The waste management industry in the DACH region focuses on collecting, processing, and recycling various types of waste. Companies in this sector range from traditional waste collectors to innovative tech startups developing smart solutions for waste sorting. With growing environmental awareness, there’s an increasing push for sustainable practices, driving investment in recycling technologies and waste-to-energy initiatives. Interestingly, countries like Germany have implemented advanced recycling systems, serving as a model globally. The industry is expected to keep evolving, leaning heavily on digital transformation and circular economy principles to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.


This list showcases a mix of investors in the DACH waste management space, including venture capital firms, corporates, and family offices. Based in cities like Vienna, Zurich, and Berlin, these organizations vary significantly in size from small teams to major multinational players. Established from 1865 to 2014, they have collectively invested in numerous initiatives, with 2024 marking a year of 45 deals among them. Their strategies reflect a commitment to innovation and sustainability in waste management.


Top 17 Waste Management Investors in DACH


1. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at facilitating the energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies with funding and strategic guidance. With a strong emphasis on sustainable development, Demeter manages a diverse portfolio that includes significant investments in the waste management sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Paprec Group, a leading player in waste management, and Contenur, which specializes in waste collection solutions. These investments highlight Demeter's commitment to promoting ecological solutions and advancing the waste management industry.


2. 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 global presence and a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In recent years, SGS has made significant acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the environmental sector, including the acquisition of EKO-PROJEKT LTD, a Polish environmental company, which bolstered their environmental monitoring and testing services in Central Europe. Additionally, the acquisition of MIS Environmental Ltd. and MIS Testing Ltd. in the UK further strengthened their market position in environmental and industrial operations. These transactions reflect SGS's strategic focus on enhancing its Environment, Health & Safety services, making them a relevant player in the waste management industry.


3. Speedinvest

  • Website: speedinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: speedinvest

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help these companies scale their operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. In addition to their broad investment strategy, they have made significant contributions to the waste management industry. For instance, they participated in funding rounds for Resourcify, a waste management and recycling platform that raised €14M in a Series A round, and Greyparrot, which raised €10.2 million to develop AI technology for waste monitoring and sorting. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the waste management sector, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


4. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Grupo Gestcompost, a biogas company, for €250 million, marking a significant investment in waste management solutions. They also co-led a CHF 600 million equity funding round for Climeworks, a company focused on carbon capture, which is closely related to waste management and environmental sustainability. These investments reflect Partners Group's strategic interest in sectors that address waste management challenges and promote sustainable practices.


5. Borealis

  • Website: borealisgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: borealis

Borealis AG is a leading Austrian plastics manufacturer specializing in polyolefins and base chemicals, founded in 1994 and based in Vienna, Austria. The company serves various industries, including energy, healthcare, and consumer products, and is committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions. Borealis has made significant strides in the waste management sector through its acquisitions of several recycling companies. Notably, in January 2023, Borealis acquired a majority stake of 50.01% in Renasci, enhancing its circular economy goals. Additionally, it has acquired an Austrian plastics recycling company in July 2018, mtm compact GmbH in June 2016, and Ecoplast Kunststoffrecycling in July 2018. Most recently, in November 2023, Borealis agreed to acquire Bulgarian plastics recycling company Integra Plastics, with a reported investment of 40 million euros in its recycling plant. These transactions reflect Borealis' strategic focus on increasing its recycling capacity and supporting sustainable waste management practices.


6. Mercuria


Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is a corporate investor based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. The company operates globally in the commodity markets, focusing on crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. Mercuria provides trading services and invests in sustainable projects, helping businesses transition to net zero. Notably, Mercuria has made significant strides in the waste management sector through its acquisitions. In October 2023, they acquired N+P Group, a Netherlands-based industrial residues recycling specialist, which highlights their commitment to waste management. Additionally, in February 2022, Mercuria participated in a Series A financing round for Nth Cycle, a company that aims to deploy recycling facilities and expand its technical capabilities. These transactions illustrate Mercuria's strategic interest in integrating waste management solutions into their broader investment portfolio.


7. Quadia

  • Website: quadia.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: quadia-sa

Quadia SA is an impact investment firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in sustainable finance and impact investing. Founded in 2010, Quadia provides investment advisory services to professional and institutional clients, helping them implement strategies that yield financial returns while promoting social and environmental benefits. Quadia operates through various investment funds, including the Regenero Impact Fund, and targets companies that contribute to a regenerative economy. Among their notable transactions, Quadia invested in TerraCycle, a company focused on recycling and waste management, and KITRO, a food-tech startup dedicated to measuring and mitigating food waste in the hospitality industry. These investments highlight Quadia's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in waste management and sustainability.


8. 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. BASF is committed to innovation and sustainability, helping its customers meet environmental challenges and improve operational efficiency. Notably, BASF has made strategic investments in the waste management context, such as the acquisition of inge watertechnologies AG, which enhances its capabilities in the water treatment market through innovative ultrafiltration technology. This move reflects BASF's dedication to addressing environmental issues and improving waste management processes. Additionally, BASF has participated in grants for companies like Pyrowave and Genecis, which focus on innovative waste management solutions, further demonstrating its engagement in this sector.


9. Technology Fund

  • Website: technologyfund.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: technology-fund

Technology Fund is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It provides loan guarantees to innovative Swiss companies focused on environmental sustainability, particularly in the cleantech sector. The fund aims to bridge the gap between startup funding and traditional loans, enabling businesses to develop and market their innovative products. Among its notable transactions, Technology Fund has supported KITRO, a company dedicated to reducing food waste in the hospitality industry, which raised CHF 1.7 million to enhance its product offerings and market presence. This investment highlights Technology Fund's commitment to waste management solutions. Other transactions include support for companies like Selfrag, Neustark, Tide Ocean, and PONERA GROUP, which, while not all directly related to waste management, contribute to the broader environmental sustainability landscape.


10. 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 focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant transactions relevant to waste management, including their investment in tozero, a Munich-based startup that raised €3.5 million to develop a prototype plant for recycling lithium-ion batteries. This investment highlights their commitment to addressing waste management challenges in the tech sector. Additionally, they have invested in Neustark, a carbon removal provider that raised $69 million, further emphasizing their interest in sustainable practices that align with waste management goals.


11. Heidelberg Materials


Heidelberg Materials is a prominent building materials manufacturer based in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1873. The company specializes in producing and distributing essential products such as cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, and asphalt, serving the construction and infrastructure development sectors. In recent years, Heidelberg Materials has made strategic acquisitions that align with sustainable practices and waste management. For instance, they acquired Alex Fraser Group, a leading provider of recycled construction materials and asphalt in Australia, enhancing their market position while promoting recycling in construction. Additionally, their investment in EnviCore, which focuses on waste management solutions, highlights their commitment to integrating sustainability into their business model. These transactions reflect Heidelberg Materials' strategy to optimize their portfolio and contribute to waste management efforts within the construction industry.


12. Earlybird Venture Capital


Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Germany, founded in 1997, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. With a focus on nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, Earlybird provides financial resources and strategic support, particularly in the digital health and deep tech sectors. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Enevo, a company that provides waste logistics solutions, participating in multiple funding rounds (Series A in 2014, Series B in 2015, and Series C in 2017) to support the introduction of waste services in North America and Europe. Additionally, they invested in Re-Fresh Global, a startup aimed at processing textile waste, which highlights their commitment to addressing waste management challenges. This diverse portfolio showcases Earlybird's capability to support innovative solutions in the waste management industry while maintaining a broader investment strategy in technology.


13. Blue Earth Capital AG


Blue Earth Capital AG is an impact investment firm founded in 2015, based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland. The firm focuses on addressing environmental and social challenges through investments in private equity, private credit, and partnerships. They serve institutional investors and organizations seeking to achieve market-rate financial returns while making a measurable impact. In 2024, Blue Earth Capital made a significant minority investment in NEPRA Resource Management, marking their first climate-focused private equity investment in India, which is directly related to waste management. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for AMP Robotics, a company that develops technology for waste sorting and recycling, and CarbonCure Technologies, which focuses on carbon reduction in concrete production. These transactions highlight Blue Earth Capital's commitment to sustainable practices and their active role in the waste management industry.


14. Holcim

  • Website: holcim.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: lafargeholcim

Holcim is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, specializing in building materials and sustainable construction solutions. Founded in 1912, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is committed to decarbonizing building practices. Holcim's product offerings include cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete, primarily serving construction companies and architects. Notably, Holcim has made significant strides in the waste management sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Sivyer Logistics in April 2023, which focuses on recycling construction and demolition waste. This acquisition is part of Holcim's broader sustainability efforts, aiming to recycle 10 million tons of waste by 2025. Additionally, Holcim's strategy includes enhancing its presence in various markets through acquisitions, such as Teko Mining in Serbia, which aligns with its 'Strategy 2025 – Accelerating Green Growth'. These initiatives underscore Holcim's commitment to integrating waste management into its core business operations.


15. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on innovative startups and has made several investments in various sectors. Among their notable transactions, Possible Ventures participated in a pre-seed round for tozero, a Munich-based startup specializing in recycling lithium-ion batteries, raising €3.5 million to build a prototype plant. Additionally, they were involved in the seed funding for Bardee, a Melbourne-based startup that aims to convert food waste into insect protein and fertilizer, showcasing their commitment to waste management solutions. Overall, Possible Ventures is dedicated to supporting innovative approaches to pressing challenges, including those in the waste management sector.


16. ONE CREATION Impact finance


ONE CREATION Impact finance is a cooperative investment firm based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on impact finance and environmental technologies, providing sustainable investment opportunities aimed at generating positive environmental impacts while ensuring stable returns. They emphasize transparency and community engagement through annual reports and newsletters. Among their notable transactions, they participated in Tyre Recycling Solutions, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2015, highlighting their engagement in waste management through recycling initiatives. Additionally, they have invested in various other ventures, such as Ponzio Groupe, LE DRIVE TOUT NU, Ma Bonne Étoile, and Squiz, which, while not all directly related to waste management, reflect their commitment to sustainable and impactful investments.


17. Bonventure

  • Website: bonventure.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: bonventure

BonVenture is an impact investment firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2003. They specialize in financing social enterprises, providing capital starting from €500,000, along with expertise and networking support to help these businesses grow. Their mission is to create both financial returns and social impact, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2023, Bonventure participated in significant transactions in the waste management sector, including a €14M Series A investment in Resourcify, a waste management and recycling platform, which aims to enhance its SaaS offerings and expand its market leadership. Additionally, they led a €8.5M Seed funding round for Circu Li-ion, a startup focused on battery recycling, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in waste management. These transactions highlight Bonventure's active role in the waste management industry, despite their broader focus on social enterprises.



Waste Management Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
BorealisVienna, Vienna, Austria5001-1000019940
MercuriaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020047
QuadiaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland11-5020100
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
Technology FundZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020148
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Heidelberg MaterialsHeidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18734
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
Blue Earth Capital AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-50201511
HolcimZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+191212
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
ONE CREATION Impact financeVevey, Vaud, Switzerland11-5020100
BonventureMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020037


Want to find more investors focusing on the waste management industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the waste managementindustry, 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!