The air quality monitoring industry in the US focuses on tracking and analyzing the quality of air in our environment. It includes companies that develop advanced sensors, data analytics platforms, and innovative technologies to provide real-time insights. As pollutants and volatile organic compounds impact health and climate, demand for effective air quality solutions is growing. Industry players offer an array of services—from monitoring and compliance to predictive analytics. Exciting advancements, such as integrating AI and IoT in air quality analysis, are pushing the industry forward, promising smarter and more efficient systems for environmental management.


The list features prominent investors across various sectors, including venture capital firms, corporate entities, and public institutions. Headquartered broadly from California to Massachusetts, these investors range in size from small firms to large corporations. Established between 1977 and 2023, their collective activities in 2024 highlight significant engagement, with many completing over 20 transactions. The diverse origins and strategies of these investors, such as the U.S. Department of Energy and HAX, reinforce the growing importance of air quality monitoring in today's market.


Top 16 Air Quality Monitoring Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In 2024, the DOE has been particularly active, with 597 investments, including several grants aimed at enhancing air quality monitoring technologies. For instance, the DOE awarded multiple grants to Aerosol Dynamics, totaling over $4 million, to support their work in aerosol measurement, which is crucial for understanding and monitoring air quality. This involvement highlights the DOE's commitment to addressing air quality issues through financial support for relevant research and development projects.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs, resources like the Startup School, and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator invested in Cambridge Mask Co, which raised $20,000 in a grant in 2016, focusing on air filtration solutions. They also invested in Orbio, which raised $4 million in a seed round in 2024, potentially related to environmental monitoring technologies. Additionally, their investments in Aurabeat and Hylight, which raised funds in pre-seed and seed rounds, respectively, indicate their ongoing interest in innovative solutions that may intersect with air quality monitoring.


3. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on sectors like health and climate technology, Sosv provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, Sosv has been involved in significant transactions within the air quality monitoring context, particularly with Clarity Movement, which raised a total of $7,114,327 across multiple funding rounds, including a Series A and seed funding. Additionally, Sosv has invested in Aō Air, which also contributes to air quality solutions. This track record demonstrates Sosv's commitment to fostering innovation in air quality monitoring and related technologies.


4. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing needs such as employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has actively supported the air quality monitoring sector through grants. For instance, it provided $3,000,000 to Kuva Systems in July 2024, a company likely focused on air quality monitoring technologies. Additionally, it has funded the Saskatchewan Research Council with significant grants, which may also engage in air quality research and monitoring initiatives. These transactions highlight the government's role in fostering innovation and development in the air quality monitoring industry.


5. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They specialize in connecting startups with corporations to drive growth and innovation across various technology sectors. In 2024 alone, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in KETOS, which raised $10 million in a private equity round in May 2024 and previously $9.3 million in a Series A round in February 2019. KETOS is involved in water quality monitoring, which is closely related to air quality monitoring, indicating Plug and Play's interest in environmental technology. Their investment strategy includes accelerator initiatives and undefined funding rounds, which further supports their commitment to fostering innovation in relevant sectors.


6. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been active in various sectors, including air quality monitoring, as evidenced by its participation in significant transactions such as Rensair, which raised funds to expand its air purification solutions, and AirMyne, which focuses on air quality monitoring technologies. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovations that address air quality challenges.


7. Hax

  • Website: hax.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn: hax

HAX is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. HAX aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies developing innovative solutions in sustainability, climate, and health. Notably, HAX has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Clarity Movement, which focuses on air quality monitoring. Clarity Movement raised $9.6 million in a Series A round in July 2022, with HAX being one of the participating investors. Additionally, HAX was involved in a previous Series A round for Clarity Movement in March 2020, where the company raised $5 million. This involvement highlights HAX's commitment to supporting technologies that address air quality and climate challenges. Other transactions include investments in companies like R-Zero and Minut, which, while not directly focused on air quality monitoring, align with HAX's broader mission of fostering sustainable and health-oriented innovations.


8. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It specializes in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation. The firm provides a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in several transactions that are relevant to air quality monitoring, such as grants to Kuva Systems and Loci Controls, both of which are engaged in environmental monitoring technologies. These investments highlight MassVentures' commitment to fostering innovation in sectors that include air quality monitoring, making them a valuable player in this space.


9. Liquid 2 Ventures

  • Website: liquid2.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 91
  • LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has invested in companies relevant to air quality monitoring, such as AirMyne, which raised $6.9 million in a seed round in March 2024, and Biobot Analytics, which raised $2.5 million in a seed round in April 2018. These investments demonstrate their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in environmental monitoring and technology.


10. Breakthrough Energy


Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They support innovative technologies and advocate for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions such as 75F, which raised $45 million in Series B funding to enhance smart building technologies that improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Additionally, Breakthrough Energy led a $20 million Series B funding round for enVerid Systems, a company focused on air purification and energy efficiency, further demonstrating their commitment to addressing air quality issues. They also participated in the Series A funding for Yard Stick, which, while primarily focused on climate action, contributes to broader environmental monitoring efforts. Overall, Breakthrough Energy's investments reflect a strong alignment with initiatives that can positively impact air quality.


11. Battery Ventures

  • Website: battery.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: battery-ventures

Battery Ventures is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in technology investments across various growth stages. Founded in 1983, the firm has a global presence and focuses on providing not only capital but also business development, talent acquisition, marketing, and leadership analytics to help its portfolio companies scale effectively. Among its notable transactions, Battery Ventures has acquired LI-COR Biosciences, a specialist in analytical instrumentation systems, and Enviance, a cloud-based environmental, health, and safety management software provider. Additionally, their acquisition of Detcon, a designer and manufacturer of industrial-grade gas detection sensors, further emphasizes their commitment to investing in technologies that monitor and improve air quality. These strategic investments highlight Battery Ventures' active role in the air quality monitoring industry.


12. Sand Hill Angels

  • Website: sandhillangels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sand-hill-angels

Sand Hill Angels is an angel investment group based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2000. They focus on providing funding and mentorship to technology startups, supporting entrepreneurs with access to capital, networking opportunities, and guidance throughout their journey. Notably, they have invested in companies like Molekule, which specializes in air purification technology, and Flume, which has raised multiple rounds of funding for its innovative monitoring solutions. These investments highlight Sand Hill Angels' commitment to supporting technologies that can enhance air quality and environmental sustainability, aligning with their mission to foster impactful startups.


13. Collaborative Fund

  • Website: collabfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: collaborative-fund

Collaborative Fund is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on backing innovative companies across various sectors, including renewable energy, consumer goods, and health technology. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and startups aiming to create positive societal and environmental impacts. In recent transactions, Collaborative Fund has invested in several companies relevant to air quality monitoring, such as AirMyne, which specializes in air purification technology. Other notable investments include Neoplants, which raised $20 million in 2022, and ZELP, which raised $10 million in 2021, both of which may have implications for environmental sustainability and air quality. Their investment strategy is centered around identifying businesses that align with their mission of pushing the world forward, making them a suitable investor in the air quality monitoring space.


14. Honeywell

  • Website: honeywell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: honeywell

Honeywell International Inc. is a technology company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that provides innovative solutions across various sectors, including aerospace, building automation, and energy. Founded in 2017, Honeywell has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through advanced technologies and services. Notably, Honeywell Ventures participated in a $30 million Series C funding round for NevadaNano, a company developing emissions-tracking technologies such as MethaneTrack™, GHGTrack™, and RefrigerantTrack™. This investment highlights Honeywell's commitment to air quality monitoring and emissions management. Additionally, Honeywell has made several acquisitions in related fields, such as Xtralis, which specializes in advanced security technologies, and RMG Group, which focuses on natural gas measuring and control products, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors that intersect with air quality monitoring.


15. Montrose Environmental Group


Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. is an environmental consulting company founded in 2012, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. The firm provides a wide range of services including testing, compliance, and remediation solutions for various sectors such as chemical manufacturing and oil & gas. In recent years, Montrose has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the environmental sector, particularly in air quality monitoring. They acquired SensibleIoT, a company specializing in environmental data and technology, which enhances their capabilities in data-driven air quality solutions. Additionally, their acquisition of Target Emission Services, a leader in fugitive emission detection, and GreenPath Energy, which specializes in optical gas imaging, further solidifies their focus on air quality monitoring and emissions management. These strategic moves position Montrose as a key player in the environmental consulting space, particularly in areas related to air quality and emissions compliance.


16. Qualcomm Ventures

  • Website: qualcommventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: qualcomm-ventures

Qualcomm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage technology companies, particularly within the wireless ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, Qualcomm Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like R-Zero, which focuses on health and safety solutions, and Arable, a leader in field intelligence for agriculture that aims to enhance climate resilience. Their investment in Obsidian Sensors also indicates an interest in sensor technology, which is crucial for air quality monitoring. Overall, Qualcomm Ventures demonstrates a diverse investment strategy that includes companies relevant to environmental monitoring and air quality improvement.



Air Quality Monitoring Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Liquid 2 VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201591
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
Battery VenturesBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)51-200198323
Sand Hill AngelsMountain View, California, United States (USA)51-20020003
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
HoneywellCharlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)10001+20177
Montrose Environmental GroupLittle Rock, Arkansas, United States (USA)1001-500020127
Qualcomm VenturesSan Diego, California, United States (USA)10001+200018


Want to find more investors focusing on the air quality monitoring industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the air quality monitoringindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!