The environmental consulting industry in the US involves companies that help businesses and governments assess and minimize their environmental impact. These firms provide services like environmental assessments, compliance audits, and sustainability planning. As concerns about climate change and regulatory pressures increase, the industry is evolving, incorporating advanced technologies such as data analytics and remote sensing to offer innovative solutions. Companies are focusing more on sustainability strategies, cleaner technologies, and climate resilience. This shift not only represents an economic opportunity but also a push towards a more sustainable future and better resource management practices across various sectors.


The investors in this list represent a mix of private equity and venture capital firms, each varying in size and expertise. Headquartered in key financial hubs like New York and Washington, D.C., these entities were founded from 1956 to 2023. With over 1,000 planned investments across 2024, their total investment activity illustrates a keen interest in environmental consulting ventures, driven by a growing emphasis on sustainability and technological advancement in the industry.


Top 16 Environmental Consulting 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 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. The DOE 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 recent years, the DOE has been actively involved in funding environmental consulting-related projects through grants. For instance, in 2022, it provided a grant of $379,329 to Integral Consulting Inc., which specializes in environmental consulting services. In 2024, the DOE awarded a grant of $2,000,000 to Southface, an organization focused on sustainable development and energy efficiency. Additionally, the DOE granted $4,400,000 to the Rocky Mountain Institute in 2022, which works on advancing sustainable energy solutions. These transactions highlight the DOE's commitment to supporting initiatives that align with environmental consulting objectives, particularly in the context of energy efficiency and sustainability.


2. 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 various needs including 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 been involved in several significant transactions aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. For instance, it provided grants to the Saskatchewan Research Council totaling over $22 million for various environmental initiatives, and also supported organizations like InnoTech Alberta and Light House Sustainability Society with substantial funding. These transactions highlight the government's role in fostering environmental research and consulting efforts, making it a relevant player in the environmental consulting landscape.


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. In 2024 alone, they made 170 investments, indicating a robust activity in the venture capital space. Notable transactions include investments in AlkaLi Labs, which raised funds in both 2023 and 2024, suggesting a focus on innovative solutions that could potentially align with environmental consulting. While the specific details of these transactions do not directly indicate environmental consulting, the emphasis on climate technology positions Sosv as a relevant player in the environmental sector.


4. 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, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. In recent years, Y Combinator has also shown interest in environmental technology, as evidenced by its investments in companies like Carbonfact, which raised $15 million in Series A funding in April 2024 to enhance its carbon management software for the apparel and footwear sectors. Additionally, Y Combinator participated in the seed funding rounds for Pina Earth, a climate tech startup focused on automating carbon project development and expanding forest conservation efforts. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the environmental consulting space, particularly in supporting innovative solutions to combat climate change.


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 connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2023, they invested in Transitry, a Singapore-based climate-tech company focused on the carbon credit economy, which aims to promote eco-friendly initiatives. Additionally, they participated in funding CarbonGraph, a company that also operates within the climate-tech space. Their recent investments in companies like Capwell Services and Sopht further demonstrate their engagement in sectors that may intersect with environmental consulting, particularly in technology-driven solutions for sustainability.


6. Elemental Impact


Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012. The organization is dedicated to scaling climate technologies with a strong emphasis on community impact. They provide funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments in deploying sustainable solutions. In 2022, Elemental Impact participated in significant transactions, including a $17 million seed round for Vibrant Planet, which focuses on environmental solutions, and an undisclosed seed investment in Vesta, a company likely involved in climate-related initiatives. Additionally, they supported Planet FWD, a carbon assessment startup, which raised $10 million in a Series A funding round aimed at developing technology to measure and reduce carbon footprints in the consumer products industry. These transactions highlight Elemental Impact's active role in fostering partnerships and addressing the funding gap for early-stage climate projects, making them a relevant player in the environmental consulting sector.


7. 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

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The fund is part of Alumni Ventures, which connects accredited investors and institutions with diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Among their notable transactions, they participated in the Series C funding round for Persefoni AI, a prominent Climate Management & Accounting Platform, which raised $50 million in August 2023, highlighting their commitment to supporting climate-focused initiatives. Additionally, they invested in Risilience, which raised $8,274,869 in Series A funding in October 2021, further emphasizing their engagement in the environmental sector. These investments reflect the fund's interest in companies that contribute to sustainability and environmental consulting.


8. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. Notably, KKR has made significant strides in the environmental consulting space, highlighted by its acquisition of ERM, the largest sustainability consultancy, for $2.7 billion in 2021. This acquisition underscores KKR's commitment to sustainability and environmental consulting. Additionally, KKR has invested in Resource Environmental Solutions to support its growth, as part of its Green Solutions Platform, which focuses on eco-efficiency and innovation. Furthermore, KKR's planned acquisition of a substantial stake in GreenCollar, an Australian consultancy specializing in carbon farming, further illustrates its active role in the environmental consulting industry. These transactions reflect KKR's strategic focus on integrating sustainability into its investment portfolio, making it a relevant player in the environmental consulting sector.


9. 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 clientele includes businesses and organizations in the clean energy sector seeking funding, research support, and policy advocacy to combat climate change. Notably, Breakthrough Energy has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Pachama, which raised $55 million in Series B funding to develop a tech-focused carbon credit platform, and Natel Energy, which secured $20 million in Series B funding to advance its Restoration Hydro Turbine technology. These investments highlight Breakthrough Energy's active role in fostering environmental innovation and sustainability.


10. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, focused on private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to foster economic growth. Operating in over 100 countries, IFC addresses challenges of poverty and promotes sustainable development. Notably, IFC has invested in companies like Organica Water, which specializes in wastewater treatment solutions, participating in multiple funding rounds including Series B and Series C. This involvement highlights IFC's commitment to supporting innovative environmental solutions. Additionally, their investment in Blue Sky Analytics indicates a focus on leveraging data for environmental insights, further solidifying their role in the environmental consulting sector.


11. IndieBio

  • Website: indiebio.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 76
  • LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in San Francisco, California. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. IndieBio has been actively involved in funding various biotech companies, including AlkaLi Labs and Lillianah, which are focused on innovative solutions that may contribute to environmental sustainability. For instance, AlkaLi Labs has raised funds in both 2023 and 2024, indicating ongoing development in their projects. Similarly, Lillianah has secured funding in multiple seed rounds, suggesting a strong potential for growth in areas that could intersect with environmental consulting. Overall, IndieBio's focus on climate and food sectors positions it as a relevant player in the environmental consulting landscape.


12. 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 supports early-stage companies in the region, focusing on deep tech innovation and providing a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, alongside business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to environmental solutions. For instance, it participated in a Series A funding round for Aclarity, Inc., which raised $15.9 million to scale its Octa™ system designed to eradicate PFAS contaminants, a significant environmental concern. Additionally, MassVentures has provided multiple grants to Aclarity, totaling $500,000 in 2023 and $200,000 in 2022, further emphasizing its support for companies addressing critical environmental challenges. This combination of funding and support for environmentally focused innovations positions MassVentures as a relevant player in the environmental consulting space.


13. Climate Capital

  • Website: climatecapital.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: climatecap

Climate Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage climate tech companies, providing funding and resources to founders dedicated to emissions reduction and climate adaptation. Their investment strategy emphasizes community building and access to a network of investors and industry experts, which helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively. Notable transactions include investments in Pina Earth, which focuses on automating carbon project development, and CarbonFarm Technology, which aims to enhance sustainable rice farming practices. Other relevant investments include Waterplan and SINAI Technologies, both of which contribute to environmental sustainability efforts. Through these investments, Climate Capital plays a significant role in fostering innovations that align with environmental consulting goals.


14. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investment approaches. In recent years, Blackstone has made notable investments in the environmental consulting space, including the acquisition of Geosyntec Consultants for $380 million, which highlights their belief in the increasing demand for environmental engineering services. Additionally, their investment in Salas O’Brien, an engineering and technical services firm, underscores their commitment to supporting businesses that provide essential environmental consulting services. These strategic moves position Blackstone as a significant player in the environmental consulting industry, aligning with their broader investment strategy.


15. Nv5

  • Website: nv5.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1947
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nv5

NV5 is a consulting and engineering company based in Hollywood, Florida, that provides technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for infrastructure, utility, and building systems. Founded in 1947, NV5 serves both public and private sector clients, helping them improve efficiency and resilience in their projects. The company operates through a network of over 100 offices and offers a wide range of services, including environmental consulting, geospatial solutions, and construction quality assurance. Notably, NV5 has made significant acquisitions to bolster its environmental consulting capabilities, including the acquisition of Alta Environmental, L.P. in June 2019, a firm specializing in environmental services. This strategic move, along with other acquisitions such as JBA Consulting Engineers, Page One Consultants, and CHW Professional Consultants, demonstrates NV5's commitment to enhancing its service offerings in the environmental consulting sector.


16. Tetra Tech

  • Website: tetratech.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Pasadena, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: tetra-tech

Tetra Tech, Inc. is a leading consulting and engineering firm based in Pasadena, California, specializing in water management, environmental services, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Founded in 1966, Tetra Tech serves both government and commercial clients, leveraging advanced technologies and local knowledge to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges in resource management and compliance. The firm has made significant strides in the environmental consulting sector through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Cornerstone Environmental Group, which focuses on solid waste markets in the U.S., and RPS Group, enhancing its environmental service offerings. Tetra Tech's acquisition of Coffey International, a geotechnical engineering firm, and PRO-telligent, which specializes in services for the U.S. Department of State, further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its technical support and consulting capabilities. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and a global footprint, Tetra Tech is well-positioned to address pressing environmental challenges.



Environmental Consulting 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
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Climate CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201517
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Nv5Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)1001-5000194710
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662


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