Top 15 Waste Management Investors in the Nordics
Top 15 Waste Management Investors in the Nordics
The waste management industry in the Nordics plays a crucial role in sustainability, focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and recovery. It includes companies involved in waste collection, treatment, and education. Innovative technologies are emerging, such as waste-to-energy systems and advanced recycling processes. The Nordics stand out with high recycling rates, supported by government policies aiming for a circular economy. As they strive for greener solutions, investor interest in this sector is mounting, fueling advances that tackle pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth. The region is an example of how robust regulation and public awareness can shape industry practices effectively.
The waste management investors highlighted here range from private equity firms to corporate ventures, all headquartered predominantly in Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki. Notable firms include EQT Group and Business Finland, showcasing substantial deal activity in 2024. The investors range in size from small teams to large corporations, fostering a commitment to sustainability across the waste sector. Founded between 1989 and 2018, these investors are characterized by their proactive investment strategies, underscored by a variety of engagement in waste management technologies and solutions.
Top 15 Waste Management Investors in the Nordics
1. 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 private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. In the waste management context, EQT has made significant investments, including the acquisition of Covanta, a leading waste-to-energy firm, for $5.3 billion, and Synagro Technologies, which focuses on organic residuals management, for $465 million. Additionally, EQT acquired a majority stake in AMCS Group, a waste recycling company, reflecting their growing interest in sustainability and technology within the waste management sector. Their acquisition of EEW Energy from Waste further emphasizes their commitment to investing in waste management solutions.
2. 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 been involved in several transactions within the waste management sector, including investments in Recycla, which focuses on expanding recycling capabilities, and Bintel, a Swedish waste management startup that has raised multiple funding rounds to strengthen its market presence. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in promoting sustainable waste management practices and supporting innovative solutions in this field.
3. 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. Other transactions include investments in companies like Recylink, SmartEnds, Ichthion, and Ecospears, which, while not all directly related to waste management, showcase their broader focus on sustainability and environmental impact.
4. Equinor
- Website: equinor.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
- Founded year: 1972
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: equinor
Equinor ASA is a public entity based in Stavanger, Norway, operating primarily in the energy sector with a focus on oil, gas, and renewable energy. Founded in 1972, the company has over 10,000 employees and is committed to sustainability, aiming to become a net-zero emissions entity by 2050. Equinor Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Equinor, has been actively investing in innovative companies that align with its sustainability goals. Among its notable transactions, Equinor participated in the Series B funding round for Green Li-ion, a company specializing in lithium-ion battery recycling technology, which raised $20.5 million in March 2023. This investment highlights Equinor's interest in waste management solutions. Additionally, Equinor has invested in other companies like Nth Cycle and SeekOps, which focus on technologies that can contribute to environmental sustainability and waste reduction. These investments reflect Equinor's strategy to support technologies that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security.
5. Business Finland
- Website: businessfinland.fi
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 26
- LinkedIn: business-finland
Business Finland is a public entity established in 2018, located in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland. It plays a crucial role in supporting Finnish companies by providing funding, consulting services, and market opportunities to help them innovate and succeed in global markets. In recent years, Business Finland has been involved in several transactions that touch upon waste management and sustainability. For instance, they provided a grant to Ductor, which focuses on converting organic waste into valuable products, and to Infinited Fiber Company, which works on recycling textile waste into new fibers. Additionally, they have committed significant funding to Betolar for research on alternative side streams, which is directly relevant to waste management. However, their investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries beyond just waste management, reflecting their broader mission to promote trade, tourism, and foreign investment in Finland.
6. Lifeline Ventures
- Website: lifelineventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 14
- LinkedIn: lifeline-ventures
Lifeline Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and advisory services to entrepreneurs. Lifeline Ventures is particularly known for supporting resilient founders from the inception of their ventures. Notably, they have been actively involved in the waste management sector through their investments in Enevo, a waste logistics solutions provider. Lifeline Ventures led multiple funding rounds for Enevo, including a Series C round in 2017 where Enevo secured $12 million to expand its waste services in North America and Europe. Their earlier investments in Enevo include a Series A round in 2014 and a Seed round in 2013, showcasing their long-term commitment to the waste management industry.
7. Norvestor
- Website: norvestor.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: norvestor-equity-as
Norvestor is a private equity firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on partnering with medium-sized Nordic businesses to support their growth and development. Norvestor has a strong emphasis on sustainability and invests across various sectors, including IT services and property maintenance. Notably, Norvestor has been involved in significant transactions in the waste management context, such as the acquisition of Sortera in 2012, which is directly related to waste management operations. Additionally, their acquisition of Serwent in 2024, which generated approximately NOK 1 billion in annual revenues, indicates their active engagement in sectors that may intersect with waste management. Their investment strategy aims to enhance operational efficiency and market presence, aligning with sustainable practices in waste management.
8. A.P. Moller - Maersk
- Website: maersk.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Founded year: 1904
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: maersk-group
A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S is a logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in shipping and logistics services globally. Founded in 1904, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is known for providing efficient transportation solutions. In recent years, Maersk has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies focused on sustainability and waste management. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for WasteFuel, a biofuels company aiming to develop bio-methanol plants, which directly relates to waste management. Additionally, Maersk Growth has invested in Vertoro, a startup working on bio-based technologies, and Baton, which focuses on logistics solutions that may intersect with waste management practices. These transactions highlight Maersk's strategic interest in sustainable practices within the logistics and waste management sectors.
9. Verdane
- Website: verdane.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: verdane-capital
Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments in technology-enabled companies, providing capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale, particularly in the areas of digitalization and decarbonization. Notably, Verdane has made significant investments in the waste management context, including their acquisition of TeamTec, which focuses on waste management solutions. They have also invested in Bower, a recycling app that raised €4.1 million in a late seed round, highlighting their commitment to innovative waste management technologies. Furthermore, their acquisition of Momox, Europe's largest re-commerce company for used goods, underscores their involvement in promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste through the re-use of products. These transactions reflect Verdane's strategic interest in sectors that align with waste management and sustainability.
10. Almi Invest
- Website: almiinvest.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: almi-invest
Almi Invest is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2009. It specializes in providing loans and risk capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, with a focus on business development support and guidance to help these businesses grow sustainably. Among its notable transactions, Almi Invest has invested in Bower, a recycling app that raised €4.1 million in a late seed round, highlighting its commitment to the waste management sector. Additionally, Almi Invest GreenTech participated in funding GreenIron, a startup focused on sustainable technologies, further emphasizing its interest in environmentally friendly solutions. In 2024, Almi Invest also supported Saveggy, which, while not directly related to waste management, indicates their broader interest in sustainable business practices.
11. Alder
- Website: alder.se
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2008
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: alderfund
Alder is a private equity investment fund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in providing growth and buyout capital to established companies with a turnover between SEK 100-750 million, focusing on sustainable technology. Alder has been involved in several notable transactions that highlight its commitment to environmental and sustainable technologies. For instance, they acquired Scanacon AB, which operates in sustainable technology markets, and Gasmet Technologies Oy, a leader in gas monitoring equipment, which is crucial for environmental compliance and waste management. Additionally, Alder's acquisition of Centriair and Autocirc further emphasizes their focus on companies that contribute to sustainable practices, reinforcing their role in the broader waste management and environmental technology sectors.
12. Neste
- Website: neste.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1948
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: neste
Neste is a corporate investor based in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 1948. As a renewable energy company, Neste specializes in sustainable fuels and feedstock solutions, producing Neste MY Renewable Diesel and Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The company is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability through innovative renewable solutions. In recent years, Neste has made significant investments in the waste management sector, including the acquisition of Mahoney Environmental in March 2020, which focuses on used cooking oil collection and recycling. Additionally, Neste acquired a minority stake in Alterra Energy in January 2021, a firm that develops thermochemical liquefaction technology for recycling plastic waste. These transactions highlight Neste's commitment to enhancing its sustainability efforts and addressing waste management challenges.
13. Summa Equity
- Website: summaequity.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: summa-equity
Summa Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in thematic investments that tackle global challenges, with a strong emphasis on sustainable investment solutions across various sectors, including resource efficiency and technology. Summa Equity's investment strategy is designed to align financial returns with positive societal impact, catering to institutional investors and companies seeking growth capital. Notably, Summa Equity acquired Sortera in April 2016, a significant player in the waste management industry, which underscores their commitment to resource efficiency. Additionally, their investment in EA Technology, which focuses on energy transition, reflects their broader strategy of investing in sustainable solutions. Overall, Summa Equity's portfolio demonstrates a clear alignment with sustainability and resource efficiency, making them a noteworthy investor in the waste management sector.
14. Nefco - the Nordic Green Bank
- Website: nefco.int
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1990
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: nefco
Nefco - the Nordic Green Bank is a not-for-profit organization established in 1990, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. It specializes in financing green projects and sustainable development initiatives, primarily providing loans and equity funding to Nordic SMEs and municipalities in Eastern Europe. Nefco plays a vital role in promoting environmentally friendly solutions and addressing climate change challenges through its financial services. Among its recent transactions, Nefco granted loan financing to Sulapac, a Finnish company that has developed innovative materials to replace conventional plastics, which is crucial for waste management. Additionally, Nefco has supported other companies like Aeromon Oy, which focuses on emission monitoring, and Mash Makes, although these are less directly related to waste management. Overall, Nefco's commitment to financing sustainable projects aligns with the goals of the waste management sector.
15. Tomra
- Website: tomra.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Asker, Akershus, Norway
- Founded year: 1972
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: tomra
TOMRA Systems ASA is a technology provider based in Asker, Akershus, Norway, specializing in sorting and processing solutions across various industries, including food processing, mining, and recycling. Founded in 1972, TOMRA has established itself as a leader in providing advanced equipment and technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality. In recent years, TOMRA has made significant strides in the waste management sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in October 2024, TOMRA acquired 80% of c-trace, a German software company focused on digital waste management solutions, which allows TOMRA to enhance its offerings in the recycling sector. Additionally, in May 2017, TOMRA acquired BottleCycler, a company that specializes in on-site glass crushing for the hospitality industry, further expanding its recycling solutions. These transactions underscore TOMRA's commitment to addressing operational challenges in waste management and solidify its position as a key player in the industry.
Waste Management Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQT Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1994 | 30 |
| Almi | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1994 | 7 |
| Katapult | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 2017 | 8 |
| Equinor | Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway | 10001+ | 1972 | 6 |
| Business Finland | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 501-1000 | 2018 | 26 |
| Lifeline Ventures | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 1-10 | 2009 | 14 |
| Norvestor | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 1989 | 3 |
| A.P. Moller - Maersk | Copenhagen, Denmark | 10001+ | 1904 | 4 |
| Verdane | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 51-200 | 1985 | 7 |
| Almi Invest | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2009 | 3 |
| Alder | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2008 | 1 |
| Neste | Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland | 5001-10000 | 1948 | 1 |
| Summa Equity | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2016 | 6 |
| Nefco - the Nordic Green Bank | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 51-200 | 1990 | 6 |
| Tomra | Asker, Akershus, Norway | 5001-10000 | 1972 | 2 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the waste management industry?
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