The irrigation equipment industry in Europe focuses on providing advanced solutions for water management in agriculture, horticulture, and landscape maintenance. Various companies, from startups to large corporations, manufacture and supply products like irrigation systems, water pumps, and moisture sensors. This sector is increasingly embracing innovation, utilizing technology such as AI, data analytics, and sustainable practices to improve water efficiency. With the growing concern about water scarcity and climate change, the industry is expected to expand as it adapts to new challenges and develops solutions that enhance agricultural productivity while conserving precious water resources.


This list combines corporate and venture capital investors from across Europe, based in major cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm. These firms, ranging from small teams to large organizations, were founded between 1966 and 2015 and made significant investments in the irrigation sector in 2024, comprising equity funding and acquisitions. Overall, the diverse nature of these investors highlights their commitment to fostering innovation in irrigation technologies.


Top 18 Irrigation Equipment 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. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding projects related to irrigation equipment, such as Agurotech, which raised $81,935 in a grant in April 2023, and Pipes.one, which secured $1,407,237 in grants in May 2020. These transactions highlight the EIC's engagement in supporting innovative solutions that can improve irrigation practices and agricultural efficiency.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in Sencrop, an agtech startup that raised $10 million in a Series A round in 2019 and $18 million in a Series B round in 2022, focusing on micro-climate technology that aids in agricultural practices, including irrigation. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Osiris agriculture, which raised funds in 2023, further demonstrating their engagement in the agricultural technology sector. Their investments in these companies highlight their interest in supporting innovations that can enhance agricultural efficiency, including irrigation solutions.


3. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company operates as part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various technology and industrial sectors. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and maintains a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to operate independently while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made significant strides in the irrigation equipment sector, particularly through its acquisition of Crysberg A/S in 2016, a Danish company specializing in electronic control solutions for irrigation systems. This acquisition highlights Indutrade's strategic interest in enhancing its capabilities within the irrigation market. Additionally, the company has a history of acquiring firms like Senmatic A/S and Torell Pump AB, which may also contribute to its overall expertise in related industrial applications.


4. 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, that provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, 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 Spowdi, a manufacturer of energy-efficient, solar-powered water pumps designed for small-scale farming, which directly relates to irrigation equipment. Additionally, Almi's involvement with Stockholm Water Technology, which focuses on water management solutions, further emphasizes its relevance in the irrigation sector. Almi's diverse investment portfolio includes support for innovative agricultural technologies, making it a significant player in the irrigation equipment industry.


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 while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the irrigation equipment industry. For instance, Futurepump raised $988,775 through equity crowdfunding on Crowdcube, focusing on solar-powered irrigation solutions. Additionally, The Small Robot Company, which has raised significant funds through Crowdcube, is engaged in agricultural technology that can enhance farming practices, including irrigation. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting innovative solutions in the agricultural sector, making it a relevant player in the irrigation equipment space.


6. The Yield Lab

  • Website: theyieldlab.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Killiney, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlab

The Yield Lab is a venture capital firm based in Killiney, Dublin, Ireland, specializing in agrifood technology investments. Founded in 2014, the firm supports early-stage companies by providing venture capital funding, access to a global network of experts, and educational resources. The Yield Lab operates across multiple regions, focusing on helping entrepreneurs scale their innovations in the agrifood sector. Among their notable transactions, they invested in GroGuru, which raised $2,345,000 in a seed round in 2019, focusing on soil moisture management and irrigation solutions. They also invested in Kilimo, a company that raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round in 2018, which specializes in optimizing irrigation through data-driven solutions. Additionally, their investment in Hydrosat, which raised $5,000,000 in 2021, indicates a commitment to technologies that can enhance agricultural productivity, including irrigation. Their recent investment in NanobOx, a provider of nanobubble technology aimed at agriculture and aquaculture, further demonstrates their focus on innovative solutions that can impact water usage and irrigation practices.


7. Cibus Capital

  • Website: cibusfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cibus-fund

Cibus Capital LLP is an investment advisory firm based in London, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to improve food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital's clients primarily include businesses in the food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and enhance their operations. Notable transactions include their participation in funding rounds for Moleaer, which develops nanobubble technology applicable in agriculture, and Ecorobotix, which has created an AI-powered smart sprayer system. Additionally, Cibus Capital's acquisition of a Dutch sustainable greenhouse operator reflects their commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. These activities highlight their active role in sectors that intersect with irrigation equipment and technology.


8. 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, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been active in various sectors, including climate-tech and ocean-tech. Notably, they have invested in companies like Sand to Green, a Moroccan AgriTech startup that aims to deploy projects across Morocco and Africa, which may involve irrigation solutions. Their investment in Flocean, which raised $9 million in Series A, and GKinetic Energy, also highlights their commitment to innovative technologies that could intersect with agricultural practices, including irrigation. Overall, Katapult's portfolio reflects a dedication to supporting startups that tackle pressing environmental issues, including those related to agriculture and irrigation.


9. Navus Ventures

  • Website: navusventures.nl
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies that focus on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. In 2023, they invested in Agurotech, which raised €1.5 million to enhance data-driven and efficient arable farming, a critical aspect of modern irrigation practices. They also invested in Blue Radix, a company that specializes in autonomous growing and AI-driven greenhouse technology, which may involve advanced irrigation systems. These transactions highlight Navus Ventures' commitment to supporting innovations in agriculture, including irrigation technologies.


10. Demeter

  • Website: demeter-im.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: demet

Demeter is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investments aimed at energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and projects with funding and management expertise. Demeter's clientele includes businesses in the energy and ecological sectors, seeking to implement innovative solutions for sustainable development. Notably, Demeter has invested in Sencrop, an AgTech startup that focuses on micro-climate technology, which is crucial for optimizing irrigation practices. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Sencrop, including seed and series A rounds, indicating a strong belief in the potential of technology to enhance agricultural efficiency. Additionally, their investment in Telaqua, which is involved in water management, further emphasizes their interest in projects that can improve irrigation and water usage in agriculture. In 2024, they also invested in Viti-Tunnel, which may relate to agricultural practices, although specific details on its irrigation relevance are less clear.


11. IK Partners

  • Website: ikpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. IK Partners aims to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies by partnering with management teams. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions relevant to the irrigation equipment industry, such as the acquisition of Gardena in 2002, a company recognized for its garden tools and irrigation solutions. More recently, they agreed to acquire Tecomatic, a Swedish provider of water treatment and erosion control systems, which aligns closely with irrigation and water management. These transactions highlight IK Partners' engagement in sectors that intersect with irrigation equipment, reinforcing their position as a relevant investor in this field.


12. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. In the AgriFood sector, Rockstart has been involved in several relevant transactions, such as Agranimo, which focuses on agricultural data solutions, and HydroNeo, which likely addresses water management and irrigation needs. Additionally, their participation in the funding round for Tractor Junction, a platform for used agricultural equipment, further demonstrates their engagement in the agricultural ecosystem, which includes irrigation equipment. Rockstart's business model emphasizes supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs to drive positive change, making them a valuable player in the irrigation equipment investment landscape.


13. Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd


Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, with a rich history dating back to 1689. The company specializes in manufacturing and retailing outdoor power equipment, including tools for forest, park, and garden maintenance. In recent years, Husqvarna has made significant strides in the irrigation equipment sector. Notably, in 2021, they acquired Orbit Irrigation, a prominent provider of residential watering solutions in North America, for USD 480 million, integrating it into their Gardena Division to create a global leader in residential watering. Additionally, Husqvarna led a funding round for Soil Scout Ltd, a startup focused on wireless soil moisture sensors, aimed at helping various sectors manage water resources more effectively. Furthermore, their participation in funding Moleaer, a company specializing in nanobubble technology to address climate change and water scarcity, highlights their commitment to innovative water management solutions. These transactions underscore Husqvarna's strategic interest in the irrigation equipment industry, complementing their broader product offerings.


14. EXEL Industries


EXEL Industries, founded in 1952 and based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, is a corporate investor specializing in manufacturing agricultural, industrial, and leisure equipment. The company has a global presence and focuses on providing innovative solutions for agricultural spraying, beet harvesting, and industrial applications. Notably, EXEL has made significant acquisitions in the agricultural sector, including the purchase of Hardi International A/S, a Danish crop sprayers business, for €100 million, which enhances their revenue from crop protection equipment. Additionally, their acquisition of Agrifac Machinery B.V. for €3 million strengthens their position in the crop spraying market, particularly in Eastern Europe and CIS. These strategic moves highlight EXEL's commitment to expanding its capabilities in agricultural technologies, including those relevant to irrigation.


15. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC aims to help management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Aqualisa Products in 2015, a company that specializes in water management solutions, which is relevant to the irrigation equipment industry. Additionally, LDC acquired Stuart Turner and Pelsis, both of which may have applications in water management and related fields. These transactions highlight LDC's potential interest in sectors that intersect with irrigation equipment, making it a noteworthy investor in this context.


16. 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 exceeding 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 significant investments in the irrigation equipment context, including a $30 million Series C funding round for CropX Technologies, which focuses on agronomic farm management systems that enhance irrigation practices. Additionally, Aliaxis acquired Ashirvad Pipes Pvt Ltd, a key player in the irrigation pipe market in India, further expanding its footprint in the irrigation sector. Their acquisition of Silver-Line Plastics, a manufacturer of high-quality plastic pipes, also supports their strategy to strengthen their presence in North America, which is relevant for irrigation applications. Overall, Aliaxis is committed to providing efficient and sustainable solutions for agricultural businesses, making them a notable investor in the irrigation equipment industry.


17. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. Leaps by Bayer provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, they have invested in Rantizo, a company that integrates drone technology for crop protection and precision application, which is relevant to irrigation practices. Additionally, their investment in Guardian Agriculture, which focuses on innovative agricultural solutions, further emphasizes their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies, including those related to irrigation. Their portfolio reflects a strategic interest in enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability.


18. NORMA Group


NORMA Group is a corporate investor based in Maintal, Hesse, Germany, specializing in engineered joining technology. Founded in 2006, the company has grown to employ between 5,001 and 10,000 people. NORMA Group provides a range of products including clamps, connectors, and fluid systems, serving various industries such as automotive and water management. Notably, in 2018, NORMA Group acquired Kimplas Piping Systems Limited for €1 billion, enhancing their expertise in water management solutions in the Indian market. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to expand their portfolio in irrigation and water management technologies. Additionally, they announced the acquisition of another water management company in India, further solidifying their commitment to this sector. Their focus on innovative solutions ensures safety and reliability in critical applications, making them a significant player in the irrigation equipment landscape.



Irrigation Equipment Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
DemeterParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200511
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., LtdStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden501-100016890
EXEL IndustriesParis, Île-De-France, France1001-500019520
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
AliaxisBelgium10001+20033
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
NORMA GroupMaintal, Hesse, Germany5001-1000020060


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