The irrigation equipment industry in DACH focuses on providing essential solutions for efficient water management in agriculture and landscaping. It involves companies producing various products such as pumps, sensors, irrigation systems, and green technologies aimed at conserving water and optimizing soil health. As innovation thrives in this field, companies are exploring automation and data analytics to enhance crop yields and sustainability. The shift towards eco-friendly practices is shaping the industry's future, with a growing emphasis on sustainable agricultural methods and smart irrigation, ensuring long-term viability for water resources in agriculture.


This list features 15 prominent investors in the DACH irrigation equipment sector, encompassing corporate and venture capital firms primarily based in Germany and Switzerland. Established between 1802 and 2015, these investors vary in size from small teams of 1-10 to large conglomerates exceeding 10,000 employees. In 2024, firms like Siemens and Partners Group conducted multiple deals to strengthen their portfolios in agricultural technologies, signaling a robust interest in enhancing irrigation systems.


Top 15 Irrigation Equipment Investors in DACH


1. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. Leaps by Bayer provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, they have invested in Rantizo, which integrates drone technology for crop protection and precision application of inputs, and Guardian Agriculture, which is involved in advanced agricultural technologies. These investments highlight their commitment to enhancing agricultural practices, including irrigation efficiency and automation.


2. NORMA Group


NORMA Group is a corporate investor based in Maintal, Hesse, Germany, specializing in engineered joining technology. Founded in 2006, the company has grown to employ between 5,001 and 10,000 people. NORMA Group provides a range of products including clamps, connectors, and fluid systems, serving various industries such as automotive and water management. Notably, in 2018, NORMA Group acquired Kimplas Piping Systems Limited for €1 billion, enhancing their expertise in water management solutions in the Indian market. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to expand their portfolio in irrigation and water management technologies. Additionally, they announced the acquisition of a water management company in India on the same date, further solidifying their commitment to this sector. Other acquisitions, such as Nordic Metalblok, also reflect their focus on engineered joining technology, which is applicable in irrigation systems.


3. 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. The company has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the water supply and treatment sector, which is relevant to irrigation. Notable transactions include the acquisition of US Filter Corporation in 2004 for $993 million, aimed at bolstering Siemens' presence in the U.S. water market, and the acquisition of Cambridge Water Technology in 2012, which improved Siemens' capabilities in water and wastewater treatment systems. These investments reflect Siemens' commitment to sustainability and efficiency in water management, making it a relevant player in the irrigation equipment industry.


4. 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 supporting the energy and ecological transition, providing funding and strategic guidance to innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies. With a strong emphasis on sustainable development, Demeter manages a diverse portfolio that includes investments in agricultural technology. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Naïo Technologies, which focuses on agricultural robotics, indicating their interest in enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability. In addition, they have invested in Hyperplan, a company utilizing satellite and meteorological data technology to secure food chains, further demonstrating their commitment to ecological solutions that can impact irrigation practices. Overall, Demeter-Partners is positioned as a forward-thinking investor in sectors that intersect with irrigation and agricultural technology.


5. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. Founded in 2001, the firm focuses on innovation and sustainability across various industries, including agriculture. BASF Venture Capital has made significant investments in agricultural technology, such as Ecorobotix, which raised funds for its AI-powered smart sprayer system aimed at enhancing crop management and irrigation efficiency. They also invested in Hummingbird Technologies, which utilizes drones and AI to help farmers optimize crop health and yield predictions, indirectly supporting better irrigation practices. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to advancing agricultural solutions that address environmental challenges and improve productivity.


6. 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 headquartered 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. In recent years, Wienerberger has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the water management sector. Notably, the acquisition of GrainPlastics in June 2024, a drainage specialist, aims to bolster sustainable water management practices and support the company's sustainability goals. Additionally, the acquisition of Wideco Sweden AB in April 2023, a technology company focused on energy and water management solutions, further emphasizes Wienerberger's commitment to integrating advanced solutions into its product offerings. These transactions highlight Wienerberger's strategic direction towards enhancing its capabilities in water management, making it a significant player in the irrigation equipment industry.


7. AlphaMundi Group Ltd


AlphaMundi Group Ltd is an impact investment firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on financing scalable ventures in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong emphasis on social impact. They manage investment funds such as the SocialAlpha Fund and AlphaJiri Fund, targeting sectors like Financial Inclusion and Renewable Energy. Notably, AlphaMundi has been involved in significant transactions related to agricultural technology, including a $12 million Series A investment in Sistema.bio, a company that develops affordable bio-gas equipment for small farms, enhancing their profitability and environmental sustainability. Additionally, they have supported AgriCapital through multiple debt financing rounds, further indicating their interest in agricultural ventures. Their strategy integrates gender analysis to enhance social impact, making them a proactive player in sectors that can improve agricultural practices, including irrigation.


8. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group has invested in SunCulture, a Kenyan startup that develops solar-powered irrigation systems aimed at improving agricultural productivity for small-holder farmers. This investment highlights their engagement in the irrigation equipment sector, showcasing their interest in sustainable agricultural solutions. Additionally, their diverse portfolio includes investments in various industries, reflecting their broad investment strategy.


9. 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. BASF focuses on innovation and sustainability, helping its customers meet environmental challenges and improve operational efficiency. Notably, BASF has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in agriculture and water management. For instance, the acquisition of inge watertechnologies AG in 2011 allowed BASF to strengthen its position in the water treatment market, which is crucial for effective irrigation practices. Additionally, the acquisition of Horta S.r.l. in 2022, a company specializing in digital farming solutions, indicates BASF's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can improve irrigation efficiency. These transactions highlight BASF's interest in sectors that intersect with irrigation, making it a potential candidate for inclusion in the irrigation equipment investor category.


10. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)


The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2020. It focuses on sustainable investments in the bioeconomy, providing funding and expertise to growth-stage companies that aim to transition to a circular bio-based economy. ECBF primarily operates within the EU and supports innovations in sectors such as agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has invested in Weenat, a German agritech company that raised $8M in a Series C round for its meteorological sensors designed to help farmers conserve water, highlighting its commitment to irrigation-related technologies. Additionally, ECBF led a $17 million Series A funding round for RED Horticulture, which, while focused on lighting, indicates a broader interest in agricultural innovations. Their investment in Trapview, a Slovenian agritech startup, further emphasizes their engagement in the agricultural technology space, which may intersect with irrigation solutions.


11. Saxovent

  • Website: saxovent.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: saxovent

Saxovent Smart Eco Investments GmbH, founded in 1997 and based in Berlin, Germany, is a corporate investor specializing in renewable energy projects, particularly in wind and solar energy. The company also invests in real estate and agricultural technology, aiming to provide sustainable solutions that help businesses transition to renewable energy and develop environmentally friendly practices. In 2023, Saxovent participated in a Series B funding round for Bind-X, a company focused on sustainable industrial solutions, including alternative weed management in agriculture. This involvement highlights Saxovent's interest in agricultural technology, which may include irrigation solutions, aligning with their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly innovations.


12. 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 that specializes 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 emphasis on efficiency and sustainability. Notably, Georg Fischer has made strategic acquisitions and investments that enhance its capabilities in the piping systems domain. For instance, the acquisition of Alfa Plastics Inc. transformed it into Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd, significantly bolstering their presence in the piping market. Additionally, their minority stake in Urecon, a company focused on thermal insulation for piping, highlights their commitment to enhancing piping solutions. Furthermore, their involvement in funding Oxford Flow, which develops innovative flow control solutions, indicates a broader interest in technologies that can be applied in irrigation contexts. Overall, Georg Fischer's activities in the piping systems sector position them as a relevant player in the irrigation equipment industry.


13. Bosch

  • Website: bosch.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, based in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Bosch offers a diverse range of products and services across mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. The company is committed to sustainability and enhancing quality of life through its innovative technology solutions. In recent years, Bosch has made strategic investments in companies like The Yield, a Tasmanian agtech firm that focuses on agricultural technology, including microclimate sensing systems, which can be relevant to irrigation practices. Bosch's investment in The Yield, which totaled $2.5 million in 2016 and additional funding in subsequent years, highlights its interest in agricultural innovation. Furthermore, Bosch's stake in Husqvarna, a company known for outdoor tools, may also suggest an indirect connection to irrigation equipment, as outdoor tools can include irrigation-related products. Overall, Bosch's activities indicate a potential interest in the agricultural sector, including irrigation, although their primary focus remains broader.


14. 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. Notably, Sulzer has made significant acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in water treatment, such as the acquisition of JWC Environmental for $215 million in December 2017, which aimed to bolster their wastewater treatment offerings. Additionally, their acquisition of Nordic Water Products for SEK 1.2 billion (€119 million) in January 2021 further expands their market presence in water management solutions. These transactions highlight Sulzer's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability in water-related applications, making them a relevant player in the irrigation equipment context.


15. 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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, particularly in sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has invested in Ecorobotix, a Swiss farm robotics startup that has raised significant funding for its smart sprayer system, ARA, which utilizes AI technology to enhance agricultural efficiency. This investment highlights Verve's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in agriculture, which is closely related to irrigation equipment. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for Wingtra, a manufacturer of VTOL drones, which could also have applications in precision agriculture and irrigation monitoring.



Irrigation Equipment Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
NORMA GroupMaintal, Hesse, Germany5001-1000020060
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
wienerbergerVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+18192
AlphaMundi Group LtdGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020075
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
SaxoventBerlin, Berlin, Germany51-20019971
Georg FischerSchaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland10001+18020
BoschBirenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18865
SulzerWinterthur, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18340
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025


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