The green building materials industry in Europe is an innovative sector focused on sustainable construction practices. Companies in this field develop products such as recycled materials, eco-friendly insulation, and efficient energy systems aimed at minimizing environmental impact. As nations push for stricter regulations to combat climate change, the industry's growth trajectory is promising, with more focus on carbon-neutral solutions. Furthermore, increased consumer awareness and commitments to sustainability are driving demand. Cutting-edge firms are leveraging technology to create materials that not only perform well but also contribute positively to the ecosystem, cementing the industry's pivotal role in future constructions.


The list of top investors in green building materials showcases a mix of corporate entities, private equity firms, and venture capitalists headquartered across Europe. These investors range in size, with some managing over 10,000 employees, demonstrating significant financial clout. Most of these firms were founded in the late 20th century, reflecting a growing trend toward sustainable investments over the past few decades. Notably, many have made substantial deals in 2024, with some like the European Investment Bank and L'Union Européenne engaged in initiatives driving sustainable construction practices. This commitment underscores their pivotal role in spurring innovation in the sector.


Top 17 Green Building Materials Investors in Europe


1. 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 emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the green building materials sector, including nHouse, a supplier of sustainable modular housing that raised over £180,000 to scale its operations. Additionally, Polysolar, which raised significant funds through Crowdcube, focuses on solar energy solutions that contribute to sustainable building practices. Other transactions include Wunderhaus and bumboo, which, while not explicitly focused on green building materials, align with the broader sustainability goals that Crowdcube supports.


2. 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. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the green building materials context, such as grants awarded to companies like Materrup, which raised $2,513,080 for innovative sustainable materials, and Woodoo, which received $676,328 for its technology. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements in sustainable building materials and technologies.


3. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. With a focus on promoting growth and job creation, EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that align with sustainability goals. In 2024, EIB was involved in several notable transactions relevant to green building materials, including a EUR 435 million loan to Stora Enso to support its investment in renewable, fiber-based consumer packaging board, which is crucial for sustainable construction and packaging solutions. Additionally, EIB's financing of Gropyus and UP Catalyst indicates its commitment to innovative building technologies and sustainable practices in the construction industry. These transactions highlight EIB's role in fostering environmentally friendly initiatives and its alignment with the green building materials sector.


4. 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 several funding rounds for companies that align with green building materials, such as Woon Duurzaam, which focuses on sustainable housing solutions. In 2021, they participated in multiple seed rounds for Woon Duurzaam, contributing to its growth in the green building sector. Additionally, their investment in Wohnwagon, which promotes sustainable living through innovative housing solutions, further emphasizes their commitment to sustainability in the building materials context.


5. 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 by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies like IsoTimber, which focuses on sustainable timber solutions, and Södra, a leading player in the forestry and wood products industry known for its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, Almi has supported other ventures such as 3 Vision Sverige AB and Byggvaru, which may also align with green building initiatives. These investments reflect Almi's engagement in promoting environmentally friendly practices within the construction and building materials sector.


6. 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 is increasingly investing in renewable energy and innovative technologies. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a 20% stake in Bengaluru-based solar firm Orb Energy, aimed at providing reliable electricity to underserved populations, and funding for Offgrid Energy Labs, which is developing a rechargeable zinc-based battery to disrupt the energy storage market. These investments reflect Shell's commitment to transitioning towards more sustainable energy solutions, aligning with the principles of green building materials.


7. 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, particularly in climate-tech and ocean-tech. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notably, they have invested in Jiva Materials, which raised $1,309,200 in a venture round in July 2023, indicating a focus on sustainable building materials. Additionally, their investment in Hyperion Robotics, which raised €3 million in seed funding in October 2022, highlights their interest in advancing materials technology for large-scale projects. These transactions demonstrate Katapult's commitment to supporting innovations that contribute to green building practices.


8. 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, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT has invested in Made of Air, a German startup focused on circular materials, which aligns with sustainable building practices. They also acquired Solarpack, a company dedicated to solar energy solutions, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainability. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of ju:niz Energy GmbH as part of their Transition Infrastructure strategy highlights their focus on energy transition and sustainable infrastructure. These investments reflect EQT's strategic interest in supporting companies that contribute to green building materials and sustainable development.


9. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a strong focus on meeting the financial needs of individual consumers, businesses, and organizations. The group operates with a commitment to mutuality and social responsibility. Notably, Crédit Agricole has been involved in significant transactions that support sustainable initiatives, such as its investment in Technique Solaire, which raised substantial funding to expand its renewable energy projects, including solar energy and biomethane development. This investment aligns with the growing demand for green building materials and sustainable construction practices. Additionally, their involvement with companies like CEMEX and Icade indicates a broader engagement in sectors that may intersect with green building materials, although these companies are not exclusively focused on sustainability.


10. 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. Among their notable transactions, BGF has invested in Monodraught, a UK-based specialist in ventilation systems, which can play a role in energy efficiency and indoor air quality in buildings. Additionally, BGF has supported Braidwater, a housebuilder in Northern Ireland, which focuses on developing residential properties. These investments indicate BGF's involvement in sectors that can contribute to green building practices, although their overall investment strategy encompasses a broader range of industries.


11. Saint-Gobain

  • Website: saint-gobain.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1665
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: saint-gobain

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. is a construction materials manufacturer based in Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France, with a history dating back to 1665. The company operates in 76 countries and is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance building efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Saint-Gobain's recent acquisitions reflect its commitment to the green building materials industry. For instance, the acquisition of Glava, an insulation producer, highlights their focus on energy-efficient building solutions. Furthermore, the acquisition of Gcp Applied Technologies for $2.3 billion in 2021 demonstrates their intent to strengthen their position in the construction materials market, particularly in areas that contribute to sustainable building practices. With 14 investments in 2024 alone, Saint-Gobain continues to expand its influence in the construction sector, catering to customers seeking high-quality, sustainable materials.


12. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to economic development in Scotland. It offers a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a focus on enhancing Scotland's economic landscape, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in numerous transactions that support sustainable initiatives. For instance, they provided a grant to Kenoteq, a company specializing in sustainable building materials, and participated in funding rounds for CelluComp, which develops sustainable materials. Their recent investments also include support for Recycl8, further emphasizing their commitment to fostering innovation in the green building materials sector.


13. L'Union Européenne (UE)

  • Website: europa.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: union-europ%c3%a9enne

L'Union Européenne (UE) is a public entity that serves as a political and economic union of member states, founded in 1993 and based in London, England. The EU plays a crucial role in governance, legislation, and support for regional development, education, and research initiatives. In 2024, the EU has been involved in 34 investments, primarily in the form of grants. Notably, the EU has provided funding to companies such as CEMEX, which is involved in construction materials, and Organic Electronic Technologies, which focuses on innovative electronic materials. These transactions reflect the EU's commitment to enhancing cooperation among member states and improving the quality of life through sustainable practices, making it a relevant player in the green building materials industry.


14. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Among its notable transactions, Ardian acquired Deli Home, a key player in the construction and decorative home products market, which enhances its portfolio in the green building materials sector. Additionally, Ardian's acquisition of Attero B.V., a Netherlands-based waste management and circular economy platform, further underscores its commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible investments. These strategic moves reflect Ardian's dedication to integrating sustainability into its investment strategies, making it a significant player in the green building materials industry.


15. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses. With a focus on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare, Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential. Notably, Triton has made significant acquisitions in the building materials and construction sectors, including Kährs Group, which specializes in sustainable flooring solutions, and VolkerWessels, a major player in construction and infrastructure. These transactions highlight Triton's engagement with companies that may contribute to the green building materials industry, reflecting their potential interest in sustainable practices within their investment strategy.


16. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. It specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in the green building materials sector with its acquisition of Neolith Group, a manufacturer of sintered stone, which is increasingly recognized for its sustainable properties in construction. This acquisition, announced in April 2022, highlights CVC's interest in companies that contribute to sustainable building practices. Other transactions, such as the acquisitions of Stark Group, DT Group, Taminco, and Pasubio, while substantial, do not directly pertain to green building materials, indicating a diverse investment portfolio beyond this niche.


17. Green Angel Syndicate


Green Angel Syndicate is an investment syndicate based in London, England, founded in 2017. It focuses on climate change and offers investment opportunities in startups that develop technologies aimed at combating climate issues. The firm serves high net-worth individuals and organizations looking to make impactful investments in the climate tech sector, facilitating collective action for sustainable change. Notable transactions include investments in Smile Plastics, which specializes in sustainable materials, and Low Carbon Materials, which focuses on reducing carbon footprints in construction. Additionally, they have invested in Alusid, known for its innovative use of recycled materials in building products, and Qualis Flow, which aims to enhance sustainability in construction processes. These investments highlight their active role in promoting green building materials and technologies.



Green Building Materials Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Saint-GobainCourbevoie, Île-De-France, France10001+166514
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
L'Union Européenne (UE)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+199334
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Green Angel SyndicateLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020174


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