The environmental impact assessment industry in the U.S. plays a vital role in evaluating the potential effects of projects on the environment. It includes a variety of companies, such as consulting firms, engineering firms, and non-profits, which offer services related to environmental regulations, sustainability assessments, and project management. As environmental concerns gain traction, the industry is shifting towards innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance sustainability and adherence to regulations. This trend also highlights a growing emphasis on climate adaptation and resilience, making the industry's growth intersect with the broader push for sustainable development across all sectors.


This article highlights 18 notable environmental impact assessment investors based across the U.S. They vary from corporate giants like NV5 in Hollywood, Florida, to venture capital firms like Y Combinator in San Francisco. While some are well-established, having been founded over 75 years ago, others are newly formed, such as the Deep Tech Fund started in 2023. With numerous investments recorded in 2024, these investors showcase a committed drive toward addressing environmental challenges through their financial backing and guidance in the startup ecosystem.


Top 18 Environmental Impact Assessment Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. The DOE serves a wide range of stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been involved in several significant transactions that support environmental impact assessments. For instance, it provided a grant of $1,300,000 to Resilient Analytics in July 2023, aimed at enhancing resilience in energy systems. Additionally, the DOE awarded $2,000,000 to Southface in May 2024, which focuses on sustainable building practices and energy efficiency. These transactions highlight the DOE's active role in funding initiatives that contribute to environmental assessments and sustainability efforts.


2. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has been involved in several transactions that support environmental initiatives, such as granting $7,45176 to the Light House Sustainability Society for sustainability projects, $13,1278 to Aski Reclamation for environmental reclamation efforts, and $16,169,330 to the Saskatchewan Research Council for research that likely includes environmental impact assessments. These transactions demonstrate the government's role in promoting environmental sustainability and research, making it a relevant investor in the environmental impact assessment sector.


3. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its recent transactions, Y Combinator has invested in Carbonfact, a startup focused on carbon management software for the apparel and footwear industry, raising $15 million in Series A funding in 2024, and previously participating in seed and pre-seed rounds. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in Waterplan, which raised $11 million in Series A funding to enhance its research and product development in water resource management. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that have a significant environmental impact, particularly in carbon and water management.


4. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. In 2024, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies like Transitry, a Singapore-based climate-tech firm that secured $600,000 in Pre-Seed funding to advance eco-friendly initiatives and the carbon credit economy. They also invested in CarbonGraph, which focuses on carbon-related technologies, and Sopht, which has raised significant funding in the environmental tech space. These transactions highlight Plug and Play's engagement with startups that are directly contributing to environmental sustainability and impact assessment.


5. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on health and climate technology, Sosv provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, they have been involved in transactions such as Nature Preserve, which raised funds in pre-seed rounds aimed at environmental conservation, highlighting their commitment to supporting initiatives that address climate challenges. Their diverse portfolio also includes other startups, but their engagement in climate technology positions them as a significant player in the environmental impact assessment sector.


6. Elemental Impact


Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012. The organization is dedicated to scaling climate technologies that have a significant community impact. They provide funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments in deploying sustainable solutions. Notably, Elemental Impact has participated in several relevant transactions, including a seed round investment in Vibrant Planet, which raised $17 million, and a venture round investment in Jupiter Intelligence. Additionally, they have been involved with Planet FWD, a startup focused on carbon assessment, which raised $10 million in a Series A funding round. These transactions highlight Elemental Impact's commitment to supporting initiatives that assess and mitigate environmental impacts, particularly in the context of climate technology and carbon footprint reduction.


7. Nv5

  • Website: nv5.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1947
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nv5

NV5 is a consulting and engineering company based in Hollywood, Florida, founded in 1947. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, NV5 provides technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for infrastructure, utility, and building systems. They serve both public and private sector clients, helping improve efficiency and resilience in their projects. NV5 operates through a network of over 100 offices and offers a wide range of services, including environmental consulting, geospatial solutions, and construction quality assurance. Notably, NV5 has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its environmental consulting capabilities, including the acquisition of Alta Environmental, L.P., a firm specializing in environmental services, and Group Delta, which provides infrastructure engineering and environmental services. These acquisitions reflect NV5's commitment to enhancing its environmental impact assessment services and its role in supporting infrastructure improvements, particularly in regions like California, which is investing heavily in such projects.


8. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, the fund participated in the Series C funding round for Persefoni AI, which raised $50 million and focuses on climate management and accounting, raising its total investment to over $150 million. This involvement highlights the fund's interest in supporting innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the fund has invested in Risilience, a company that likely aligns with environmental impact themes, further solidifying its relevance in this sector.


9. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. In recent years, KKR has made significant strides in the environmental sector, particularly through its Green Solutions Platform, which focuses on eco-efficiency, eco-innovation, and ecosolutions. Noteworthy transactions include the acquisition of ERM, the largest sustainability consultancy, for $2.7 billion, which underscores KKR's commitment to environmental impact. Additionally, KKR's investment in Resource Environmental Solutions supports its growth in environmental services, while its stake in GreenCollar emphasizes its focus on carbon farming and environmental credits. These initiatives reflect KKR's dedication to integrating sustainability into its investment strategy.


10. Montrose Environmental Group


Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. is an environmental consulting company based in Little Rock, Arkansas, founded in 2012. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Montrose provides a comprehensive range of services including testing, compliance, and remediation solutions tailored for various sectors such as chemical manufacturing and oil & gas. The company has been actively expanding its footprint in the environmental consulting space through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Environmental Intelligence, LLC, known for its expertise in wildfire mitigation and biological assessments, and Environmental Alliance, Inc., a prominent environmental engineering and consulting firm. In 2024, Montrose further enhanced its capabilities by acquiring Spirit Environmental LLC, which specializes in air permitting and compliance, and Epic Environmental Pty Ltd, an Australian consultancy, thereby broadening its global service offerings. These acquisitions reflect Montrose's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and supporting businesses in navigating complex environmental regulations, positioning them as a key player in the environmental impact assessment industry.


11. Tetra Tech

  • Website: tetratech.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Pasadena, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: tetra-tech

Tetra Tech, Inc. is a consulting and engineering firm based in Pasadena, California, specializing in water management, environmental services, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Founded in 1966, Tetra Tech serves both government and commercial clients, leveraging advanced technologies and local knowledge to address complex challenges in resource management and compliance. The firm has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its expertise in environmental impact assessments, including the acquisition of Cornerstone Environmental Group, which focuses on solid waste markets and environmental consulting. Additionally, Tetra Tech's acquisition of RPS Group enhances its environmental service offerings, while the purchase of Coffey International and WYG Group expands its international development and consulting capabilities. These transactions reflect Tetra Tech's commitment to providing innovative solutions in the environmental sector, making it a significant player in environmental impact assessments.


12. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and investment strategies. Notably, Blackstone has made significant strides in the environmental impact assessment sector through its acquisitions and investments in firms like Geosyntec Consultants, which focuses on environmental engineering services, and Salas O’Brien, an engineering and technical services firm. These strategic moves reflect Blackstone's belief in the increasing demand for environmental services amid evolving climate regulations, positioning them as a key player in the environmental impact assessment industry.


13. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It supports early-stage companies in the region, focusing on deep tech innovation and providing a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, alongside business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to environmental issues. For instance, they participated in a Series A funding round for Aclarity, Inc., which raised $15.9 million to scale its Octa™ system, a sustainable solution aimed at eradicating PFAS contaminants. This funding is crucial for addressing significant environmental challenges related to water contamination. Additionally, MassVentures has provided multiple grants to Aclarity, including $500,000 in May 2023 and $200,000 in June 2022, further demonstrating their support for initiatives that have a positive environmental impact.


14. Bowman Consulting

  • Website: bowman.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Reston, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: bowman-consulting

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. is an engineering and consulting firm based in Reston, Virginia, founded in 1995. The company specializes in a wide range of services, including civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, and notably, environmental consulting. Their client base includes both government agencies and private sector companies, highlighting their versatility and expertise in infrastructure projects. In recent years, Bowman has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance their service offerings. For instance, the acquisition of Trudell Consulting Engineers in February 2024, a firm with a multidisciplinary approach, is expected to bolster their environmental consulting capabilities. Similarly, the acquisition of Dennis Corporation in October 2023, which added 40 professionals to their team, further strengthens their presence in the Southeast and enhances their ability to conduct environmental impact assessments. These transactions demonstrate Bowman's commitment to expanding their expertise in areas critical to environmental impact assessments, making them a relevant player in this industry.


15. Climate Capital

  • Website: climatecapital.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: climatecap

Climate Capital is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, dedicated to supporting early-stage climate tech companies. The firm provides funding and resources to entrepreneurs focused on emissions reduction and climate adaptation, emphasizing community building and access to a network of investors and industry experts. Notable transactions include a $2.6 million seed round for Waterplan, which focuses on water management and carbon project development, and a $2.5 million seed round for Pina Earth, which automates carbon project development and incentivizes forest adaptation to climate change. Other investments include Paces, a data platform startup, and Aerial, a sustainable living app, both of which contribute to climate-focused solutions. These investments reflect Climate Capital's commitment to fostering innovation in the climate tech sector, making them a significant player in the environmental impact assessment landscape.


16. Breakthrough Energy


Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They focus on supporting innovative technologies and advocating for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Breakthrough Energy Ventures has been actively involved in funding companies that are making significant strides in environmental impact assessment and sustainability. Notable transactions include their participation in funding rounds for Pachama, which is developing a tech-focused carbon credit platform, and Natel Energy, which is working on the Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT) to enhance renewable energy generation. These investments reflect Breakthrough Energy's commitment to fostering advancements that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.


17. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In 2024, 500 Global has made 98 investments, showcasing its active role in the startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, the firm invested in Renoon, a sustainable fashion platform that empowers consumers to find eco-friendly clothing options, highlighting its engagement with environmentally conscious businesses. Additionally, 500 Global's investment in CIRCA5000, which focuses on sustainable finance, further emphasizes its commitment to supporting startups that contribute positively to environmental impact. Overall, while 500 Global's primary focus is on technology, its investments in sustainability-oriented companies position it as a relevant player in the environmental impact assessment space.


18. American Water

  • Website: amwater.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Camden, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: american-water

American Water, founded in 1886 and headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, is a public entity that provides essential water and wastewater services to approximately 3.4 million customers across the United States. The company operates in the water utility industry, ensuring a clean and safe water supply while managing wastewater treatment. Their services cater to residential, commercial, and governmental clients, emphasizing community support and environmental stewardship. In 2024, American Water demonstrated its commitment to environmental initiatives by providing grants to organizations focused on water conservation and environmental health, including Raritan Headwaters, which raised $10,000, and The Watershed Institute, which raised $33,500. Additionally, they supported Allegheny CleanWays and NY/NJ Baykeeper with grants of $10,000 and $20,000, respectively. These transactions highlight American Water's active role in promoting environmental sustainability and their alignment with the goals of environmental impact assessment.



Environmental Impact Assessment Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
Nv5Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)1001-5000194710
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Montrose Environmental GroupLittle Rock, Arkansas, United States (USA)1001-500020127
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Bowman ConsultingReston, Virginia, United States (USA)1001-500019958
Climate CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201517
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
American WaterCamden, New Jersey, United States (USA)5001-10000188634


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