiatives that promote growth and job creation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Among its notable transactions, the EIB has financed companies such as Hera Group, which raised $516,988,698 in post-IPO debt in July 2023, and Iren SpA, which raised $214,942,594 in post-IPO debt in June 2024. Both companies are key players in the waste management sector, indicating the EIB's commitment to supporting projects that enhance waste management and environmental sustainability.


13. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, that operates in the energy and chemicals sectors. Founded in 1907, Shell provides essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions to businesses and consumers globally. In recent years, Shell has expanded its investment portfolio to include significant transactions in the waste management sector. Notably, Shell Petroleum NV acquired Nature Energy Biogas A/S for nearly USD $2 billion, enhancing its position as the largest producer of Renewable Natural Gas in Europe, which is closely related to waste management practices. Furthermore, Shell has invested in Li Industries, a company specializing in lithium-ion battery recycling, indicating a commitment to sustainable waste management solutions. These strategic investments reflect Shell's broader strategy to diversify its operations and engage in environmentally responsible practices.


14. Biffa

  • Website: biffa.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: biffa

Biffa Limited is a prominent waste management company based in High Wycombe, England, founded in 1912. The company specializes in providing comprehensive waste collection, recycling, and landfill services to local authorities and businesses across the UK, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and reducing environmental impact. In recent years, Biffa has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its operations in the waste management sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hamilton Waste and Recycling Limited, which processes over 135,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste annually, and the acquisition of Keenan Recycling, further solidifying their position in the recycling market. Additionally, Biffa acquired a 30,000-tonne garden and food waste composting facility from Severn Trent Green Power, enhancing their organics business. They also expanded their hazardous waste capabilities by acquiring Hazrem Environmental Ltd. These transactions reflect Biffa's commitment to growth and innovation in the waste management industry.



Waste Management Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
RSK GroupHelsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19893
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
SuezParis, Île-De-France, France10001+19975
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
VeoliaAubervilliers, Île-De-France, France10001+18535
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
BiffaHigh Wycombe, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000019127


Want to find more investors focusing on the waste management industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the waste managementindustry, 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!