The nuclear waste management industry in the US focuses on the safe handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials from nuclear facilities and power plants. Various companies engage in this sector, including engineering firms, waste transporters, and specialized waste disposal services. With increasing attention on sustainable energy, the need for innovative waste solutions is growing. Recent developments show a shift towards advanced technologies, with initiatives that enhance safety and compliance. The industry is on the brink of transformation as it embraces new methods and practices, showing the ambition to reduce environmental impact while supporting a cleaner energy future.


The list features a mix of 18 prominent investors in the nuclear waste management space, varying from venture capital firms to public entities. They are headquartered across major cities like Washington, D.C., and New York, with the oldest established in 1812. The investor sizes range significantly, from small firms with less than ten employees to large corporates over 10,000 strong. In the 2024 deal year, these companies collectively participated in a multitude of transactions, aligning their investments with significant trends in the nuclear sector and highlighting their commitment to responsible waste management solutions.


Top 18 Nuclear Waste Management 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 founded in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. The DOE serves various 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 grant transactions that are relevant to the nuclear sector. For instance, it provided grants to Centrus Energy on multiple occasions in 2024, which is involved in advanced nuclear fuel technologies. Additionally, the DOE supported TerraPower with an $8,550,000 grant in 2022, a company focused on innovative nuclear reactor designs. These transactions highlight the DOE's commitment to advancing nuclear technology, which is closely tied to nuclear waste management efforts.


2. 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, that supports early-stage companies focusing on deep tech innovation. The firm provides a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, alongside business guidance and accelerator programs. MassVentures primarily serves startups seeking to commercialize their research and technology, providing essential resources to help them succeed. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in several transactions relevant to the nuclear waste management context, including grants to Silverside Detectors and Radiation Monitoring Devices, both of which focus on radiation detection technologies. These investments highlight MassVentures' commitment to supporting innovations that could play a significant role in the nuclear waste management industry. Other transactions, such as those with MSW Power and CapeSym, further indicate a broader interest in technologies that may intersect with energy and waste management sectors.


3. 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

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. Notably, the fund has made significant investments in the nuclear sector, including a $700 million Series C investment in X-energy, a company focused on advanced nuclear reactor technology, and participation in funding rounds for SHINE Technologies, which specializes in medical isotopes and fusion-based technology applications. These transactions highlight the fund's engagement with innovative companies in the nuclear industry, particularly in areas that may intersect with nuclear waste management.


4. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, particularly in underserved communities, with a focus on sectors such as agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. In addition to these primary sectors, Advantage Capital has made notable investments in companies relevant to the nuclear waste management industry. For instance, they provided debt financing to Holtec International, a company engaged in nuclear technology and spent fuel management, which is critical in the nuclear waste sector. They also invested in TAS Environmental Services, which has raised funds for environmental services that may include waste management solutions. These transactions highlight Advantage Capital's potential involvement in the nuclear waste management space, despite their broader investment focus.


5. 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. Over the years, Y Combinator has successfully launched more than 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the nuclear sector, including a seed investment in Helion Energy, a nuclear fusion startup, which aims to achieve break-even on energy input and output in three years. This investment reflects Y Combinator's engagement with innovative energy solutions, although its primary focus remains on technology startups across various industries.


6. 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, the company serves both government and commercial clients, leveraging advanced technologies and local knowledge to address complex challenges in resource management and compliance. Tetra Tech has been active in various acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in environmental consulting. Notably, the acquisition of Cornerstone Environmental Group in 2015, which focuses on solid waste markets, aligns with the principles of waste management, including nuclear waste. This acquisition, along with others like Piteau Associates Engineering, showcases Tetra Tech's commitment to expanding its environmental services portfolio, making it a relevant player in the broader context of waste management, including nuclear waste.


7. Dcvc

  • Website: dcvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: data-collective

DCVC is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in deep tech and life sciences, investing in innovative startups that address significant global challenges, particularly in climate and healthcare. In 2024, DCVC has made 28 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in Zeno Power, which raised $20 million in Series A funding in April 2022; this company focuses on power solutions that could be relevant for nuclear applications. Additionally, DCVC has invested in Radiant, which raised $100 million in Series C funding in November 2024, although the specific relevance to nuclear waste management is less clear. Their investment in Recycleye, a high-tech waste sorting company, also indicates a focus on waste management technologies, which could intersect with nuclear waste management. Overall, DCVC's investment strategy and portfolio suggest a potential alignment with the nuclear waste management sector.


8. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is an investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the firm provides a wide range of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, families, corporations, and governments, helping them manage and grow their financial assets. In recent years, Morgan Stanley has been involved in various transactions that highlight its commitment to sustainability and waste management. Notably, the firm has invested in Recykal, a waste management and recycling startup, providing significant funding in multiple rounds, including a $22 million investment in January 2022 and a Series B round of $13,187,387 in April 2024. These investments aim to enhance technology and infrastructure for waste processing, which is relevant to the broader context of waste management, including nuclear waste management.


9. Bernhard Capital Partners


Bernhard Capital Partners is a private equity management firm based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investment management and private equity services, focusing on acquiring, operating, and growing businesses in the services and infrastructure sectors. Notably, Bernhard Capital has made several strategic acquisitions that align with the nuclear waste management context, including the acquisition of Strategic Management Solutions, LLC, which provides management and technical consulting services as part of its Department of Energy services platform. Additionally, their acquisition of Boston Government Services and Allied Power further emphasizes their commitment to enhancing operational capabilities in sectors related to energy, including nuclear waste management. These transactions highlight Bernhard Capital's role in supporting the infrastructure necessary for effective nuclear waste management.


10. 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 its extensive portfolio and investment strategies aimed at delivering lasting value. Notably, in May 2022, Blackstone acquired a majority stake in Geosyntec Consultants for $380 million, reflecting its belief in the growing demand for environmental engineering services amid climate regulations. This acquisition aligns with interests in environmental management, which is relevant to nuclear waste management. Additionally, Blackstone's involvement with Tallgrass Energy, a company engaged in energy infrastructure, further demonstrates its diverse investment approach, although it does not directly relate to nuclear waste management. Overall, Blackstone's activities suggest a potential interest in sectors that could intersect with nuclear waste management, particularly through environmental consulting and engineering services.


11. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Carlyle serves institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, by providing tailored investment solutions across alternative asset classes. Recently, Carlyle has made significant strides in the waste management sector, highlighted by their acquisition of Waste Services Group in December 2024, which positions them within the waste management industry. Additionally, their investment in The City Bin Company, a waste disposal operator, showcases their commitment to expanding their footprint in waste management. These transactions reflect Carlyle's strategy to drive long-term value for its clients while engaging in sectors that include waste management, potentially encompassing nuclear waste management.


12. Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.


Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. is a prominent asset management firm based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in alternative investment strategies. Founded in 1995, Oaktree manages a diverse range of investment products, including credit, private equity, real estate, and listed equities, primarily catering to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. The firm is known for its commitment to delivering superior investment results while effectively managing risk through in-depth research. Notably, Oaktree has made strategic investments in companies relevant to the nuclear waste management sector, such as SHINE Technologies, which raised $50 million in debt financing for nuclear technology development. Additionally, their investment in Enercon, a company that provides engineering and environmental services, further highlights their engagement in sectors that may intersect with nuclear waste management. Oaktree's involvement in Environmental 360 Solutions, a Canadian environmental management company, also reflects their interest in environmental solutions, which can encompass nuclear waste management activities.


13. Ares Management Corporation

  • Website: aresmgmt.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: ares-management

Ares Management Corporation is a prominent investment management firm based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in alternative investments across credit, private equity, and real estate. Founded in 1997, Ares serves institutional investors by providing tailored investment solutions aimed at achieving attractive returns. With a global presence and a diverse range of investment strategies, Ares is committed to delivering consistent performance and value creation for its stakeholders. Notably, Ares has made significant investments in the nuclear sector, including a substantial $80 million investment in X-energy during its Series C financing round, which raised a total of $235 million. X-energy is focused on developing advanced nuclear reactor technology, which is crucial for addressing nuclear waste management challenges. Additionally, Ares participated in a consortium that provided £800 million in preferred equity to RSK Group, a company that may engage in environmental services, potentially including aspects of nuclear waste management. These transactions highlight Ares Management's active role in the nuclear energy landscape, reinforcing their relevance in the nuclear waste management sector.


14. Pelican Energy Partners


Pelican Energy Partners is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, specializing in strategic investments in energy services and manufacturing companies. Founded in 2013, the firm focuses on providing growth capital and strategic guidance to enhance operational efficiency and market competitiveness for its clients. In 2024, Pelican Energy Partners made significant strides in the nuclear energy sector by acquiring MillenniTek, LLC, a company that develops and supplies advanced materials for the nuclear energy industry. This acquisition highlights their commitment to supporting the nuclear sector, which is integral to nuclear waste management. Additionally, they acquired Container Technologies Industries, which may also play a role in the energy services landscape. Their investments reflect a strategic approach to enhancing capabilities within the nuclear energy space, positioning them as a relevant investor in nuclear waste management.


15. Curtiss-Wright Corporation


Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a manufacturer specializing in advanced engineered products and services for the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. Founded in 1929 and based in Davidson, North Carolina, the company provides critical technologies and components, including actuators and valves, to support military and commercial applications. In recent years, Curtiss-Wright has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the nuclear industry. Notably, in November 2012, they acquired AP Services, LLC for $30 million, a supplier of fluid sealing technologies for the nuclear and fossil power generation markets, aimed at bolstering their growth initiatives in the nuclear sector. Additionally, they announced the acquisition of Ultra Electronics, Nuclear Sensors & Process Instrumentation in January 2025, further solidifying their presence in the nuclear technology space. These transactions reflect Curtiss-Wright's commitment to innovation and operational excellence in vital industries, including nuclear waste management.


16. Citi

  • Website: citigroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1812
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: citi

Citigroup Inc. is a financial services company based in New York, providing a range of banking and investment services to individuals and businesses since its founding in 1812. With over 10,000 employees, Citi operates across various sectors, including commercial banking, investment banking, and wealth management. In recent years, Citi has been active in the waste management sector, notably leading a $35 million Series C funding round for Recycle Track Systems (RTS), a company dedicated to waste and recycling management. This investment reflects Citi's engagement in resource management and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, Citi has participated in other transactions, such as debt financing for OEG Offshore Ltd, which, while not directly related to nuclear waste, showcases their involvement in sectors that may intersect with environmental management. Overall, Citi's investment activities suggest a commitment to supporting innovative solutions in waste management, which could extend to nuclear waste management in the future.


17. Clean Harbors

  • Website: cleanharbors.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Norwell, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: clean-harbors

Clean Harbors, Inc. is an environmental services provider founded in 1980, headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts. The company specializes in hazardous waste disposal and industrial services, catering to various sectors, including healthcare and government. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Clean Harbors operates across North America, providing essential waste management solutions that help clients comply with environmental regulations. Notably, Clean Harbors has been involved in several significant acquisitions that bolster its capabilities in environmental services. For instance, the acquisition of HEPACO for $400 million, announced in February 2024, is expected to enhance their emergency response services, which are critical in managing hazardous materials, including nuclear waste. Additionally, their acquisition of HydroChemPSC for $1.25 billion in 2021 further strengthens their position in industrial cleaning and specialty maintenance, areas that intersect with nuclear waste management. These strategic moves demonstrate Clean Harbors' commitment to expanding its footprint in hazardous waste management, making it a relevant investor in the nuclear waste management sector.


18. Founders Fund

  • Website: foundersfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: the-founders-fund

Founders Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in innovative technology companies across various sectors, including aerospace and software development. Notably, Founders Fund has made significant investments in the nuclear technology space, including Transatomic Power, which raised a total of $4.5 million in seed funding in 2014 and 2015 to develop advanced nuclear reactors aimed at improving safety and efficiency. Additionally, they invested in Radiant, a company focused on building portable nuclear generators, which raised $100 million in a Series C round in 2024 and $40 million in a Series B round in 2023. These investments highlight Founders Fund's strategic support for startups that are working on cutting-edge nuclear technologies, underscoring their relevance in the nuclear waste management context.



Nuclear Waste Management 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
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662
DcvcPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-50201128
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
Bernhard Capital PartnersBaton Rouge, Louisiana, United States (USA)11-5020135
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)1001-5000199520
Ares Management CorporationLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)1001-5000199732
Pelican Energy PartnersHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020135
Curtiss-Wright CorporationDavidson, North Carolina, United States (USA)5001-1000019291
CitiNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+1812107
Clean HarborsNorwell, Massachusetts, United States (USA)10001+19801
Founders FundSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200544


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

If you want to find more investors that are active in the nuclear 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!