The irrigation technology industry in Benelux is rapidly evolving, featuring companies that develop systems for optimizing water usage in agriculture. Firms create solutions like smart irrigation systems, water management tools, and advanced sensors that help farmers maximize crop yields and conserve resources. As climate concerns rise, innovative practices are becoming vital to maintain food production while reducing environmental impacts. With growing investments in sustainability, technologies that enhance irrigation efficiency are gaining traction, paving the way for smarter water management solutions across the region's agricultural sectors.


This article highlights 15 prominent irrigation technology investors based in the Benelux region, representing venture capital, corporate, and private equity. These investors, from Astanor in Luxembourg to EIT Food in Belgium, vary in size and start dates, with activities ranging from early-stage funding to substantial project backing. In 2024, they participated in numerous deals, signaling a robust interest in the evolving irrigation landscape. Their focus on sustainability and innovation underscores the potential at the intersection of technology and agriculture, helping shape the sector’s future.


Top 15 Irrigation Technology Investors in Benelux


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, such as 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 foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the irrigation technology sector, including grants to Agurotech and Pipes.one, which focus on agricultural technology solutions. Additionally, the EIC supported xFarm Technologies, an agtech company that aims to enhance agricultural practices, further indicating its engagement in the irrigation technology landscape. Through these initiatives, the EIC plays a significant role in promoting advancements in irrigation technology and related fields.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and water management. In 2024, EIB was involved in a significant transaction with The Water Group, which raised approximately $369.8 million in debt financing, highlighting their commitment to projects that can enhance water management and potentially irrigation technology. Other transactions, such as those with Orbital Systems and Brolis Sensor Technology, further demonstrate EIB's engagement in innovative technologies that may intersect with irrigation solutions. Overall, EIB's investment strategy aligns with promoting growth and sustainability, making them a relevant player in the irrigation technology space.


3. Navus Ventures

  • Website: navusventures.nl
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies that focus on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. In 2023, they invested in Agurotech, which raised €1.5 million to enhance data-driven and efficient arable farming, a critical aspect of modern irrigation practices. They also participated in funding rounds for Blue Radix, a company that specializes in autonomous growing and AI-driven greenhouse technology, which may involve advanced irrigation systems. Their investments reflect a strategic focus on companies that contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, making them a relevant player in the irrigation technology sector.


4. EIT Food

  • Website: eitfood.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: eit-food

EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2016. It is dedicated to transforming the food system through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. EIT Food supports agrifood startups and entrepreneurs by providing resources, funding opportunities, and educational programs aimed at creating healthier and sustainable food solutions. Among its notable transactions, EIT Food has been involved in funding initiatives such as SENCROP, which raised funds for micro-climate technology that can significantly impact irrigation practices. Additionally, EIT Food has engaged with startups like Evja and SeedForward, providing non-equity assistance that may support various agricultural innovations, including irrigation technologies. Through these initiatives, EIT Food fosters collaboration among various stakeholders to drive change in the food sector, which inherently includes advancements in agricultural practices such as irrigation.


5. EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative


EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative is a not-for-profit impact investment facility based in Belgium, established in 2016. It focuses on financing renewable energy projects in developing countries, providing both equity and debt financing along with technical assistance to enhance access to clean energy. The organization targets renewable energy companies and projects, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to help them achieve sustainable energy solutions. Notably, EDFI ElectriFI has invested in companies like SunCulture, which raised $10 million in debt financing to support solar-powered irrigation solutions for farmers, and Simusolar, which raised $1.5 million to provide solar energy solutions for agricultural applications. Additionally, their investment in Sistema.bio, which aims to deliver clean energy solutions to farmers, further emphasizes their commitment to supporting agricultural innovation and sustainability.


6. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. In recent years, Rockstart has made several notable investments in companies that are relevant to irrigation technology. For instance, they invested in Nordetect, a company that develops technology for water quality monitoring and soil health, which is crucial for effective irrigation practices. Other investments include Agranimo, which focuses on agricultural data analytics, and HydroNeo, which is involved in water management solutions. These transactions highlight Rockstart's commitment to supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs in sectors that can drive positive change in agriculture and irrigation.


7. Astanor

  • Website: astanor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: astanor-venture

Astanor is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that focuses on the agrifood tech sector. They support innovative companies aiming to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, including leading a $23 million Series A funding round for Source.ag, a company that provides AI-powered solutions to greenhouse growers, which directly relates to optimizing irrigation and crop management. They also led a €6 million Series A funding round for MagGrow, an agri-technology company that may have applications in enhancing agricultural practices. Their portfolio includes significant investments in companies like Monarch Tractor, which is developing advanced agricultural machinery, further indicating their commitment to improving agricultural efficiency and sustainability.


8. Aliaxis

  • Website: aliaxis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: aliaxis

Aliaxis is a corporate investor based in Belgium, founded in 2003, with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. The company specializes in innovative water and energy management systems, offering a diverse range of products including pipes, fittings, and irrigation systems tailored for various sectors such as construction, infrastructure, industry, and agriculture. Aliaxis has made significant investments in the irrigation technology sector, including a $30 million Series C funding round for CropX Technologies, which focuses on agronomic farm management systems. This investment aims to develop innovative capabilities that enhance agricultural practices. Additionally, Aliaxis has acquired Ashirvad Pipes Pvt Ltd, a key player in the irrigation market in India, further expanding its footprint in the irrigation technology space. Their strategic acquisitions and investments demonstrate a clear focus on providing efficient and sustainable solutions for agricultural businesses.


9. SHIFT Invest

  • Website: shiftinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: shift-invest

SHIFT Invest is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in impact investing, targeting innovative enterprises with significant environmental impact potential. They provide funding and support to early-stage companies across various sectors, including energy transition, smart food & agriculture, and sustainable mobility. Notably, SHIFT Invest has participated in several transactions relevant to the agricultural technology space, such as their investments in 30MHz, which raised funds to accelerate technological developments in agriculture, and Saia Agrobotics, which focuses on agricultural robotics. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance agricultural practices, including irrigation technologies.


10. Natural Ventures

  • Website: natural.ventures
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: naturalventures

Natural Ventures is a corporate investment firm based in The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in technology companies that tackle global water and food security challenges, providing capital, strategic support, and access to a network of industry experts to help portfolio companies develop scalable solutions. Notably, Natural Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to irrigation technology, including N-Drip, which raised $44 million in a Series C round in June 2023, and Irrigreen, which secured $19 million in a Series A round in April 2025. These investments highlight their focus on sustainable practices in agriculture and water management, making them a key player in the irrigation technology sector.


11. Future Food Fund

  • Website: futurefoodfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: future-food-fund

Future Food Fund is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in food and agriculture technology investments, focusing on early-stage startups in Western Europe. Their mission is to drive environmental impact through strategic investments in the food and agriculture sector. Notably, Future Food Fund has invested in Sensoterra, a water management technology company, which raised €1.0M to accelerate growth and expand its product offerings. This investment highlights their commitment to supporting innovations that enhance sustainable practices in agriculture, particularly in irrigation. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other agricultural technology companies, such as Phenospex and AvL Motion, further showcasing their active role in the agricultural technology landscape.


12. Rabo Private Equity


Rabo Private Equity, founded in 2002 and based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a private equity firm that specializes in providing equity capital and investment management services to established and transformative companies within the Food & Agri and Sustainability sectors. The firm has a strong focus on partnering with top-tier funds and leveraging its global network to support clients' growth and transition efforts. Notably, Rabo Private Equity has been involved in several significant transactions, including multiple rounds of investment in Voltea, a company that develops innovative water treatment solutions, raising over $10 million across Series A, B, and C funding rounds. This involvement highlights their commitment to advancing technologies that can improve water management and irrigation practices. Additionally, their recent investment in EarthOptics, which focuses on soil health and precision agriculture, further emphasizes their alignment with sustainable agricultural practices that are essential for effective irrigation management.


13. Anterra Capital

  • Website: anterracapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: anterra-capital

Anterra Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in agrifood technology investments, focusing on startups that leverage biotechnology and digital solutions to enhance food production and sustainability. Anterra Capital operates primarily in North America and Europe, supporting innovative companies in the agrifood sector. Notable transactions include investments in Voltea, which raised significant funding for water treatment solutions, and Enko Chem, a crop health company that aims to improve agricultural practices. Their investment in LemnaTec, which provides research platforms for plant analysis, also indicates a commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that could intersect with irrigation practices. Overall, Anterra Capital's portfolio reflects a dedication to enhancing food systems, which is closely related to irrigation technology.


14. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across diverse sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, they acquired Groupe Claire, a major player in water distribution network equipment, in 2018, highlighting their involvement in the water sector. Additionally, they have invested in Biotalys, a company focused on sustainable agriculture, which may intersect with irrigation technology through its emphasis on innovative agricultural practices. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges.


15. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by offering various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. BOM collaborates with businesses to provide funding, expertise, and networking opportunities, facilitating their success in competitive markets. Notably, BOM has invested in AvL Motion, which raised €1 million for the development of an autonomous selective asparagus harvesting robot, showcasing their commitment to innovative agricultural technologies. This investment aligns with the irrigation technology sector as it focuses on improving agricultural efficiency. Additionally, BOM has participated in funding rounds for other technology-driven companies, indicating a broader interest in supporting advancements that could intersect with irrigation technology.



Irrigation Technology Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing InitiativeBelgium11-5020162
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
AliaxisBelgium10001+20033
SHIFT InvestAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020094
Natural VenturesThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020212
Future Food FundUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands1-1020165
Rabo Private EquityAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020023
Anterra CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020139
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310


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