The irrigation technology industry in Europe focuses on improving agricultural water usage through innovative systems and solutions. This sector includes companies that manufacture precision irrigation equipment, water management tools, and smart technology for monitoring soil moisture. As agriculture faces sustainability challenges, the demand for efficient irrigation practices rises. Recent advances integrate IoT and AI, enabling data-driven decision-making for resource management. European innovations contribute significantly to global irrigation efforts, promoting smart water usage, reduced waste, and improved crop yields. This industry is poised for growth driven by regulatory changes and increasing awareness of climate change impacts.


The list of top investors showcases a mix of venture capital firms, corporate investors, and public entities spread across Europe, with headquarters in cities like Brussels, London, and Paris. Ranging from small teams to large organizations, they differ widely in size, deal activity, and founding years, reflecting the industry's dynamism. Collectively, these investors completed over 450 deals in 2024 alone, highlighting their active role in fueling innovations in irrigation technology. With a strong focus on sustainable practices, they support companies working on smart water solutions and efficient agricultural technologies.


Top 15 Irrigation Technology 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 foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to irrigation technology, such as providing grants to Agurotech, which raised $81,935 in April 2023, and Pipes.one, which secured $1,407,237 in May 2020. Additionally, the EIC supported xFarm Technologies with a grant of $910,473 in June 2022, a company focused on agricultural technology that may include irrigation solutions. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in promoting advancements in irrigation and agricultural practices.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm 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. Bpifrance has been involved in several relevant transactions in the agricultural technology sector, including significant investments in Sencrop, which raised $10 million in a Series A round and $18 million in a Series B round, focusing on micro-climate technology that aids irrigation practices. Additionally, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for other agtech companies like Osiris agriculture and Elydan, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability.


3. 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, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness. Almi has been involved in several notable transactions in the irrigation technology sector, including a significant investment in Spowdi, a manufacturer of energy-efficient, solar-powered water pumps designed for small-scale farming. This investment highlights Almi's focus on sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, Almi has invested in Stockholm Water Technology, which is engaged in market entry and product development related to water management, and Aqua Robur Technologies, which focuses on efficient measurement of water quality and leakage. These transactions demonstrate Almi's active role in supporting innovations that improve water management and irrigation practices.


4. The Yield Lab

  • Website: theyieldlab.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Killiney, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlab

The Yield Lab is a venture capital firm based in Killiney, Dublin, Ireland, founded in 2014. It specializes in agrifood technology investments, supporting early-stage companies with venture capital funding, access to a global network of experts, and educational resources. The firm has made significant investments in the irrigation technology space, including notable transactions such as Kilimo, which raised funds to enhance irrigation efficiency, and GroGuru, which focuses on soil moisture management. In 2023, The Yield Lab led a funding round for NanobOx, a company developing nanobubble technology for agricultural and aquaculture applications, showcasing their commitment to innovative solutions in the agrifood sector. With a focus on helping entrepreneurs scale their innovations, The Yield Lab plays a vital role in advancing irrigation technologies that are essential for sustainable agriculture.


5. 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, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments by connecting them with potential investors. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and offers investment management services. Among its notable transactions, Crowdcube has facilitated funding for The Small Robot Company, which has raised over £11 million to date, including significant amounts through Crowdcube. This company focuses on innovative agricultural solutions, which may include advancements in irrigation technology. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported RootWave, an electrical weed control company, which, while not directly an irrigation technology firm, operates within the agricultural technology sector. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's involvement in the agricultural technology landscape, making it a relevant investor in the irrigation technology context.


6. 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 relevant transactions in the agricultural sector, including investments in Sand to Green, which raised funds to prepare for large-scale deployment of agricultural projects in Morocco and Africa, and Rural Farmers Hub, which supports farmers through technology. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to enhancing agricultural practices, which are closely tied to irrigation technology.


7. 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 an industrial group that 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 irrigation technology sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Crysberg A/S in 2016, a Danish company specializing in electronic control solutions for irrigation systems. This acquisition was integrated into Indutrade's Measurement & Sensor Technology business area, showcasing their commitment to enhancing irrigation solutions. Furthermore, the acquisition of OCI B.V. in 2022, which specializes in customized assemblies for energy and water applications, further solidifies Indutrade's involvement in the irrigation technology landscape. These transactions reflect Indutrade's strategic focus on innovative industrial products and solutions, particularly in the irrigation domain.


8. 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 aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, EIB was involved in 99 investments, reflecting its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions, EIB provided debt financing to The Water Group, which raised approximately $369.8 million in November 2024, highlighting its commitment to water management and sustainability. This investment is particularly relevant in the context of irrigation technology, as effective water management is essential for improving irrigation systems. Other transactions, such as those with Orbital Systems and Brolis Sensor Technology, while not directly related to irrigation, indicate EIB's broader interest in innovative technologies that could intersect with water management and efficiency. Overall, EIB's diverse portfolio and focus on sustainable projects position it as a potential player in the irrigation technology sector.


9. 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 invested in Blue Radix, a company that specializes in autonomous growing and AI-driven greenhouse technology, which may involve advanced irrigation systems. These transactions highlight Navus Ventures' commitment to supporting innovations in agriculture, including irrigation technologies.


10. Cibus Capital

  • Website: cibusfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cibus-fund

Cibus Capital LLP is an investment advisory firm based in London, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to improve food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital's clients are primarily businesses in the food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and enhance their operations. Notably, Cibus Capital has participated in significant transactions relevant to irrigation technology, such as leading funding rounds for Moleaer, which develops nanobubble technology applicable in agriculture, and Ecorobotix, which has created an AI-powered smart sprayer system. These investments reflect Cibus Capital's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can improve irrigation efficiency and sustainability.


11. Demeter

  • Website: demeter-im.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: demet

Demeter is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investments aimed at energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and projects with funding and management expertise. Demeter's clientele includes businesses in the energy and ecological sectors, seeking to implement sustainable development solutions. Notably, Demeter has invested in Sencrop, an AgTech startup that focuses on micro-climate technology, which is crucial for optimizing irrigation practices. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Sencrop, including a seed round in 2017 and a Series A round in 2019, demonstrating their commitment to supporting technologies that can enhance agricultural efficiency. Additionally, their investment in Telaqua, which focuses on water management, further aligns with the irrigation technology sector. These transactions highlight Demeter's active role in fostering innovations that contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.


12. 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 with Sencrop, a startup that raised funds for micro-climate technology, which is relevant to irrigation practices. Additionally, EIT Food has provided non-equity assistance to startups like Evja and SeedForward, which may also be exploring innovative solutions in the agrifood sector. These activities demonstrate EIT Food's commitment to fostering collaboration and driving change in the food sector, including aspects related to irrigation technology.


13. EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative


EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative is a not-for-profit impact investment facility based in Belgium, founded 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.


14. 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 their recent transactions, Rockstart has invested in several companies that are pertinent to irrigation technology. For instance, they participated in the seed funding round for Nordetect, a company that develops technology for water quality monitoring and soil health, which is crucial for effective irrigation practices. Additionally, they have invested in other startups like Agranimo, Cordulus, HydroNeo, and GEHECO, which may also have applications in the agricultural and irrigation sectors. Rockstart's focus on purpose-driven entrepreneurs further emphasizes their commitment to driving positive change in industries that impact sustainability and resource management.


15. L'Union Européenne (UE)

  • Website: europa.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: union-europ%c3%a9enne

L'Union Européenne (UE) is a public entity that serves as a political and economic union of member states, founded in 1993 and based in London, England. With over 10,000 employees, the EU focuses on governance, legislation, and support for regional development, education, and research initiatives. In recent years, the EU has actively funded various agricultural technology projects, including Hydroponic Farms Uganda, which raised $1,178 in a seed round, and Biome Makers, which received a $1.6M grant for the development of BeCrop AI, a machine learning tool that can optimize agricultural practices. Other notable transactions include Ecoation Innovative Solutions, which raised $5.4M in a seed round, and eAgronom, which secured a $600,000 grant. These investments reflect the EU's commitment to enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability, making it a relevant player in the irrigation technology sector.



Irrigation Technology Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
DemeterParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200511
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing InitiativeBelgium11-5020162
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
L'Union Européenne (UE)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+199334


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