The water resources engineering industry in DACH focuses on managing and protecting water resources through sustainable practices and innovative technologies. Companies operate in sectors such as water treatment, waste management, and monitoring systems, providing solutions that address both environmental challenges and public health. This industry is increasingly integrating digital technologies for improved efficiency and monitoring, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainability and resilience in water management. As climate change and population growth intensify pressure on water supplies, investment in research and development for advanced water management solutions is critical. The future points toward collaborative approaches across sectors to ensure a secure water supply.


The list features a mix of corporate and venture capital investors mainly based in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. With founding years ranging from 1802 to 2014, these entities vary in size from small firms to major corporations, each making significant investments. In 2024, corporate investors such as Siemens and BASF demonstrated a robust engagement in water resources engineering through targeted acquisitions and strategic funding, while venture capital firms like Verve Ventures emphasized innovation. With overall investment interests spanning environmental sustainability, this group is crucial in shaping the future of water resource management in the DACH region.


Top 16 Water Resources Engineering Investors in DACH


1. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company founded in 1878, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS operates globally, providing independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In recent years, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in environmental services. Notably, the acquisition of Ecotecnos in 2022, a Chilean company specializing in sea monitoring and oceanography, aligns with SGS's strategy to expand its Industries & Environment offerings. This move highlights SGS's commitment to enhancing its services in water resources and environmental monitoring. Additionally, the acquisition of EKO-PROJEKT LTD, a Polish environmental company, further strengthens its position in environmental testing and monitoring, which is crucial for water resources engineering.


2. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. The company is committed to enhancing efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, Siemens has made strategic acquisitions that bolster its presence in the water resources engineering sector, including the acquisition of Cambridge Water Technology in 2012, which enhanced its capabilities in water and wastewater treatment systems. This acquisition allows Siemens to integrate advanced technologies into its municipal wastewater business, demonstrating its commitment to improving water management solutions. Additionally, Siemens continues to explore opportunities in related fields, further solidifying its role as a key player in water resources engineering.


3. Andritz

  • Website: andritz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Graz, Styria, Austria
  • Founded year: 1892
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: andritz

Andritz AG, founded in 1892 and headquartered in Graz, Styria, Austria, is a leading technology provider specializing in industrial equipment and solutions across various sectors, including pulp and paper, metals, and energy. The company has a global presence and focuses on innovation and digitalization to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability for its business customers. Notably, Andritz has made strategic acquisitions that align with water resources engineering, such as the acquisition of RITZ Pumpenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, which specializes in pump manufacturing, a crucial aspect of water management. Additionally, the acquisition of Euroslot KDSS enhances Andritz's capabilities in designing and manufacturing filtration and separation equipment, further indicating its involvement in water treatment technologies. These transactions highlight Andritz's potential relevance in the water resources engineering sector, despite its broader industrial focus.


4. Deg

  • Website: deginvest.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: deg

DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a public entity that operates as a development finance institution, founded in 1962 and based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, with a strong focus on sustainable development and job creation. They support businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Notably, DEG has been involved in significant transactions related to water resources, such as their partnership with Emerging Capital Partners to invest in Eranove, a French electricity and water production company. This involvement highlights DEG's commitment to financing projects that can enhance water resources management. Additionally, their transactions with companies like ACWA Power and Georgia Global Utilities further demonstrate their engagement in sectors that may impact water resources engineering.


5. NORMA Group


NORMA Group is a corporate investor based in Maintal, Hesse, Germany, specializing in engineered joining technology. Founded in 2006, the company has grown to employ between 5,001 and 10,000 people and has made significant strides in various industries, including automotive and water management. In 2018, NORMA Group acquired Kimplas Piping Systems Limited for €1 billion, enhancing its expertise in water management solutions in the Indian market. Additionally, the company announced the acquisition of a water management company in India on the same date, further solidifying its commitment to this sector. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of National Diversified Sales and Chien Jin Plastic Sdn. Bhd., which, while not directly related to water resources, showcase NORMA Group's growth strategy and market expansion efforts. Overall, NORMA Group's focus on innovative solutions for fluid systems and its strategic acquisitions in the water management sector position it as a relevant investor in water resources engineering.


6. Basf

  • Website: basf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF SE is a multinational chemical manufacturer based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, founded in 1865. The company provides a wide range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. In 2011, BASF acquired inge watertechnologies AG, a Germany-based ultrafiltration specialist, which allowed the company to enhance its position in the growing water treatment market. This acquisition reflects BASF's strategic interest in water resources engineering, as ultrafiltration technology plays a significant role in water treatment processes. Additionally, BASF's commitment to sustainability and environmental challenges further aligns with the objectives of water resources engineering.


7. Georg Fischer

  • Website: georgfischer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1802
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: georg-fischer

Georg Fischer Ltd is a manufacturing company based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, founded in 1802. The company specializes in providing innovative solutions across various sectors, including piping systems, building flow solutions, casting, and machining. Georg Fischer serves a diverse clientele, including municipalities and industries such as automotive and aerospace, with a strong emphasis on efficiency and sustainability. Notably, Georg Fischer has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the water resources sector, including the acquisition of Alfa Plastics Inc., which transformed into Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd, enhancing its role in managing piping systems in Canada. Additionally, the acquisition of Central Plastics further solidified its capabilities in this area. The company also invested in Oxford Flow, which focuses on fluid management technologies, indicating its commitment to advancing solutions relevant to water resources engineering. Overall, Georg Fischer's activities reflect a significant engagement in the water resources engineering industry.


8. wienerberger

  • Website: wienerberger.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 1819
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: wienerberger

Wienerberger AG is a leading construction materials manufacturer based in Vienna, Austria, specializing in bricks, roof tiles, and plastic pipes. Founded in 1819, the company serves construction businesses and contractors by providing innovative and sustainable building solutions. With a strong commitment to ecological practices, Wienerberger aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of construction projects worldwide. Recently, Wienerberger has made significant strides in the water resources engineering sector through strategic acquisitions. In June 2024, it acquired GrainPlastics, a company specializing in drainage solutions, to bolster its sustainable water management initiatives. Additionally, in April 2023, Wienerberger acquired Wideco Sweden AB, a technology firm focused on energy and water management solutions, further expanding its capabilities in this critical area. These transactions reflect Wienerberger's dedication to integrating sustainable practices into its operations and enhancing its product offerings in water management.


9. Fraunhofer Venture


Fraunhofer Venture is a not-for-profit organization based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2001. It specializes in supporting researchers and entrepreneurs in the commercialization of innovative technologies. The organization provides startup support, funding programs, and consulting services to help navigate the challenges of starting a business. Among its notable transactions, Fraunhofer Venture has invested in 'wetransform', which raised funds in a Pre-Seed Round in December 2014, focusing on water management solutions. Additionally, they have been involved with 'SolarSpring', which raised funds in 2009, and 'Volterion', which received multiple seed investments between 2016 and 2017. These transactions highlight their engagement with companies that have potential applications in water resources engineering, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation in this area.


10. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies across various sectors, including cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, they have invested in companies like Smart Hydro Power, which focuses on innovative solutions in the water sector, raising €2.7M to finance reference projects and enhance international sales and marketing. Additionally, their investments in CNM Technologies and Evodos, while not directly in water resources, reflect their broader interest in technology-driven solutions that could intersect with water management and engineering.


11. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, helping them grow in various markets. Their investment portfolio includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures participated in funding rounds for Puraffinity, a startup dedicated to PFAS removal, raising significant amounts in Series A funding. This investment highlights their engagement in projects that have a direct impact on water quality and resources. Additionally, their involvement in other technology-driven companies indicates a broader commitment to innovative solutions that could benefit water resources engineering.


12. Sulzer

  • Website: sulzer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1834
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: sulzer

Sulzer Ltd. is an industrial engineering and manufacturing company based in Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1834. The company specializes in fluid engineering solutions, providing a wide range of products and services, including pumps, compressors, and aeration systems. Sulzer primarily serves businesses in sectors such as water treatment, oil and gas, and power generation, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability to enhance operational efficiency. In recent years, Sulzer has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the water resources engineering sector. Notably, in January 2021, Sulzer acquired Nordic Water Products for SEK 1.2 billion (€119 million), which enhances their offerings in water treatment solutions. Additionally, the acquisition of JWC Environmental in December 2017 for $215 million significantly expanded Sulzer's wastewater treatment capabilities, allowing them to strengthen their market presence in North America and beyond. These transactions highlight Sulzer's commitment to advancing water resources engineering and its role as a key player in the industry.


13. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among its notable transactions, Sictic has invested in Hydromea, which raised funds in both 2019 and 2021, focusing on underwater communication technologies that are essential for water resource management. Additionally, Sictic has invested in rqmicro, a company that specializes in water quality monitoring, further emphasizing its engagement in the water resources engineering sector. These investments highlight Sictic's role in supporting technologies that can significantly impact water management and sustainability.


14. Good Energies Foundation


Good Energies Foundation is a venture capital firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2007. It operates as a not-for-profit organization focused on building a just and sustainable world for all. The foundation engages with various stakeholders to promote sustainability and social justice initiatives. Among its notable transactions, Good Energies Foundation led a seed funding round for OffGridBox, which raised $1.6 million to provide affordable renewable energy and clean water solutions in Rwandan communities. This investment highlights the foundation's commitment to addressing critical water resource challenges, making it a significant player in the water resources engineering context. Additionally, the foundation has been involved in other energy-related investments, but its focus on clean water through OffGridBox is particularly relevant to the water resources engineering sector.


15. Sika

  • Website: sika.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sika

Sika AG is a specialty chemicals company founded in 1910, headquartered in Baar, Zug, Switzerland. With a global presence in 103 countries, Sika develops and produces innovative solutions primarily for the construction and industrial sectors. Their product range includes concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, and flooring solutions, catering to construction companies and contractors focused on enhancing project durability and sustainability. Notably, Sika has made strategic acquisitions and investments that align with water resources engineering. In 2021, Sika acquired American Hydrotech, which specializes in roofing and building waterproofing, thereby strengthening its position in the waterproofing market. This acquisition is part of Sika's strategy to enhance its offerings in the growing market of green roofs in North America. Additionally, Sika's investment in DuraMon, a startup focused on innovative solutions, further indicates their interest in supporting technologies that may intersect with water management and resources. These transactions highlight Sika's commitment to sustainability and innovation in areas relevant to water resources engineering.


16. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE is a leading chemical distributor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1874. The company connects chemical manufacturers and users, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas, simplifying access to complex supply chains. Notably, in February 2023, Brenntag acquired a water treatment facility in Pomona, South Africa, enhancing its operations in the region and improving blending and storage capacities for water treatment customers. This acquisition reflects Brenntag's strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in the water treatment sector. Additionally, Brenntag has made significant acquisitions in the chemical distribution space, such as the Desbro Group's chemical distribution business in Kenya, which further strengthens its market presence in Africa and the Middle East, regions where water resources management is crucial.



Water Resources Engineering Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
AndritzGraz, Styria, Austria10001+18925
DegNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany501-1000196217
NORMA GroupMaintal, Hesse, Germany5001-1000020060
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
Georg FischerSchaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland10001+18020
wienerbergerVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+18192
Fraunhofer VentureMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020011
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
SulzerWinterthur, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18340
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
Good Energies FoundationZug, Zug, Switzerland1-1020070
SikaBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19102
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748


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