The air quality monitoring industry in Europe focuses on collecting data surrounding air pollution, climate conditions, and greenhouse gas emissions. Companies in this segment range from big tech firms to innovative startups, developing hardware and software solutions for effective air quality assessment. With increased regulatory pressure and public awareness regarding environmental issues, the industry is growing rapidly, combining advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and satellite imaging to provide accurate insights. This shift not only drives innovation but also encourages real-time monitoring systems that help cities and communities improve air quality and public health outcomes.


The list of investors in this article includes public entities and venture capital firms based across Europe, primarily in major cities like London, Dublin, and Paris. In 2024, these investors, ranging from small teams to large organizations, collectively completed dozens of deals, reflecting robust interest in the air quality sector. With founding years spanning from 1958 to 2017, the investors vary in size and type, providing well-rounded support for innovative technology companies focused on environmental sustainability and public health.


Top 15 Air Quality Monitoring Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding companies like Variolytics, which raised funds through grants and seed rounds, focusing on air quality monitoring solutions. Additionally, the EIC has supported other companies like Plair SA and RadonTec GmbH, which may also have relevance in the air quality monitoring context, indicating a commitment to advancing technologies that can impact air quality positively.


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 a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the air quality monitoring sector, such as their investments in eLichens, which raised EUR 7 million to market micro gas sensors and deploy an air quality analysis platform, and Netatmo, which develops connected devices for environmental monitoring. These investments highlight Bpifrance's role in supporting technologies that contribute to air quality monitoring and analysis.


3. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998 and based in Dublin, Ireland. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has participated in funding rounds for companies like Ambisense, which specializes in IoT sensor technologies for air quality monitoring. In 2021, it was part of a €3m growth equity investment in Ambisense, and it also supported earlier funding rounds for the company, indicating its commitment to fostering innovation in the air quality monitoring sector. This involvement highlights Enterprise Ireland's role in promoting advancements in environmental technology and air quality solutions.


4. Agoranov

  • Website: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. With a focus on early-stage startups across various innovative sectors, Agoranov has made significant investments in companies related to air quality monitoring, including Plume Labs, which raised funding in 2014 and is known for its air quality monitoring solutions. Other relevant transactions include investments in AirInSpace and Fluidion, both of which contribute to environmental monitoring and technology. This diverse portfolio showcases Agoranov's commitment to fostering innovation in the air quality sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


5. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. The company has made significant strides in the air quality monitoring sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, SGS acquired Metair Lab, a specialist in air sampling and asbestos analysis, to strengthen its position in health and hygiene testing in France. Additionally, the acquisition of Galson Laboratories, which specializes in industrial hygiene analysis, and DMW Environmental Safety Ltd, a provider of health and safety services, further enhances SGS's capabilities in environmental health and safety, including air quality monitoring. These transactions reflect SGS's commitment to expanding its analytical capabilities and services in the air quality domain.


6. 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 crowdfunding platform based in London, England, that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. Founded in 2010, Crowdcube connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions, including Air For Life, which raised $203,895 in equity crowdfunding on August 31, 2022, focusing on air quality monitoring. Additionally, they have supported other companies like AgriSound and Zellar, which, while not directly related to air quality, indicate Crowdcube's broad investment strategy in innovative sectors. Their platform serves as a vital resource for businesses seeking to address various challenges, including those related to environmental sustainability.


7. 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 specialize in supporting tech startups that address global challenges through investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship. Katapult has been active in various sectors, including climate-tech and ocean-tech. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like W•SENSE, which focuses on IoT solutions that could be relevant to air quality monitoring. In addition to W•SENSE, Katapult has also invested in startups like ClevAir and Undersee, which may have applications in environmental monitoring. Their commitment to fostering innovation in sectors that impact the environment positions them as a potential player in the air quality monitoring space.


8. 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 in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Ambisense, a Dublin-based IoT start-up focused on environmental monitoring, which received a €3m growth equity investment in 2021. Additionally, BGF invested in Monodraught, a UK-based specialist in ventilation systems, which are crucial for maintaining air quality. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to air quality monitoring and management.


9. Eurofins

  • Website: eurofins.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: eurofins

Eurofins Scientific SE is a prominent laboratory testing company founded in 1987 and headquartered in Luxembourg. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees and a global presence across 62 countries, Eurofins provides a diverse range of analytical and testing services across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental industries. Notably, Eurofins has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its environmental testing capabilities, including the acquisition of TestAmerica Environmental Services LLC in 2018, which specializes in environmental testing services, including air quality monitoring. In 2024, Eurofins further enhanced its environmental testing unit by acquiring IAF-Radioökologie GmbH, a company focused on radionuclide laboratory services. These transactions underscore Eurofins' commitment to expanding its expertise in environmental testing, particularly in air quality monitoring, making it a key player in this field.


10. BloombergNEF

  • Website: about.bnef.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: bloombergnef

BloombergNEF is a research firm based in London, England, founded in 2004, specializing in the energy and commodity markets. They provide strategic insights and analysis to assist businesses and organizations in navigating the transition to a low-carbon economy. Their offerings include comprehensive research reports, summits, and a pioneering program that identifies innovative technologies for decarbonization. Notably, BloombergNEF has been involved in several grant transactions that are relevant to air quality monitoring, including funding for GHGSat, which focuses on satellite-based greenhouse gas monitoring, and QLM Technology, which quantifies emissions. These investments reflect their interest in supporting technologies that contribute to improved air quality and environmental sustainability.


11. 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, founded in 1907. It operates in the energy and chemicals sectors, providing essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions. In recent years, Shell has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies focused on environmental sustainability and air quality monitoring. Notably, Shell Ventures led a funding round for Mirico, a company specializing in greenhouse gas emissions monitoring solutions, raising £2 million in 2022 and an additional $2 million in 2024. This investment highlights Shell's commitment to supporting technologies that address air quality and emissions challenges. Additionally, Shell has participated in funding rounds for other companies like GridPoint, which focuses on intelligent energy networks, further indicating its interest in sustainable technologies that can contribute to improved air quality.


12. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of the Indutrade group, which focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various technology and industrial sectors. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made significant strides in the air quality monitoring sector by acquiring Palas GmbH, a German company specializing in high precision equipment for air particle measurement, valued at approximately €25 million. This acquisition, announced on November 24, 2022, highlights Indutrade's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the air quality monitoring industry. Additionally, the company has a history of acquiring innovative firms, such as Eco Analytics AG, which further demonstrates its strategic focus on technology-driven solutions.


13. Parkwalk Advisors


Parkwalk Advisors is a London-based venture capital investment management firm founded in 2009. They specialize in investments in university spin-outs and innovative technologies, managing various EIS funds aimed at capital appreciation and tax reliefs for investors. With a focus on high-growth sectors such as AI, life sciences, and cleantech, Parkwalk Advisors has made notable investments in companies like Sorex Sensors, which raised $2,516,249 in a Series A round in April 2020, indicating their interest in air quality monitoring technologies. They also invested in Flusso, a semiconductor company that produces flow sensors, which could have applications in air quality monitoring. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative solutions that may contribute to environmental monitoring and sustainability.


14. European Space Agency - ESA

  • Website: esa.int
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1975
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: european-space-agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) is a public entity dedicated to space exploration and research, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France. With a workforce of 1001-5000, ESA conducts human spaceflight missions, Earth observation, and satellite navigation, serving governments and research organizations. ESA collaborates with international partners to advance space technology and provide critical data for scientific research and environmental monitoring. In recent years, ESA has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to environmental monitoring. For instance, it participated in the Series A funding round for OroraTech, a startup focused on satellite-based monitoring of environmental conditions, providing non-dilutive co-funding to support their mission. Additionally, ESA has provided grants to companies like TerraRad Tech and LESS Industries, which may also contribute to environmental monitoring efforts. These activities underscore ESA's role in supporting technologies that can enhance air quality monitoring capabilities.


15. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at facilitating the energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies with funding and strategic guidance. With a strong emphasis on sustainable development, Demeter manages a diverse portfolio that includes significant investments in air quality monitoring technologies. Notably, they have invested in eLichens, which raised EUR 7 million in 2018 to market its micro gas sensors and air quality analysis platform, and in APIX Analytics, which raised $9.4 million in 2017, further indicating their interest in companies that contribute to environmental monitoring and analysis. Their involvement with Dr. Födisch Umweltmesstechnik also highlights their engagement in the environmental sector, reinforcing their commitment to ecological solutions.



Air Quality Monitoring Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
BloombergNEFLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020040
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
Parkwalk AdvisorsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200917
European Space Agency - ESAParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000197510
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070


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