The irrigation technology industry in DACH focuses on innovative solutions for efficient water management in agriculture. Companies range from corporate giants like Siemens to startups developing smart irrigation systems. This sector is evolving rapidly, driven by sustainability demands and technological advancements. Automation and data analytics are becoming central themes, as they enable farmers to optimize water usage and crop yields. An increase in investment in precision agriculture tools underlines the industry's commitment to addressing water scarcity challenges. Sustainable practices are emerging as a priority, leading to scalable practices that enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.


The list features a mix of corporate entities and venture capital firms from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. With founding years peaking from the early 1800s to contemporary startups, these investors vary significantly in size. Some, like Siemens, employ over 300,000 people, while smaller firms could have as few as ten. Investment activity has been robust in 2024, with players making significant commitments to innovation in irrigation technology, as demonstrated by BASF Venture Capital's multiple investments, confirming a strong belief in these technologies' future.


Top 18 Irrigation Technology Investors in DACH


1. 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 firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in 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 actively supports the development of innovative solutions in these sectors through funding and incubation. Notably, they have invested in Guardian Agriculture, which raised $20 million in Series A funding, and Rantizo, which focuses on drone technology for crop management and has secured multiple rounds of funding, including a recent expansion of its Series A round. These investments highlight their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can improve efficiency and sustainability, including aspects related to irrigation.


2. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is a corporate venture capital firm that is part of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups across various industries, including agriculture, where it aims to enhance product performance and address environmental challenges. Notably, BASF Venture Capital has invested in Ecorobotix, a company developing AI-powered smart sprayer systems, which can improve irrigation efficiency. They also participated in funding Hummingbird Technologies, which employs drones and AI to help farmers manage crop health and optimize water usage. These investments reflect BASF's commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture, making them a relevant player in the irrigation technology sector.


3. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG, founded in 1847 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a prominent technology conglomerate specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. With a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees, Siemens generates significant revenue globally. The company has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the water sector, which is critical for irrigation technology. Notably, Siemens acquired Cambridge Water Technology in 2012, which bolstered its capabilities in water and wastewater treatment systems, essential for effective irrigation management. Additionally, the acquisition of USFilter Corp. in 2004 for $993 million further strengthened Siemens' position in the water supply and treatment industry, generating annual sales of $1.2 billion. These transactions highlight Siemens' commitment to improving water management solutions, making them a relevant player in the irrigation technology space.


4. 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 focus on sustainable development, Demeter manages a diverse portfolio that promotes ecological solutions. Notably, they have invested in Naïo Technologies, a leader in agricultural robotics, participating in multiple funding rounds to support the company's growth and international expansion. Their involvement in Hyperplan, which leverages satellite and meteorological data to enhance food chain security, further underscores their commitment to agricultural innovation. These transactions highlight Demeter-Partners' active role in the irrigation technology sector, aligning with their mission to foster sustainable agricultural practices.


5. wienerberger

  • Website: wienerberger.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 1819
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: wienerberger

Wienerberger AG, founded in 1819 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a leading construction materials manufacturer specializing in bricks, roof tiles, and plastic pipes. The company serves construction businesses and contractors by providing innovative and sustainable building solutions, with a strong focus on ecological practices. In recent years, Wienerberger has made significant acquisitions to enhance its product offerings in water management. Notably, the acquisition of GrainPlastics in June 2024 aims to improve sustainable water management and support the company's sustainability goals. Additionally, the acquisition of Wideco Sweden AB in April 2023, a company specializing in energy and water management solutions, further strengthens Wienerberger's commitment to smart solutions in water management. These strategic moves highlight Wienerberger's dedication to integrating irrigation technology into its broader portfolio, making it a relevant player in the irrigation technology sector.


6. 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 focuses on innovation and sustainability, helping its customers meet environmental challenges and improve operational efficiency. Notably, BASF has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its position in the agricultural and water treatment sectors. In 2011, BASF acquired inge watertechnologies AG, a company specializing in ultrafiltration technology, which is crucial for water treatment applications, including irrigation. In 2022, BASF further expanded its agricultural portfolio by acquiring Horta S.r.l., an Italian company focused on digital farming solutions. These transactions highlight BASF's commitment to improving agricultural practices and water management, making it a relevant player in the irrigation technology space.


7. 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 for €1 billion, a move aimed at enhancing their expertise in water management solutions in the Indian market. This acquisition is particularly relevant to irrigation technology as Kimplas is known for its electrofusion and compression fittings, which are essential components in irrigation systems. Additionally, NORMA Group announced the acquisition of another water management company in India around the same time, further solidifying their position in the water management sector. These strategic acquisitions highlight NORMA Group's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that ensure safety and reliability in critical applications, including those related to irrigation.


8. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)


The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2020. It focuses on sustainable investments in the bioeconomy, providing funding and expertise to growth-stage companies that aim to transition to a circular bio-based economy. ECBF operates primarily within the EU and supports innovations in sectors such as agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has invested in Weenat, a German agritech company that raised $8M in a Series C round for its meteorological sensors designed to help farmers conserve water. This investment highlights ECBF's commitment to supporting technologies that enhance irrigation efficiency. Additionally, they led a $17 million Series A funding round for RED Horticulture, which, while focused on lighting, is part of the broader agricultural technology landscape. Their investment in Trapview, a Slovenian agritech startup that raised €10 million in a Series B funding round, further emphasizes their active role in the agritech sector, which often overlaps with irrigation technology.


9. AlphaMundi Group Ltd


AlphaMundi Group Ltd is an impact investment firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on financing scalable ventures in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, offering investment funds such as the SocialAlpha Fund and AlphaJiri Fund. Their investment strategy integrates gender analysis to enhance social impact, targeting sectors like Financial Inclusion and Renewable Energy. Notably, AlphaMundi has been involved in significant transactions relevant to irrigation technology, including a $11 million debt financing for SunCulture, which specializes in solar-powered irrigation solutions for farmers. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Sistema.bio, a company that develops bio-gas equipment for small farms, which indirectly supports sustainable agricultural practices. These investments highlight AlphaMundi's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, making them a relevant player in the irrigation technology sector.


10. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in high-potential technology startups. The firm provides financial support and strategic advisory services, helping startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, but has also made notable investments in the agricultural technology sector. For instance, they led funding rounds for Ecorobotix, which raised $52 million in 2023 for its AI-powered smart sprayer system, and $14.7 million in 2021. Additionally, they invested in xFarm Technologies, which raised €17 million in Series B funding in 2022 and $39.5 million in Series C funding in 2024. These investments highlight Swisscom Ventures' focus on empowering innovative companies that are developing solutions relevant to irrigation and agricultural efficiency.


11. 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 venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio, catering primarily to entrepreneurs and innovative companies seeking investment. Notably, Verve Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the agricultural technology space, particularly with Ecorobotix, which has raised multiple funding rounds to develop its smart sprayer system, ARA. This system utilizes AI to optimize spraying processes, which is crucial for efficient irrigation practices. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Wingtra, a manufacturer of VTOL drones, which can also play a role in agricultural monitoring and management, further emphasizing their interest in technologies that can enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability.


12. Atlantic Labs

  • Website: atlanticlabs.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-labs

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. They support exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey, focusing on startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health. Notably, Atlantic Labs has participated in funding rounds for companies like Plantix, a crop disease recognition app that raised significant capital to enhance its AI-driven solutions for agriculture. This involvement highlights their interest in agricultural technology, which is closely related to irrigation practices. Additionally, their participation in earlier funding rounds for Plantix demonstrates a commitment to supporting innovations that can improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.


13. Saxovent

  • Website: saxovent.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: saxovent

Saxovent Smart Eco Investments GmbH, founded in 1997 and based in Berlin, Germany, is a corporate investor specializing in renewable energy projects, particularly in wind and solar energy. The company also invests in real estate and agricultural technology, aiming to provide sustainable solutions for businesses and organizations. In 2023, Saxovent participated in a Series B funding round for Bind-X, a company focused on sustainable industrial solutions, which includes products for alternative weed management in agriculture. This involvement highlights Saxovent's interest in agricultural technology, potentially extending to irrigation solutions. Additionally, they were involved in the Series A funding for Autonomous Pivot, which may also relate to agricultural innovations. These transactions suggest that Saxovent is actively seeking opportunities that align with sustainable practices in agriculture, including irrigation technology.


14. Georg Fischer

  • Website: georgfischer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1802
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: georg-fischer

Georg Fischer Ltd, founded in 1802 and based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in innovative solutions across various sectors, including piping systems, building flow solutions, casting, and machining. The company serves a diverse clientele, including municipalities and industries such as automotive and aerospace, with a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability. Notably, Georg Fischer has made strategic acquisitions and investments that enhance its capabilities in the piping systems domain, which is critical for irrigation technology. For instance, the acquisition of Alfa Plastics Inc. transformed it into Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd, strengthening their position in managing piping systems in Canada. Additionally, their minority stake in Urecon and participation in funding for Oxford Flow highlight their commitment to advancing fluid management solutions, which are integral to effective irrigation systems. These transactions underscore Georg Fischer's relevance in the irrigation technology sector.


15. 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 has invested in SunCulture, a Kenyan startup that focuses on solar-powered irrigation systems, which highlights their engagement in the irrigation technology sector. This investment aims to support the expansion of sustainable irrigation solutions for small-holder farmers, showcasing their interest in technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Additionally, Partners Group has been involved in other significant acquisitions, such as Techem, but their direct involvement in irrigation technology through SunCulture is particularly relevant to this category.


16. Bosch

  • Website: bosch.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, based in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Bosch operates across various sectors, including mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. The company is committed to sustainability and enhancing quality of life through innovative technology solutions. Notably, Bosch has invested in The Yield, a Tasmanian agtech company, contributing $2.5 million to support the development of a microclimate sensing system. This investment aligns with irrigation technology as it aims to improve agricultural practices through better environmental monitoring. Bosch's involvement in such transactions highlights its interest in advancing agricultural technology, making it a relevant player in the irrigation technology space.


17. Momenta

  • Website: momenta.one
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: momentapartners

Momenta is a venture capital firm based in Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in industrial impact and digital transformation, providing strategic investments and advisory services to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups across sectors such as energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chain. Momenta focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and driving sustainability through its expertise in critical industries. Notably, they have invested in Agtonomy, a company that raised $22.5M in Series A funding to develop AI solutions for agriculture, which can significantly impact irrigation practices. Additionally, they participated in an earlier funding round for Agtonomy, indicating a sustained interest in agricultural technology. Their investment in Fixposition AG, which focuses on autonomous navigation, also aligns with the broader context of improving agricultural operations, potentially including irrigation management. These transactions highlight Momenta's commitment to supporting innovations that can lead to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.


18. Cherry Ventures

  • Website: cherry.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments across Europe. The firm provides capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative startups in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, Cherry Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Infarm, which raised $100 million in Series B funding in 2019, focusing on urban farming solutions that can enhance irrigation practices. They also invested in Stenon, which raised $20 million in a Series A round, contributing to agricultural technology advancements. These investments reflect Cherry Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that aim to create lasting impacts in agriculture and related fields, including irrigation technology.



Irrigation Technology Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
wienerbergerVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+18192
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
NORMA GroupMaintal, Hesse, Germany5001-1000020060
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
AlphaMundi Group LtdGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020075
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
SaxoventBerlin, Berlin, Germany51-20019971
Georg FischerSchaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland10001+18020
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
BoschBirenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18865
MomentaEngelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland11-5020127
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225


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