The water treatment industry in Europe is dynamic and vital for public health and environmental sustainability. This sector comprises companies focusing on innovative technologies such as filtration, purification, and recycling of water for various applications. From large multinationals offering comprehensive solutions to nimble startups specializing in niche technologies, the industry's players provide essential services that ensure clean and safe water. As climate change and urbanization intensify water challenges, European firms are increasingly investing in sustainable practices and smart technologies. Interestingly, investments in digital water technologies are gaining traction, enhancing efficiencies and reducing environmental impacts in treatment processes.


The list highlights 19 prominent investors engaged in the European water treatment sector, encompassing venture capitalists, private equity firms, and corporate investors. These investors are headquartered across various European cities, with notable hubs in London, Stockholm, and Paris. Established between 1933 and 2017, they vary in size from small firms with fewer than 10 employees to massive corporations, with thousands in their workforce. In 2024 alone, these investors participated in numerous deals, ranging from multi-million dollar acquisitions to seed funding, showcasing their active role and commitment to advancing water treatment solutions across Europe.


Top 19 Water Treatment Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the water treatment industry, such as grants awarded to Mimbly, which focuses on sustainable water management solutions, and participation in the Series A funding round for TreaTech, a company dedicated to circular waste treatment technologies. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the water treatment sector.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm 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 through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in several transactions relevant to the water treatment sector, including Kumulus Water, a Tunisian startup that raised $969k in pre-Seed funding to enhance its water service offerings. Other transactions include investments in companies like CASTALIE, Purecontrol, and ONDILO, which, while not exclusively focused on water treatment, indicate Bpifrance's broader interest in innovative solutions that may intersect with water management and sustainability.


3. 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 crowdfunding platform based in London, England, that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. Founded in 2010, it connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform emphasizes promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the water treatment industry, including Salinity Solutions, which raised over $1.8 million in two rounds of equity crowdfunding, and Hydraloop.com, which raised approximately $4.5 million. Additionally, they have invested in Mapal Green Energy, further showcasing their involvement in water-related technologies.


4. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has made significant investments in the water treatment sector, including a funding round for Stockholm Water Technology, which raised 10 million Swedish crowns for market entry and product development. Additionally, Almi has invested in Ecofiltration Nordic, Mimbly, and C-Green, all of which are involved in innovative solutions for water treatment and sustainability. These transactions highlight Almi's active role in supporting advancements in the water treatment industry.


5. Suez

  • Website: suez.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: suez

Suez SA is a leading utility company based in Paris, specializing in water and waste management. With over 160 years of experience, Suez provides essential services to public sector operators and industrial clients, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative solutions for water treatment, waste recycling, and resource management. In recent years, Suez has made significant investments in the water treatment sector, including the acquisition of GE Water & Process Technologies for €3.2 billion in 2017, which established a new Business Unit, 'Water Technologies & Solutions'. Additionally, Suez acquired Degrémont SAS in 2014, further enhancing its water treatment capabilities. The company also acquired a 100% stake in Canaragua in 2021, demonstrating its strategy to strengthen its operations in Spain. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of Nantaise des Eaux Services and Eagle Water Company, both of which align with Suez's mission to provide comprehensive water management solutions. Overall, Suez is positioned as a key player in the global water treatment industry.


6. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Saur SAS, a key player in the water treatment industry, for approximately $1.7 billion in December 2018. This acquisition highlights EQT's strategic focus on water treatment solutions. Additionally, EQT's investment in Desotec, a company known for its filtration technologies, further emphasizes their engagement in the water treatment sector. These transactions illustrate EQT's commitment to investing in companies that contribute to sustainable water management and treatment solutions.


7. 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 an environmental consultancy and engineering services company based in the UK, founded in 1989. With over 10,000 employees, RSK provides a wide range of services including environmental assessments, engineering solutions, and sustainability consulting across various sectors such as energy, healthcare, and construction. In recent years, RSK has made significant strides in the water treatment sector through strategic acquisitions. In 2021, they acquired Black & Veatch's Water Europe and Water Asia businesses, enhancing their capabilities and workforce in the water sector. Additionally, the acquisition of WGM Engineering in 2022, which specializes in engineering services for the water sector, further solidifies RSK's commitment to improving water treatment solutions. These moves reflect RSK's aim to navigate environmental challenges and improve sustainability practices, particularly in water management.


8. Indutrade Life Science

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

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made significant strides in the water treatment sector, particularly with its acquisition of acti-Chem A/S, a Danish company specializing in sustainable water treatment solutions, which was finalized on May 24, 2022. This acquisition, along with other transactions, highlights Indutrade's strategic interest in enhancing its portfolio with companies that provide innovative solutions in water treatment and related fields.


9. 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, that was 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 been involved in several transactions relevant to the water treatment sector, including a significant £6.25 million investment in Skewb, a company that offers consultancy and digital transformation services to the energy and water sector. Additionally, BGF has invested in Puraffinity, which focuses on innovative water treatment solutions, further demonstrating their engagement in this industry. Other investments, such as in Flowline Limited, a drainage contractor, also highlight their involvement in businesses that contribute to water management and treatment.


10. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. The EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and water management. In 2024, the EIB was involved in significant transactions related to water treatment, such as providing debt financing of approximately $369.8 million to The Water Group, which is focused on water solutions, and $30.9 million to Azienda Comprensoriale Acquedottistica, a company involved in water supply and treatment. These transactions highlight the EIB's commitment to financing projects that promote sustainable water management and treatment, aligning with its broader mission to support growth and job creation in Europe.


11. Pentair

  • Website: pentair.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: pentair

Pentair plc is a leading water treatment company based in London, England, that specializes in providing innovative solutions for water management across various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Founded in 1966, Pentair has established itself as a key player in the water treatment industry, offering a range of products such as pool and spa equipment, water softening and filtration systems, and agricultural solutions. The company serves a diverse customer base, including homeowners, businesses, and municipalities, with a strong emphasis on sustainable water solutions. Notably, Pentair has been involved in significant transactions within the water treatment context, such as leading a $2.1 million financing round for Aqua Membranes to enhance energy-saving water filtration technology. They have also participated in earlier funding rounds for Voltea, a company focused on innovative water treatment solutions. These investments highlight Pentair's active role in advancing water treatment technologies and its commitment to the industry.


12. Katapult

  • Website: katapult.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They focus on tech startups that address global challenges, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been involved in several transactions relevant to the water treatment sector, including: 1) Desolenator, which raised funds for water purification technology; 2) Matter, which raised $10 million to scale its microplastic filtration technology for commercial and industrial applications; 3) Ecospears, which focuses on environmental solutions, including water treatment; and 4) Flocean, which raised $9 million in a Series A round, likely related to water treatment innovations. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to supporting technologies that contribute to sustainable water management and treatment solutions.


13. 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 tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has participated in funding rounds for companies like Stockholm Water Technology, which raised funds for market entry and product development, indicating a direct involvement in the water treatment sector. Additionally, their investment in companies like Naoden, which focuses on waste-to-energy technology, reflects their commitment to sustainable solutions that may intersect with water treatment technologies.


14. Saur

  • Website: saur.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1933
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: saur

Saur is a corporate investor based in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1933. As a leading water management company, Saur specializes in providing drinking water, wastewater treatment, and engineering solutions to municipalities and industries. They focus on efficient water resource management and sustainability, operating in multiple countries to deliver high-quality water services. In recent years, Saur has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the water treatment sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of CirTec, a Dutch company specializing in sustainable water treatment technologies, and Separator Services, a Polish firm focused on industrial effluent treatment. These acquisitions reflect Saur's commitment to expanding its portfolio in water management and treatment solutions, positioning them as a significant player in the industry.


15. Ldc

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

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Waterscan, which raised $15,174,008 in a private equity round in June 2024, highlighting their engagement in the water treatment sector. Additionally, LDC has made investments in companies like ADEY Professional Heating Solutions and Stuart Turner, which, while not directly in water treatment, indicate their broader interest in sectors related to water management and compliance.


16. EEP Africa

  • Website: eepafrica.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: eepafrica

EEP Africa is a not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2010. It focuses on financing clean energy projects in Southern and Eastern Africa, providing early-stage grants and support for innovative initiatives. EEP Africa collaborates with various funding partners to enhance energy access and promote sustainable development in the region. Notably, EEP Africa has been involved in transactions that intersect with water treatment, such as OffGridBox, which raised $1.6 million in seed funding to provide affordable renewable energy and clean water solutions. Additionally, they have supported Water Access Rwanda, which also aligns with their mission to improve access to essential services. These transactions highlight EEP Africa's commitment to integrating water treatment solutions within their clean energy financing framework.


17. BloombergNEF

  • Website: about.bnef.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: bloombergnef

BloombergNEF is a research firm based in London, specializing in the energy and commodity markets. Founded in 2004, they provide strategic insights and analysis to help businesses navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Their offerings include comprehensive research reports, summits, and a pioneering program that identifies innovative technologies for decarbonization. Notably, BloombergNEF has been involved in several grant transactions that support water treatment technologies, including funding for Ecosphere Technologies, Source, Oasys Water, Via Separations, and Solarkiosk. These investments highlight their commitment to fostering innovative solutions in the water treatment sector, which is critical for sustainable development and addressing global water challenges.


18. IK Partners

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

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in sectors such as Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has made significant strides in the water treatment industry, exemplified by their recent acquisition of Tecomatic, a Swedish provider of water treatment and erosion control systems, announced on March 6, 2025. This acquisition highlights their commitment to enhancing growth and creating long-term value in the water treatment sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


19. Marlowe plc

  • Website: marloweplc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: marloweplc

Marlowe plc is a corporate compliance services provider based in London, England, specializing in fire safety and water hygiene. Founded in 2015, the company has rapidly expanded its operations and now serves a diverse clientele, including SMEs and public sector entities. Marlowe has made significant strides in the water treatment sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, it acquired WCS Environmental Group, a water treatment business, for £2.5 million in April 2016. In October 2021, Marlowe further strengthened its position by acquiring Hydro-X Group for approximately $40.8 million. Additionally, the company acquired Guardian Water Treatment Ltd. and GPCS Limited for £3.3 million in December 2017, and Sterling Hydrotech for £1.75 million in October 2021. Most recently, Marlowe completed the acquisition of Advance Environmental Ltd., a provider of water treatment and hygiene services, in June 2023. These transactions highlight Marlowe's strategic focus on enhancing its market position and operational synergies within the water treatment industry.



Water Treatment Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
SuezParis, Île-De-France, France10001+19975
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
RSK GroupHelsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19893
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
PentairLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000019662
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
SaurIssy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France10001+19331
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
EEP AfricaHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland11-5020100
BloombergNEFLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020040
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
Marlowe plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500020150


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