The environmental engineering industry in Europe focuses on developing and implementing solutions for pressing ecological challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. This vital sector is populated by consulting firms, technology startups, and research entities, all aiming to promote sustainability and efficiency. Companies operate across various domains, from renewable energy and waste management to water conservation, innovating to reduce human impact on the planet. With increasing regulations and a push for carbon neutrality, the industry is rapidly evolving, embracing digital transformation and strategic partnerships to meet the demands of a greener future.


The list features an array of investors in the environmental engineering space, including corporations and venture capital firms from prominent cities like London and Paris. Ranging in size from startups with minimal staff to large organizations employing over 10,000, these investors have been active since 1958, and in 2024, collectively made more than 400 deals. From BGF's early-stage focus to the established presence of Accenture, each plays a unique role in financing innovative solutions for sustainability and engineering projects across Europe.


Top 17 Environmental Engineering 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. In 2022, the EIC was involved in several significant transactions that highlight its commitment to environmental engineering. For instance, it provided grants to projects like Beeodiversity, which raised $1,697,577 to promote biodiversity; GREENOV-ITES, which secured $2,502,199 for green innovation; and the Water Challenge, which raised $2,609,514 to tackle water-related issues. These transactions demonstrate the EIC's active role in funding initiatives that contribute to environmental sustainability and innovation.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor 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, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Among its notable transactions, Bpifrance has invested in companies relevant to environmental engineering, such as Hesus, which focuses on industrial pollution and waste management, and Edaphos, which raised funds for its environmental initiatives. Additionally, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for other companies like Netcarbon and Genomines, further indicating its engagement in sectors that align with environmental sustainability.


3. RSK Group

  • Website: rskgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: rsk-group

RSK Group is a prominent environmental consultancy and engineering services company based in Helsby, England, founded in 1989. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, RSK provides a comprehensive range of services, including environmental assessments, engineering solutions, and sustainability consulting across various sectors such as energy, healthcare, and construction. The company has made significant strides in the environmental engineering field through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in January 2021, RSK acquired Black & Veatch's Water Europe and Water Asia businesses, significantly bolstering its presence in the water sector. Additionally, RSK has expanded its ecological consulting capabilities by acquiring Biocensus and has enhanced its geo-environmental services through the acquisition of Leap Environmental Ltd. These transactions reflect RSK's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving sustainability practices for its clients, solidifying its position as a key player in the environmental engineering industry.


4. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and operates across various industries. In 2024, Accenture has made significant strides in the environmental engineering space through several key acquisitions. Notably, the acquisition of IQT Group, an Italian provider of engineering managed services for large infrastructure projects, aims to bolster Accenture's capabilities in building net-zero infrastructure. Additionally, the acquisition of Green Domus further emphasizes Accenture's commitment to sustainability and environmental solutions. These strategic moves reflect Accenture's intention to innovate and improve efficiency in the environmental engineering sector, alongside its broader consulting services.


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 London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions that align with environmental engineering, such as SkootEco, which focuses on eco-friendly transportation solutions, and Earthly, which has raised significant funds for projects aimed at environmental sustainability. Additionally, Antaco, another company funded through Crowdcube, is likely engaged in innovative waste management solutions. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting businesses that contribute to environmental engineering and sustainability.


6. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has participated in significant transactions such as the funding of Naoden, a French company focused on waste-to-energy technology, and Stockholm Water Technology, which is involved in sustainable water solutions. These investments highlight InnoEnergy's commitment to fostering innovations that have a direct impact on environmental engineering and sustainability.


7. 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 through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several transactions that align with environmental engineering, including a significant investment in Stockholm Water Technology, which raised 10 million Swedish crowns for market entry and product development, indicating a focus on water management solutions. Additionally, Almi invested in C-Green, which raised over $5.7 million, suggesting a commitment to innovative environmental technologies. These transactions highlight Almi's role in supporting ventures that contribute to environmental sustainability, making it a relevant player in the environmental engineering sector.


8. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. The EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects that promote growth and job creation across various sectors. Notably, the EIB has been involved in significant transactions that emphasize its commitment to environmental engineering. For instance, it provided a EUR 400 million loan to Aquila Clean Energy to support the development of a renewable energy pipeline in Spain and Portugal, which includes over 50 projects with a total electricity generation capacity of 2.6 GW. Additionally, the EIB has participated in debt financing for other companies in the renewable energy sector, such as EDP Renewables, which raised substantial funds for its initiatives. These transactions highlight the EIB's role as a key player in financing projects that contribute to environmental sustainability and engineering.


9. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, founded in 1907. While traditionally focused on the extraction, refining, and distribution of oil and gas, Shell has been diversifying its portfolio to include renewable energy solutions. In 2023, Shell acquired 12 solar projects in Spain with a total capacity of 1.1 gigawatts, enhancing its presence in the European solar power market. Additionally, Shell Ventures participated in a Series A funding round for Avnos, a company focused on deploying HDAC assets, and has also been involved in funding rounds for AiDash, a geospatial analytics startup that aims to improve environmental monitoring and management. These transactions highlight Shell's commitment to investing in technologies and projects that support environmental sustainability and innovation.


10. BloombergNEF

  • Website: about.bnef.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: bloombergnef

BloombergNEF is a corporate research firm based in London, England, founded in 2004. It specializes in providing strategic insights and analysis in the energy and commodity markets, helping businesses navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. BloombergNEF offers comprehensive research reports, summits, and a pioneering program that identifies innovative technologies for decarbonization. Notably, they have been involved in several significant transactions in the environmental engineering space, including grants to CarbonCure Technologies, Ecosphere Technologies, Cemvita, Carbfix, and Pachama. These companies are focused on innovative solutions for carbon capture, sustainable resource management, and environmental restoration, highlighting BloombergNEF's commitment to supporting advancements in environmental engineering.


11. 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. The firm specializes in supporting tech startups that tackle global challenges through investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship. Katapult has made significant investments in sectors such as climate-tech and ocean-tech, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability. Notable transactions include their investment in Ecospears, which focuses on environmental remediation, and Ichthion, which raised over $1.3 million to develop solutions for water pollution. Additionally, Katapult's involvement in Matter., a company that has developed microplastic filtration technology, highlights their focus on addressing pressing environmental issues. Their investment in Sand to Green, an AgriTech startup, further emphasizes their dedication to sustainable practices in agriculture, particularly in the context of large-scale deployment in Africa.


12. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in RSK Group, a leading environmental, health, safety, and engineering services company, which raised £10m to expand its consultancy services. They also invested in Flowline Limited, a drainage contractor, which received £3m to enhance its operations and market reach. Furthermore, BGF has shown interest in innovative companies like Puraffinity, which focuses on environmental solutions, indicating their commitment to supporting businesses that align with environmental engineering.


13. 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 based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. 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 significant strides in the environmental engineering sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, the acquisition of Ecotecnos in 2022 expanded its offerings in sea monitoring and oceanography services in Chile. The acquisition of EKO-PROJEKT LTD enhanced SGS's capabilities in environmental monitoring and testing in Central Europe. Furthermore, the acquisition of Aster Global Environmental Solutions in 2025 bolstered its sustainability offerings, particularly in carbon and greenhouse gas validation and verification services. Additionally, the acquisition of MIS Environmental Ltd. and MIS Testing Ltd. in the UK further strengthened SGS's market position in environmental and industrial operations. These transactions highlight SGS's commitment to enhancing its environmental services and supporting sustainability initiatives.


14. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to economic development in Scotland. Based in Glasgow, it provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, demonstrating its active role in supporting businesses. Notably, it has participated in several transactions relevant to environmental engineering, such as grants to Recycl8, a company focused on recycling solutions, and ESG360°, which emphasizes environmental, social, and governance factors. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise was part of the funding round for Carbogenics, a developer of green energy technology, highlighting its commitment to supporting environmentally-focused initiatives. These transactions illustrate Scottish Enterprise's involvement in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape while also promoting sustainability and environmental innovation.


15. 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 prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, the firm serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among its notable transactions, EQT Group acquired Covanta, a leading US-based waste-to-energy firm, for $5.3 billion in 2021, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, the acquisition of Saur SAS, valued at over €1 billion, highlights EQT's focus on water and waste management, further aligning with environmental engineering objectives. These strategic investments reflect EQT Group's dedication to fostering sustainable practices within its portfolio.


16. Agoranov

  • Website: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. With a focus on early-stage startups, Agoranov has been involved in various sectors, including environmental engineering. Notably, they participated in the funding of Naskeo Environnement, which is dedicated to providing environmental solutions. Other transactions include investments in startups like Amoès, Amplisim, Exndo Architectures, and Pronoe, showcasing their diverse portfolio while maintaining a commitment to innovative and impactful ventures.


17. 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, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, is a public entity operating primarily in the energy sector, with a focus on oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to sustainability and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Equinor serves a diverse customer base, including governments and industries, providing energy solutions that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security. Notably, Equinor has made significant investments in environmental engineering-related projects, such as acquiring a 25% interest in the Bayou Bend CCS project, which is one of the largest carbon capture and sequestration initiatives in the US. They have also invested in Upwing Energy to support the development of downhole gas compressors, and participated in funding rounds for companies like Rovco and Inherit Carbon Solutions, which focus on innovative technologies in the environmental sector. These transactions illustrate Equinor's proactive approach to integrating environmental engineering into their business model.



Environmental Engineering Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
RSK GroupHelsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19893
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
BloombergNEFLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020040
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
EquinorStavanger, Rogaland, Norway10001+19726


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