The coastal engineering industry in Europe focuses on managing coastal and marine resources, ensuring environmental sustainability, and protecting infrastructure. Companies ranging from consultancies like RSK Group to venture firms like Katapult develop solutions for erosion control, flood risk management, and renewable energy harnessing. This sector is gaining momentum, partly due to climate change which intensifies coastal challenges. In recent years, innovations in marine technology and renewable energy have surged, showcasing forecasts of higher investments as nations prioritize resilience and sustainability along their coastlines.


The investors profiled are a mix of corporate investors, venture capitalists, and public entities, primarily based in the UK, Scandinavia, and Western Europe. With sizes ranging from small teams to firms employing over 10,000, each investor has been active, with a total of 469 deals completed in 2024 across various stages of company growth. This spectrum illustrates an array of interests from funding startups to supporting established firms in coastal engineering. Their collective engagement highlights a robust commitment to advancing marine innovation across the continent.


Top 19 Coastal Engineering Investors in Europe


1. RSK Group

  • Website: rskgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: rsk-group

RSK Group is a prominent environmental consultancy and engineering services company based in Helsby, England, founded in 1989. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, RSK provides a diverse range of services, including environmental assessments, engineering solutions, and sustainability consulting across various sectors such as energy, healthcare, and construction. Notably, RSK has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in marine and coastal engineering. In December 2022, RSK acquired Brown & May Marine Ltd, a marine environmental consultancy with 35 years of experience, which strengthens its position in the coastal engineering field. Additionally, RSK's acquisition of Copeland Wedge Associates and its expansion into the water sector through the acquisition of Black & Veatch's Water Europe and Water Asia businesses further demonstrate its commitment to addressing environmental challenges in coastal and marine contexts. These transactions reflect RSK's strategy to diversify and enhance its service offerings, particularly in areas relevant to coastal engineering.


2. 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 also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has invested in companies like Ocean Oasis, which focuses on marine solutions, and PlanBlue, which specializes in environmental monitoring and data analysis for marine ecosystems. These investments highlight the EIC's engagement with projects that have implications for coastal engineering, particularly in addressing challenges related to ocean health and sustainability.


3. 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 specialize in supporting tech startups that address global challenges through investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship. Katapult has been active in sectors such as climate-tech and ocean-tech, which are crucial for addressing environmental issues. Notably, they have invested in companies like Triton Anchor, which raised $2.2 million in a seed round, and ACUA Ocean, which secured $285,000 in a pre-seed round. These transactions highlight their commitment to fostering innovation in areas that can significantly impact coastal engineering and sustainability.


4. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally by providing a range of services including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In recent years, Bpifrance has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to coastal engineering, including a Series B investment of over $20 million in OceanWings, a company focused on ocean energy solutions. They also participated in seed rounds for AMPHITRITE and Ostrea, which are likely to be engaged in marine and coastal projects. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the coastal engineering sector.


5. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. Based in Glasgow, it provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in 55 investments, demonstrating its active role in fostering business growth. Notably, it has provided grant funding to Tymor Marine, a maritime technology firm, to develop an app-based version of its draught survey technology, which is relevant to coastal operations. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise has invested in Mocean Energy, a wave energy pioneer, contributing to its funding rounds aimed at commercializing wave energy technologies. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance coastal engineering and maritime industries.


6. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in RSK Group, an environmental and engineering services company, which raised £10m to expand its operations, including acquiring agricultural and environmental consultancy ADAS. Additionally, BGF has invested in Ocean Crest Marine, which operates in the marine sector, and ROVOP, which focuses on subsea operations, indicating their engagement in industries that intersect with coastal engineering.


7. 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 specializes in providing 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. In the context of coastal engineering, Almi has made significant investments in companies such as CorPower Ocean, which is developing wave energy converters for commercial wave energy farms, and Waves4Power, which focuses on wave energy technology. Additionally, Almi has supported TBS Yard, a company involved in maritime solutions. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to fostering innovation in the coastal engineering sector, making them a valuable investor in this field.


8. 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. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the coastal engineering sector, including Marine Power Systems, which raised over $5 million in equity crowdfunding in 2020 and 2023, focusing on marine energy solutions. Additionally, Seafields Solutions raised nearly $700,000 in 2023, contributing to innovative approaches in coastal management. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting companies that are directly engaged in coastal engineering initiatives.


9. SLR Consulting

  • Website: slrconsulting.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Aylesbury, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: slr-consulting

SLR Consulting is a corporate consulting firm based in Aylesbury, England, specializing in sustainability solutions. Founded in 1994, the firm provides a range of services including ESG strategy, environmental consulting, and project delivery across various sectors. Their recent acquisitions, such as Palmer Environmental Consulting, which focuses on resources and development, and Cumberland Ecology, specializing in environmental assessment and management, enhance their capabilities in ecological and environmental consulting. These areas are particularly relevant to coastal engineering, where understanding ecological impacts and sustainability is critical. SLR's commitment to tackling complex sustainability challenges positions them as a potential player in coastal engineering projects, where environmental considerations are paramount.


10. Bureau Veritas SA


Bureau Veritas SA is a corporate investor based in Earls Colne, England, founded in 1828. It operates as a testing and certification company, providing a wide array of services including inspection, certification, and consulting across various industries such as construction, automotive, and food production. In recent years, Bureau Veritas has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its service offerings. Notably, the acquisition of TMC Marine Ltd. in 2016 allowed Bureau Veritas to strengthen its Marine & Offshore business, which is crucial for its growth in marine insurance consultancy. This move aligns with their interest in coastal engineering, as marine services are integral to this field. Additionally, their acquisition of CKM Consultants in Singapore and ArcVera Renewables in North America further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their capabilities in sectors that intersect with coastal engineering, particularly in construction and renewable energy.


11. Egis

  • Website: egis-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Saint Quentin, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: egis

Egis is a consulting and engineering firm based in Saint Quentin, Île-De-France, France, specializing in infrastructure and environmental projects. Founded in 1949, the firm has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and operates globally, providing services in design, project management, and sustainability consulting to both public and private sector clients. Recently, Egis has made significant strides in the coastal engineering sector by acquiring Casagec Ingénierie, a French company focused on coastal management, which enhances Egis's expertise in maritime engineering and supports its commitment to addressing climate change. This acquisition, announced on December 13, 2023, positions Egis as a key player in integrated coastal management. Other notable transactions include acquisitions in various engineering sectors, but the focus on Casagec Ingénierie highlights Egis's strategic interest in coastal engineering.


12. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to address the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has invested in CorPower Ocean, which raised significant funding in 2024 and previous years to develop wave energy converters, a technology that is crucial for harnessing energy from ocean waves. This investment supports CorPower's efforts in demonstrating commercial-scale wave energy converters and developing capacity for wave energy farms across Europe, including coastal regions. Additionally, InnoEnergy has also invested in Minesto, which focuses on marine energy solutions, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainable energy innovations relevant to coastal engineering.


13. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, operating in the energy and chemicals sectors. Founded in 1907, Shell provides essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions to businesses and consumers worldwide. In recent years, Shell has expanded its focus on renewable energy, particularly in offshore wind projects. Notably, they formed a 50/50 joint venture with EDF Renewables North America to co-develop the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind project in New Jersey, which has the potential to generate approximately 2,500MW of offshore wind energy. Additionally, Shell acquired Eolfi, a French renewable energy developer specializing in floating wind projects, further enhancing their portfolio in coastal energy solutions. These transactions highlight Shell's strategic shift towards sustainable energy, making them a relevant player in the coastal engineering sector.


14. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024 alone, the EIB was involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions, the EIB provided debt financing to the Aberdeen Harbour Board, which raised over $40 million for infrastructure development, highlighting its commitment to coastal engineering projects. Other transactions include funding for companies like XOCEAN and AW-Energy, which, while not exclusively focused on coastal engineering, contribute to sectors that intersect with coastal sustainability and technology. This diverse investment strategy positions the EIB as a significant player in financing projects that can impact coastal engineering.


15. TotalEnergies


TotalEnergies is a corporate investor based in France, founded in 1924, focusing on producing and marketing a diverse range of energy solutions, including oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and has been actively investing in renewable energy projects. Notably, TotalEnergies has acquired a 20% stake in the Eolmed floating wind farm pilot project in France, which is expected to come online in 2023, enhancing their position in the offshore wind sector. Additionally, they are involved in the BadaEnergy offshore wind portfolio in South Korea, which includes significant offshore wind farms. These investments highlight TotalEnergies' strategic focus on renewable energy, particularly in coastal areas, aligning with coastal engineering initiatives.


16. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. The company has made significant strides in expanding its offerings in the environmental and infrastructure sectors. Notably, SGS acquired Ecotecnos, a Chilean company specializing in sea monitoring and oceanography services, for CHF 2.5 million in May 2022, which aligns with coastal engineering initiatives. Additionally, their acquisition of an 80% stake in Ryobi Geotechnique International Pte Ltd, a firm focused on geoengineering solutions, further enhances their capabilities in construction and infrastructure, areas that are closely related to coastal engineering. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate SGS's commitment to enhancing its services in sectors that are relevant to coastal engineering and environmental sustainability.


17. 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, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Among their notable transactions, LDC has invested in Idwal Marine Services, which aims to develop its technology platform and expand its global service footprint, highlighting LDC's engagement in the coastal engineering sector. Additionally, LDC has made acquisitions in various industries, including Stroma Ltd and SGI Compliance, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a strategic interest in sectors that may intersect with coastal engineering.


18. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in companies relevant to coastal engineering, including the acquisition of DYWIDAG-Systems International (DSI), a leading supplier in civil engineering and underground construction, which plays a crucial role in infrastructure projects that may include coastal works. Additionally, their investment in DeepOcean strengthens their position in the marine sector, which is integral to coastal engineering projects. These transactions highlight Triton's capability and interest in sectors that intersect with coastal engineering, making them a noteworthy investor in this field.


19. Unruly Capital

  • Website: unrulycap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: unruly-capital

Unruly Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various industries, including health, climate, and technology. Unruly Capital emphasizes transparency in its investment processes and aims to attract innovative founders seeking capital to grow their businesses. Notably, they have participated in several seed funding rounds for startups that align with climate and sustainability goals, such as Ocean Oasis, which focuses on ocean-related solutions, and Liquid Trees, which is involved in environmental initiatives. Their investment in ALGAFLAG and Seabound also reflects a commitment to innovative solutions that could have implications for coastal engineering. By offering venture capital investments and management services, Unruly Capital plays a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of securing funding, particularly in sectors that may impact coastal environments.



Coastal Engineering Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
RSK GroupHelsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19893
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
SLR ConsultingAylesbury, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019946
Bureau Veritas SAEarls Colne, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50018287
EgisSaint Quentin, Île-De-France, France10001+19493
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
TotalEnergiesFrance10001+192411
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Unruly CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020222


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