The environmental engineering industry in the U.S. focuses on designing solutions to combat pollution and enhance sustainability. Companies in this sector range from engineering consulting firms to technology innovators. They tackle issues like waste management, water purification, renewable energy, and carbon capture technology. As climate change becomes a pressing concern, the demand for eco-friendly solutions is rising. This has led to increased collaborations between startups and established corporations, accelerating advancements in environmental engineering. Notably, the industry blends engineering prowess with environmental science, driving impactful innovations that will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.


This list features 19 investors, including venture capital firms, corporate backers, and public entities strategically located across the U.S., from California to New York. Founded between 1956 and 2023, these investors represent a range of sizes, from small firms with only a handful of employees to large entities with thousands. In 2024, they collectively made hundreds of investments—an indication of their commitment to environmental engineering. Companies like Breakthrough Energy and Y Combinator reflect the increasing trend toward supporting sustainable technologies, signifying broader goals in both environmental sustainability and economic growth.


Top 19 Environmental Engineering Investors in the US


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

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

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. The DOE serves 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 support environmental engineering initiatives. For instance, it provided a grant of $1,200,000 to Effecterra on September 17, 2024, and $2,000,000 to Southface on May 23, 2024. Other notable grants include $379,329 to Integral Consulting Inc. and $199,677 to Advance Design Consultants, both of which focus on environmental engineering projects. These transactions highlight the DOE's active role in funding efforts that contribute to environmental sustainability and engineering advancements.


2. Government of Canada

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

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2024, the Government of Canada was involved in several significant transactions that highlight its commitment to environmental initiatives. Notably, it provided grants to the Saskatchewan Research Council, totaling over $22 million in 2024, aimed at advancing research and development in environmental technologies. Additionally, it supported InnoTech Alberta with a $2.5 million grant in early 2025, further emphasizing its role in fostering innovation in the environmental engineering sector. Other grants were awarded to organizations like Comcor and the Light House Sustainability Society, which focus on sustainability and environmental solutions, reinforcing the government's involvement in promoting environmental engineering projects.


3. Sosv

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

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also essential resources to help startups grow and succeed. In 2024 alone, SOSV made 170 investments, indicating a robust activity level. Notably, they have invested in AlkaLi Labs, which raised funds in both 2023 and 2024, suggesting a focus on climate technology. This aligns with their commitment to sectors that include health and climate technology, making them a significant player in the environmental engineering landscape.


4. 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 helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in several companies that focus on environmental engineering and sustainability. For instance, BluumBio raised $125,000 in a Pre-Seed round in August 2021, focusing on innovative solutions for environmental challenges. Similarly, Birch Biosciences, which raised funds in both a Seed round and a Grant, is involved in biosciences that can have significant environmental implications. Living Carbon, another startup in Y Combinator's portfolio, raised funds in a Seed round in August 2020, focusing on carbon capture technologies. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that are working towards environmental sustainability, making it a relevant investor in the environmental engineering sector.


5. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. In 2024, they have already made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have invested in companies like Aquacycl, which focuses on sustainable water treatment solutions, and Terra AI, which may have applications in environmental data analysis. Their investment in BluumBio also suggests an interest in biotechnological solutions that could intersect with environmental engineering. Overall, their diverse portfolio includes several transactions that align with environmental engineering, making them a significant player in this field.


6. Elemental Impact


Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012. The organization is dedicated to scaling climate technologies that have a deep community impact. They provide funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments in deploying sustainable solutions. Elemental Impact addresses the funding gap for early-stage climate projects and fosters partnerships to enhance community benefits. Notably, they have been involved in several relevant transactions, including investments in CarbonCure Technologies, which focuses on carbon capture and utilization in concrete production, and Capture6, which raised $27.5 million in Series A funding for its innovative carbon capture technology. Additionally, they have supported Microvi Biotechnologies, which develops sustainable water treatment solutions. These transactions highlight Elemental Impact's active role in promoting technologies that align with environmental engineering principles.


7. 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. The fund has been active in various sectors, including environmental engineering, as evidenced by its investments in companies like CarbonCapture, which raised $80 million in a Series A round in March 2024, and AirMyne, which raised $6.9 million in a Seed round in March 2024. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the environmental sector.


8. Breakthrough Energy


Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They support innovative technologies and advocate for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Their investment portfolio includes significant contributions to companies like CarbonCure Technologies, which focuses on carbon capture and utilization in the concrete industry, and Natel Energy, which develops hydro turbine technology aimed at sustainable energy generation. In 2023, they participated in a funding round for CarbonCure Technologies, which raised $80 million to expand its product offerings. Additionally, they have supported Natel Energy in multiple funding rounds, including a $20 million Series B round in 2021, aimed at deploying their Restoration Hydro Turbine. These transactions highlight Breakthrough Energy's active role in fostering advancements in environmental engineering.


9. 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 offers a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in significant transactions within the environmental engineering sector, particularly with Aclarity, Inc. Aclarity's Octa™ system provides a sustainable solution for eradicating PFAS contaminants, and MassVentures participated in Aclarity's Series A funding round, which raised $15.9 million, as well as multiple grants totaling $500,000 and $200,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. These investments highlight MassVentures' active role in supporting technologies that address critical environmental issues, reinforcing its position as a relevant investor in the environmental engineering field.


10. IndieBio

  • Website: indiebio.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 76
  • LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. IndieBio has been particularly active in 2024, with 76 investments, indicating a robust engagement in the startup ecosystem. Notable transactions include investments in AlkaLi Labs, which focuses on innovative solutions that may have environmental applications, and Allied Microbiota, which raised funds to develop biotechnological solutions that could enhance sustainability. These investments reflect IndieBio's commitment to fostering advancements that align with environmental engineering goals, particularly in climate and food sectors.


11. Kkr

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

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. Notably, KKR has made significant strides in the environmental sector, highlighted by its acquisition of ERM, the largest sustainability consultancy, in May 2021 for $2.7 billion. This acquisition underscores KKR's commitment to sustainability and environmental consulting. Additionally, KKR has invested in Resource Environmental Solutions, supporting its growth through its Green Solutions Platform, which focuses on eco-efficiency, eco-innovation, and ecosolutions. These strategic investments reflect KKR's dedication to integrating environmental considerations into its investment strategy, making it a key player in the environmental engineering industry.


12. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, focused on private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, facilitating access to capital and expertise to foster economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has participated in several significant transactions in the environmental engineering sector, particularly with Organica Water, a provider of innovative wastewater treatment solutions. IFC led Organica's Series B and Series C financing rounds, supporting the company's global expansion and the development of new wastewater treatment plant designs. These investments underscore IFC's commitment to environmental sustainability and its role in advancing technologies that address water management challenges.


13. Climate Capital

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

Climate Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage climate tech companies, providing funding and resources to entrepreneurs focused on emissions reduction and climate adaptation. Their investment strategy emphasizes community building and access to a network of investors and industry experts, which helps founders scale their businesses effectively. Notable transactions include investments in Phuc Labs and Terra AI, both of which are involved in innovative solutions for climate challenges. Additionally, their participation in the funding round for Cemvita Factory, a company focused on carbon capture technologies, highlights their commitment to environmental engineering and sustainability. In 2024 alone, Climate Capital has made 17 investments, showcasing their active role in the climate tech space.


14. Chevron

  • Website: chevron.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: chevron

Chevron Corporation, based in Houston, Texas, is a leading energy company specializing in oil and natural gas exploration, production, and distribution. Founded in 1999, Chevron has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and operates globally, focusing on sustainable practices to meet the world's energy demands. In recent years, Chevron has expanded its investment portfolio to include renewable energy solutions and carbon capture technologies. Notable transactions include a $20 million investment in Natel Energy, which focuses on renewable energy, and a $4.4 million investment in Blue Planet, a company that develops sustainable materials. Additionally, Chevron participated in a Series A funding round for Ocergy, which is working on sustainable offshore solutions, including floating wind technology and environmental monitoring systems. These investments highlight Chevron's commitment to integrating environmental engineering into their business strategy.


15. Nv5

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

NV5 is a consulting and engineering company based in Hollywood, Florida, founded in 1947. The firm provides technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for infrastructure, utility, and building systems, serving both public and private sector clients. NV5 operates through a network of over 100 offices and offers a wide range of services, including environmental consulting, geospatial solutions, and construction quality assurance. Notably, NV5 has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its environmental engineering capabilities, including PES Environmental, which specializes in environmental consulting, and Optimal Energy Inc., an energy efficiency consulting firm. Additionally, their acquisition of CHW Professional Consultants enhances their civil consulting services in Florida, further expanding their engineering capabilities in the environmental sector.


16. Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator


The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2011, dedicated to fostering an inclusive green economy. Based in Los Angeles, California, LACI supports cleantech startups through various programs, including business acceleration and funding opportunities, while also providing workforce development initiatives aimed at underrepresented groups. LACI operates primarily in the cleantech sector, focusing on sustainable technologies and practices. Notable transactions include investments in companies like ePave, which is involved in sustainable paving solutions, and InPipe Energy, which focuses on energy efficiency in water systems. These investments highlight LACI's commitment to supporting innovations that contribute to environmental engineering and sustainability.


17. 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 leading consulting and engineering firm based in Pasadena, California, specializing in water management, environmental services, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Founded in 1966, Tetra Tech serves both government and commercial clients, leveraging advanced technologies and local knowledge to address complex challenges in resource management and compliance. The firm has made significant strides in the environmental engineering sector through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Cornerstone Environmental Group, which focuses on solid waste markets, and RPS Group, enhancing its capabilities in environmental consulting. Tetra Tech's acquisition of Coffey International, a geotechnical engineering firm, further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its international development business. With a global presence and a diverse portfolio, Tetra Tech is well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions in environmental engineering.


18. Collaborative Fund

  • Website: collabfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: collaborative-fund

Collaborative Fund is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2010, that focuses on supporting innovative companies across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, consumer goods, and health technology. They provide financial backing and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and startups that aim to create positive societal and environmental impacts. Notably, they have invested in companies like Brimstone Energy, which is pioneering zero-carbon Portland cement, and AirMyne, which is involved in environmental solutions. Their investment strategy emphasizes identifying businesses that align with their mission of pushing the world forward, making them a relevant player in the environmental engineering space.


19. Blackstone

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

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investments. In recent years, Blackstone has made notable investments in the environmental engineering sector, including the acquisition of Geosyntec Consultants for $380 million, which highlights their belief in the increasing demand for environmental engineering services amid evolving climate regulations. Additionally, their investment in Salas O’Brien, an engineering and technical services firm, underscores their commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to environmental solutions. Blackstone also acquired Legence, further expanding its footprint in the engineering space. These transactions illustrate Blackstone's strategic focus on sectors that align with environmental sustainability and engineering, reinforcing its role as a significant investor in the environmental engineering industry.



Environmental Engineering Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Climate CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201517
ChevronHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+199916
Nv5Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)1001-5000194710
Los Angeles Cleantech IncubatorLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)51-20020112
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557


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