The drinking water purification industry in Benelux focuses on solutions that ensure access to clean and safe drinking water. Companies ranging from innovative start-ups to established corporations work on technologies such as advanced filtration, chemical treatments, and sustainable practices. This industry is rapidly evolving with an increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. As climate change raises concerns over water quality and availability, the demand for efficient purification methods and environmentally friendly initiatives is on the rise. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are also fostering partnerships that may help meet stringent regulations and consumer needs.


This list highlights 18 notable investors active in the drinking water purification sector within Benelux. Notably, these include corporate heavyweights and venture capital firms, featuring firm sizes that range from small boutiques to large entities with thousands of employees. With their headquarters spanning across Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, these investors were established from as early as 1958 to more contemporary entrants in 2017. In 2024 alone, they collectively pursued numerous investment deals, showcasing a significant interest in enhancing water purification technologies and sustainable practices.


Top 18 Drinking Water Purification Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to foster 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 promote innovation in multiple sectors. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has supported companies like SolarDew, which focuses on solar-powered water purification, and Mimbly, which is involved in sustainable water management solutions. Additionally, the EIC played a role in the Series A funding of TreaTech, a company focused on circular waste treatment, which may have implications for water purification technologies. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovations that can impact the drinking water purification industry.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, EIB was involved in significant transactions related to drinking water purification, such as providing debt financing to The Water Group, which raised approximately $369.8 million, and to Azienda Comprensoriale Acquedottistica, which secured around $30.9 million. These transactions highlight EIB's role in facilitating funding for initiatives that promote water quality and sustainability, aligning with its mission to support growth and job creation in essential sectors.


3. 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. Among its notable transactions, InnoEnergy has invested in Stockholm Water Technology, which focuses on water purification technologies, and RVE.SOL, a company that integrates renewable energy solutions with clean water access for communities in East Africa. The latter investment specifically aims to bring clean water to 15,000 people in Kenya, highlighting InnoEnergy's commitment to projects that enhance drinking water purification and access.


4. Eurofins

  • Website: eurofins.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: eurofins

Eurofins Scientific SE is a laboratory testing company based in Luxembourg, founded in 1987. It operates over 900 laboratories in 62 countries, providing a wide range of analytical and testing services across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental sectors. Eurofins has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in environmental testing, which is crucial for drinking water purification. Notably, they acquired TestAmerica Environmental Services in 2018, a company specializing in environmental testing, which includes water quality assessments. In 2018, they also acquired EnvironeX Group, a provider of testing services in Canada, further expanding their reach in environmental testing. More recently, in 2024, Eurofins acquired Labormar, a chemistry lab in Colombia, enhancing their capabilities in cosmetics testing, which may also intersect with water quality testing. These transactions highlight Eurofins' commitment to providing comprehensive testing services that are relevant to the drinking water purification industry.


5. Spadel

  • Website: spadel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 1921
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: spadel

Spadel is a corporate investor based in Belgium, founded in 1921, specializing in the production and marketing of natural mineral waters and soft drinks. The company has a strong commitment to sustainability and the preservation of natural resources, which is reflected in their diverse brand offerings. Spadel has made significant acquisitions in the drinking water sector, including the purchase of Devin JSC, a Bulgarian bottled water company, which enhances their market presence and aligns with their strategy to promote natural brands. They also acquired Les Grandes Sources de Wattwiller and Carola, further solidifying their position in the European bottled water market. Additionally, Spadel has shown interest in innovative solutions related to beverages, as seen in their investment in Dripl, a company focused on providing alternatives to sugary drinks in workplaces. This indicates a broader interest in the beverage industry, including aspects related to water consumption.


6. Aliaxis

  • Website: aliaxis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: aliaxis

Aliaxis is a corporate investor based in Belgium, founded in 2003, with a workforce of over 10,000 employees. The company specializes in innovative water and energy management systems, offering a diverse range of products including pipes, fittings, and irrigation systems tailored for various sectors such as construction, infrastructure, industry, and agriculture. Aliaxis has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position and product offerings in the water management sector. Notably, they acquired Zypho in May 2023, a company that likely contributes to their water management capabilities. Additionally, their acquisition of Ashirvad Pipes Pvt Ltd, which has been a significant player in the Indian market, further strengthens their portfolio in water-related products. These transactions reflect Aliaxis's commitment to expanding its influence in the water management industry, including areas pertinent to drinking water purification.


7. DOB Equity

  • Website: dobequity.nl
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Veessen, Gelderland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: dob-foundation

DOB Equity is an impact investment fund based in Veessen, Gelderland, Netherlands, founded in 1997. The fund focuses on supporting innovative and scalable companies in Eastern Africa, aiming to create social impact while ensuring long-term profitability for its portfolio companies. Notably, DOB Equity has invested in Spouts of Water, which raised an undisclosed amount in a venture round in January 2025, and Jibu, which raised $1.5 million in May 2019. Both companies are involved in providing clean drinking water solutions, highlighting DOB Equity's commitment to the drinking water purification sector. Additionally, they have invested in Crop Nutrition Laboratory Services (Cropnuts), although this is less relevant to the drinking water context. Overall, DOB Equity's focus on impactful investments in the water sector makes them a relevant player in the drinking water purification industry.


8. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across diverse sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the drinking water sector, such as the acquisition of Groupe Claire, a major player in water distribution network equipment, which highlights their engagement in the water industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Itho Daalderop, a company that may have connections to water purification technologies, further emphasizes their interest in this area. Overall, Gimv's strategic investments reflect a commitment to supporting companies that contribute to sustainable solutions, including those in the drinking water purification space.


9. Convent Capital

  • Website: conventcapital.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: convent-capital

Convent Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in sustainable investments and growth capital provision, primarily targeting small to medium-sized enterprises in the Benelux region and innovative companies in the AgriFood sector. Convent Capital supports businesses in enhancing their sustainability efforts and achieving growth through investment management and advisory services. Notably, they participated in a significant Series C funding round for BE WTR, which raised over $45 million for its water purification solutions. This investment highlights their commitment to the drinking water purification industry. Additionally, they have been involved in other transactions, such as the Series B funding for Tidal Vision, which focuses on sustainable materials, and the acquisition of Convertus, further showcasing their diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a focus on sustainability.


10. Incofin Investment Management


Incofin Investment Management is an impact investment firm based in Antwerp, Belgium, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in financing and supporting organizations in emerging markets, with a strong emphasis on promoting financial inclusion and sustainable development. Incofin offers a variety of services, including equity investments, debt financing, and technical assistance. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions related to drinking water purification, such as their recent investment of EUR 7.5 million in Rite Water Solutions, an Indian company focused on water purification systems. This investment was made through their Water Access Acceleration Fund (W2AF), which aims to enhance access to clean water and has total commitments of EUR 36 million from various investors. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for Spouts of Water, further indicating their commitment to the water sector.


11. PureTerra Ventures

  • Website: pureterra.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: pureterra-ventures

PureTerra Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in disruptive water technologies, providing growth capital and consulting services to innovative entrepreneurs in the water sector. PureTerra aims to address global water challenges by supporting companies that focus on water quality, efficiency, and treatment. In 2023, they participated in several significant funding rounds, including a $7 million Series B investment in Membrion, which is known for its membrane technology that enhances water purification processes. Additionally, they invested in VAPAR, a startup focused on sewerage system maintenance, which raised $5 million in a Series A funding round. These transactions highlight PureTerra's commitment to advancing technologies that improve water management and purification.


12. Rabo Private Equity


Rabo Private Equity, founded in 2002 and based in Amsterdam, is a private equity firm that specializes in providing equity capital and investment management services to established and transformative companies, particularly in the Food & Agri and Sustainability sectors. The firm has a strong focus on supporting growth and transition efforts through partnerships with top-tier funds and leveraging a global network. Notably, Rabo Private Equity has been involved in significant transactions in the drinking water purification context, particularly with Voltea, a company that raised funds in multiple rounds (Series A, B, and C) from Rabo Ventures, indicating a strong commitment to innovative water purification solutions. Additionally, their acquisition of a stake in Koop Bronbemaling, a company in the dewatering solutions market, further demonstrates their interest in water-related industries, reinforcing their position as a relevant investor in the drinking water purification sector.


13. Natural Ventures

  • Website: natural.ventures
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: naturalventures

Natural Ventures is an investment firm based in The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in technology companies that tackle global water and food security challenges, providing capital, strategic support, and access to a network of industry experts to help portfolio companies develop scalable solutions. Their focus on sustainable practices in agriculture and water management is evident in their recent transactions, including a $2,326,825 seed round investment in Active Membranes, which is likely involved in water purification technologies, and a $44,000,000 Series C investment in N-Drip, a company that may also contribute to efficient water management solutions. These investments highlight Natural Ventures' commitment to supporting innovations in the water sector.


14. Verlinvest

  • Website: verlinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a Brussels-based venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in high-growth consumer brands across diverse sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has invested in Who Gives a Crap, a company dedicated to providing sustainable toilet paper solutions while also working to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all. This investment highlights Verlinvest's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote public health and sustainability. Their portfolio also includes other consumer-focused brands, demonstrating a broad interest in sectors that prioritize consumer needs and sustainable practices.


15. Innovation Fund


The Innovation Fund is a corporate investment fund based in Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2015. It focuses on supporting innovative startups and companies primarily in the chemistry and life sciences sectors. The fund provides essential funding and resources to help these companies develop their projects, often collaborating with academic institutions and industry initiatives. Among its notable transactions, the fund invested in InOpSys, which raised $1,092,913 in a seed round in December 2015, and Blue Foot Membranes, which raised $2,836,664 in a seed round in July 2017. The latter investment is particularly relevant as Blue Foot Membranes specializes in membrane technology, a key area in drinking water purification processes.


16. ABO-Group Environment

  • Website: abo-group.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: abo-group

ABO-Group Environment is a corporate investor based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1995. The company specializes in environmental consulting and geotechnical engineering, providing services such as soil studies, contamination remediation, and stability assessments. They primarily operate in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. In 2023, ABO-Group acquired SEGED, a French environmental specialist, to enhance their expertise in water management and ecological restoration, marking a significant step in their growth strategy. This acquisition aligns with their interest in improving environmental services, particularly in the context of drinking water purification. Additionally, they have made other acquisitions, such as Infrabureau Demey and Délo Boringen, which focus on environmental research and soil studies, further solidifying their position in the environmental sector.


17. Refresco

  • Website: refresco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: refresco

Refresco is a corporate investor based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1999. The company is a leading beverage manufacturer specializing in bottling soft drinks, water, fruit juices, and energy drinks, producing over 11 billion liters of beverages annually across its extensive manufacturing network in Europe and North America. Recently, Refresco has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its position in the drinking water sector. Notably, they acquired Vivaris GmbH & Co KG, which includes the mineral water brands 'Märkisch Kristall' and 'Grüneberg Quelle', and Spumador SpA, the largest producer of private label carbonated soft drinks and mineral water in Italy. These transactions highlight Refresco's commitment to expanding its footprint in the drinking water market, making it a relevant player in the drinking water purification industry.


18. Qbic Fund | Venture Capital

  • Website: qbic.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: qbic

Qbic Fund | Venture Capital is a venture capital fund based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2012. The fund specializes in seed and early-stage investments in innovative companies across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on creating impact through technological breakthroughs. Qbic supports its portfolio companies throughout their growth, focusing on sectors such as biotechnology and technology. Notably, Qbic has invested in Blue Foot Membranes, which raised over $2.8 million in a seed round, and iFLUX, which received 1.36 million euros in funding, indicating their engagement in companies that may contribute to advancements in water purification and management technologies.



Drinking Water Purification Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
SpadelBelgium1001-500019210
AliaxisBelgium10001+20033
DOB EquityVeessen, Gelderland, Netherlands1-1019971
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
Convent CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020112
Incofin Investment ManagementAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20020099
PureTerra VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020172
Rabo Private EquityAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020023
Natural VenturesThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020212
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955
Innovation FundSchaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium1-1020150
ABO-Group EnvironmentGhent, Flanders, Belgium501-100019952
RefrescoRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19994
Qbic Fund | Venture CapitalGhent, Flanders, Belgium1-1020125


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