The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
US Department of Energy is a government agency that regulates energy policy, research, and development. The Energy Department's mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.
EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.
Echo River Capital invests globally in early stage water technology companies to Digitize, Decarbonize and Decentralize the water cycle. Our vision for the future is living in freshwater harmony with nature, made easier through technology. Echo River is among the few investors with a narrow specialty in smart water technology solving global water challenges for human health, environment, and climate resilience.
Burnt Island Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and located in New York, New York. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on entrepreneurs and startups in the water and climate technology sectors. Burnt Island Ventures is dedicated to identifying and supporting innovative founders who are addressing critical challenges related to water and environmental sustainability. Through its investment initiatives, the firm aims to foster growth and development in these vital industries.
MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs from various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in countries such as Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge operates a non-equity model, allowing startups to retain full ownership while benefiting from expert guidance and connections. The accelerator conducts various programs tailored to specific sectors, such as MassChallenge HealthTech and MassChallenge FinTech, which facilitate partnerships between startups and established enterprises to drive innovation and market growth. Through its extensive global network, MassChallenge aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and empower high-potential startups to create meaningful impact.
Emerald Technology Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, established in 2000. The firm specializes in clean technology investments, focusing on sectors such as energy, water, advanced materials, and industrial information technology. Key areas of interest include solar power, distributed energy generation, electricity storage, water purification, and waste recycling technologies. Emerald aims to invest in companies projected to achieve market growth of 15% to 20% per annum, with investment amounts ranging from approximately $1.26 million to $12.76 million. The firm primarily targets companies in Europe, Australia, Israel, and North America. With a preference for exiting investments within four to six years, Emerald Technology Ventures is committed to supporting technologies that contribute to net-zero emissions and sustainable development.
Mazarine Ventures is a technology investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on generating social and environmental impact through early-stage investments. The firm specifically seeks out young companies that offer innovative solutions to improve efficiencies and address water and wastewater-related risks. Mazarine Ventures is particularly interested in founders who are proactive and dedicated to tackling challenges associated with public health, environmental protection, business continuity, and climate change. The firm invests in various sectors, including communications, networking, diagnostic equipment, biotechnology, water utilities, and software, targeting companies with revenue of around one million dollars. Through its investments, Mazarine Ventures aims to support ventures that contribute positively to society and the environment.
Elemental Impact is a consulting organization established in 2009, dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within the business sector. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, it focuses on initiatives that encourage waste reduction, recycling, and efficient resource utilization across various industries. By providing resources, tools, and guidance, Elemental Impact assists companies in adopting sustainable practices that enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The organization emphasizes the importance of equity and access in climate solutions, filling critical gaps in funding innovative climate technologies for real-world applications. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, Elemental Impact aims to cultivate a culture of sustainability and create a positive impact on the planet.
Duke Energy is a major utility company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 8.2 million customers across the United States. The company operates regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky, and has roughly 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. In addition to its core services, Duke Energy manages natural gas distribution for over 1.6 million customers in Ohio and Kentucky. The company also owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America and Latin America. Through its efforts, Duke Energy aims to deliver energy in a sustainable manner while contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of the communities it serves.
At Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), they fund Canadian cleantech projects and coach the companies that lead them as they move their ground-breaking technologies to market. SDTC’s support of cleantech translates into jobs, growth, and export opportunities for Canadian companies, as well as economic, environmental and health benefits for all Canadians. They are independent but don’t work alone. A big part of their role is building and sustaining networks of partners and stakeholders from private industry, academia and governments, at home and abroad. They operate at arm’s length and receive funding from the Government of Canada.
New Jersey American Water is a utilities company offering water and wastewater treatments. Our customers are our number one priority, and we are proud to deliver clean, safe, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services. In New Jersey we serve about 2.7 million people. To ensure your water is of the highest quality, we strictly follow regulations that are set by local authorities as well as federal standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
SOSV is a global venture capital firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, founded in 1995. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on deep technology innovations that address human and planetary health. The firm operates startup development programs, notably HAX and IndieBio, which provide resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate the growth of promising startups. SOSV supports companies from their inception through various funding stages, including seed and series A rounds, while offering ongoing assistance to help them scale and attract additional investors. By concentrating on revolutionary technologies and cross-border markets, particularly in Asia, SOSV aims to foster significant advancements that benefit humanity and the environment.
Bpifrance is a financial institution dedicated to supporting companies throughout their development stages, particularly those preparing for stock market listing and seeking credit equity. The organization provides a range of financial solutions, including financing, innovation assistance, and capital investment. By integrating various entities such as OSEO and CDC Entreprises, Bpifrance aims to deliver tailored financial support that addresses the specific needs of businesses. The institution is committed to fostering innovation and helping companies transition toward sustainable growth, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.
Nucleus Capital is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2020 that focuses on supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs. The firm is dedicated to addressing global challenges related to human and planetary health through entrepreneurial innovation. Nucleus Capital specializes in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, targeting companies in the fields of synthetic and computational biology, food technology, and climate technology. By partnering with founders at the early stages of their ventures, Nucleus Capital aims to foster innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.
Evoqua Water Technologies GmbH is a leading manufacturer of water and wastewater treatment products and systems, including disinfection and solutions for municipal, industrial, and purified water applications. Headquartered in Günzburg, Germany, the company operates as a subsidiary of Evoqua Water Technologies LLC. With over a century of experience, Evoqua is recognized for its innovation and expertise in the water treatment sector. The company is organized into two main segments: Integrated Solutions and Services, which offers fully integrated systems and tailored service solutions, and Applied Product Technologies, which focuses on developing product platforms for distribution through third-party channels. Evoqua is committed to helping municipalities and industrial clients protect and enhance water resources worldwide.
Core & Main Inc is a specialty distributor that provides a comprehensive range of products and services related to water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection. The company caters to municipalities, private water companies, and contractors, serving diverse markets including municipal, non-residential, and residential sectors across the nation. Core & Main's extensive product portfolio features pipes, valves, fittings, storm drainage solutions, fire protection equipment, and meter products. The majority of its revenue is derived from the sale of pipes, valves, and fittings, reflecting its commitment to supporting reliable infrastructure development throughout the United States.
Founded in 2010 and based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, EIT InnoEnergy is a leading innovation engine focused on sustainable energy. The company operates with a mission to support the growth of early-stage companies in sectors such as climate technology, clean technology, mobility, and the Internet of Things. EIT InnoEnergy invests primarily in seed and early-stage businesses, aiming to enhance their potential through value-added services that mitigate risks and accelerate development. With offices across Europe and the United States, the firm is committed to fostering innovation in the energy sector to drive sustainable solutions.
Ember Infrastructure is a private equity firm established in 2018 and located in New York, New York. The company specializes in investing in sectors related to energy transition, water, waste management, industrial services, and agriculture. Ember Infrastructure focuses on buyout opportunities that align with its mission to support the shift towards sustainable and clean energy solutions. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Ember Infrastructure aims to drive positive change in the infrastructure landscape while delivering value to its investors.
The European Investment Bank (EIB), established in 1958 and headquartered in Luxembourg, serves as the lending arm of the European Union, primarily focusing on supporting European integration and social cohesion. It offers a range of financial services, including project loans for both public and private sectors, loans to banks and intermediaries, and structured finance products. EIB also provides guarantees, securitization instruments, and equity investments, particularly in infrastructure and environmental projects. The bank plays a crucial role in financing microfinance and risk-sharing initiatives for research and innovation, alongside offering technical expertise for sustainable energy projects. Its advisory services encompass urban development and infrastructure, and it actively supports public-private partnerships and small to medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including transportation, energy, health, education, and agriculture.
SUIZ Environnement is a utility company that offers industrial services to its clients. The company’s range of services include water management, recycling, waste recovery, and urban development. Water management consists of collection, distribution, waste water treatment, and regulations. Recycling consists of collections and logistics, sorting and dismantling, recovery and treatment, sanitation, maintenance, decontamination, and regulations. SUIZ Environnement was founded in 2008 and is based in Paris.
XPV Water Partners is an impact investment firm based in Toronto, Canada, founded in 2006. The firm focuses on investing in companies within the water sector, leveraging the expertise of its team, which includes experienced water entrepreneurs, operators, and investment professionals. XPV Water Partners is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the water industry by supporting innovative solutions and sustainable practices that address global water challenges.
Bridges Israel is an impact investment fund which invests in Israeli businesses to generate competitive financial returns alongside significant measurable social Impact. Bridges Israel is an independent affiliate of Bridges Fund Management, a specialist fund manager focused exclusively on sustainable and impact investment, with offices in London, New York and San Francisco, more than 1 billion under management and a proven track record since 2002.
The European Innovation Council (EIC), established in 2020 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is dedicated to supporting high-potential innovators, entrepreneurs, small enterprises, and researchers. Its primary focus is on fostering early-stage startups that demonstrate significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. The EIC collaborates with private investors to co-invest in ventures, particularly within the deep technology sector, aiming to drive innovation and sustainable development across Europe. By providing financial backing and resources, the EIC seeks to enhance the growth potential of promising startups and contribute to a more innovative and competitive European economy.
LDC is a private equity firm established in 1981 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company specializes in providing financial investment services, focusing on buyouts and development capital transactions for unquoted companies in the UK. LDC aims to invest in a variety of sectors, including consumer, healthcare, information and communications technology, industrial, media, and technology. With the capacity to offer up to £100 million in funding, LDC seeks to support the growth and development of its portfolio companies.
H2O Innovation Inc. is a Canadian company specializing in integrated water treatment solutions utilizing membrane filtration technology. It operates through three primary segments: Water Technologies and Services, Specialty Products, and Operation and Maintenance Services. The company provides systems and equipment for producing drinking and industrial process water, as well as for the reclamation, reuse, and desalination of water. In addition to offering membrane filtration systems and spare parts, H2O Innovation supplies specialty chemicals such as antiscalants, cleaners, and coagulants. The company also provides a range of services, including operation and maintenance for water treatment facilities, public works services, and construction for water and sewer lines. Its innovative technologies, such as Intelogx for data analysis and Clearlogx for automation, enhance the efficiency of water treatment processes. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Quebec City, H2O Innovation has established itself as a leader in the water treatment industry, continuously expanding its market presence through a comprehensive range of products and services.
Banque des Territoires is a financial institution that provides banking and financial services primarily to local authorities, businesses, social housing organizations, and legal professionals. The company specializes in offering customized loans and investment advisory services, as well as financing solutions designed to support clients in executing their projects. By focusing on the specific needs of its diverse clientele, Banque des Territoires aims to facilitate development and growth within various territories, contributing to local economic and social initiatives.
HAX is a venture capital program focused on accelerating hardware startups, operating from San Francisco and Shenzhen. Established in 2012, HAX provides founders with essential resources to rapidly prototype and iterate their products, encompassing physical models, technology developments, user interaction studies, and comprehensive business plans. The program supports accepted teams through a combination of full-time staff, mentors, and a vibrant startup community, emphasizing the development of scalable business strategies. Once products are ready for market introduction, teams transition to San Francisco, where HAX assists with business development, fundraising, and establishing critical partnerships. The program includes specialized initiatives such as HAX Growth, a 7-week bootcamp for launching B2C and B2B hardware startups, and HAX Boost, which helps teams refine their sales and marketing strategies while preparing for growth. HAX is part of SOSV, a global venture capital firm with a diverse portfolio, focusing on technology startups that aim to create meaningful innovations.
Serra Ventures is a venture capital firm investing in technology companies throughout the U.S. and in select international locations. Sectors we focus on include information technology, devices/instrumentation and agricultural technologies.
Enhanced Capital Partners, established in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm focused on providing tailored investment solutions to small and mid-size companies. The firm specializes in various sectors, including small businesses, renewable energy projects, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing, leveraging federal and state incentive programs. Enhanced Capital employs a versatile approach to investment, offering equity and debt financing options such as tax credit lending and impact lending, aimed at maximizing growth potential for businesses in the lower middle market. With over $400 million under management, the firm is committed to supporting the expansion and development of enterprises positioned for rapid growth.
The York Water Company is a water utility company based in the United States that focuses on the purification and distribution of water. It impounds and purifies water to meet or exceed safe drinking water standards, serving a diverse customer base that includes residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Additionally, York Water manages the collection and treatment of wastewater, operating three wastewater collection systems and two wastewater treatment facilities. The company operates within its franchised territory, which encompasses over 54 municipalities in York County, Pennsylvania. Through its efforts, York Water aims to preserve local hydrology while ensuring reliable access to clean water for its customers.
A.O. Smith Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of residential and commercial water heating solutions, including gas, gas tankless, and electric water heaters. The company also offers supplementary products such as water heating equipment, condensing and non-condensing boilers, and water system tanks. A.O. Smith operates primarily in two geographic segments: North America, which accounts for the majority of its revenue, and the Rest of the World, with significant sales in Asian markets. In North America, a considerable portion of sales is generated from replacing existing products, and the company employs a wholesale distribution channel along with various selling locations to reach its customers.
Unruly is a new investment firm, aiming to find and fund the best founders building the most innovative companies at the frontiers of what's possible today. We invest early, are not scared of risky moonshots and become your biggest fans.
HG Ventures, founded in 2018, is the venture capital arm of The Heritage Group, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm focuses on early and growth-stage investments in sectors such as transportation infrastructure, environmental services, specialty chemicals, advanced materials, and energy production. HG Ventures aims to support innovation by investing in private companies that are developing new technologies and approaches within these core and adjacent markets. It offers a unique value proposition to its portfolio companies by leveraging the expertise of The Heritage Group's operating companies and research center. The firm typically invests up to $20 million, primarily in companies based in the United States.
Xylem is a prominent global water technology provider that focuses on addressing critical water and infrastructure challenges through innovative solutions. Established in 2011 as a spinoff from ITT Corporation, the company is headquartered in Rye Brook, New York, and operates in over 150 countries. Xylem offers a comprehensive range of services related to the transport, treatment, testing, and efficient use of water across various sectors, including public utilities, industrial, commercial, residential, and agricultural markets. With a workforce of approximately 16,200 employees, Xylem emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency in its technologies, helping customers reduce life-cycle costs while promoting environmentally responsible practices. The company generated $7.4 billion in revenue in 2023, reflecting its significant role in the global water management industry.
De.mem combines a vast experience in process and system design with proprietary products and technologies developed for de-centralised applications and industrial waste water treatment. This allows the company to come up with the optimum solution for its customers. De.mem offers its clients to work under a BOO (build, own, operate) arrangement, which eliminates the need for larger upfront capital expenditure.
American Water Works Company, Inc. is the largest investor-owned water and wastewater utility in the United States, delivering essential services to approximately 15 million people across more than 30 states and two Canadian provinces. The company operates primarily through two segments: Regulated Businesses, which provide drinking water and wastewater services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, and Market-Based Operations, which include nonregulated services such as water supply for military bases under long-term contracts. American Water has expanded its operations through various acquisitions, including the water system assets from the city of Whitwell in Tennessee and the water and wastewater system assets in Missouri's Emerald Pointe development. The company's commitment to providing reliable and safe water services positions it as a key player in the water utility sector.
MassVentures meets critical capital needs in the Massachusetts innovation economy, providing seed and early-stage venture funding to high growth startups as they move from concept to commercialization. The Boston-based venture firm was formed in 1978 as a quasi-public corporation by the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, governed by an independent Board of Directors, and managed by experienced venture capitalists. Leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit, educated workforce, and centers of innovation in Massachusetts, MassVentures has a track record of success with early-stage ventures.
WaterBridge Resources is a midstream development company focused on developing, acquiring and operating flowback and produced water infrastructure for oil and gas producers, including gathering, pipeline infrastructure, separation, and disposal infrastructure solutions. WaterBridge was founded by Stephen Johnson and Andy Stephens, in partnership with Five Point Capital Partners.
Katapult Ocean is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and based in Oslo, Norway. The firm focuses on investing in sectors that positively impact the ocean, including food and agriculture, frontier technologies, harvesting, ocean energy, ocean health, and transportation. As a prominent player in the field of ocean impact investing, Katapult Ocean aims to foster innovations that contribute to sustainable ocean practices and environmental stewardship.
Watts Water Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of water management and conservation solutions, designing and manufacturing a diverse array of products for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal applications. The company's offerings include flow control products such as backflow preventers and water pressure regulators, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including boilers and water heaters. Additionally, Watts provides drainage and water reuse solutions, encompassing engineered rainwater harvesting systems, and water quality products like filtration and conditioning systems. With a focus on safety, energy efficiency, and innovative technology, the company also features smart home products, including advanced thermostats and mixing systems. Established in 1874 and headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts, Watts Water Technologies distributes its products through various channels, including plumbing and heating wholesalers, original equipment manufacturers, and retail chains.
EagleTree Capital is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in mid-market buyouts, focusing on sectors such as consumer, media and business services, and water and specialty industrials across North America. EagleTree Capital employs a collaborative investment approach, working closely with management teams of portfolio companies to implement initiatives aimed at creating value. These initiatives may include launching new products, entering new markets, pursuing add-on acquisitions, and making operational improvements. The firm manages investments on behalf of a diverse range of institutional and individual investors, including pension funds, government entities, endowments, foundations, and high net worth families.
WAVE Equity Partners is an independent private investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on sustainability. Founded in 2013, the firm specializes in partnering with early-growth companies that utilize proven clean technologies to create significant environmental benefits and drive financial performance for large industrial manufacturers. WAVE Equity Partners invests in sectors including clean energy, air, water, food, advanced materials, and recycling, primarily within North America. The firm leverages its industry knowledge and commitment to collaboration to support innovative solutions that are commercially viable, deliver immediate impact, and have the potential for scalability.
Spectrum Impact is a family office committed to solving large-scale societal problems with novel solutions. We allocate the for-profit and not-for-profit pools of capital in a manner consistent with the objective of optimizing the financial, societal, and environmental returns on the investments made.
Safar Partners is a seed- to growth-stage venture fund investing primarily in technology companies out of MIT, Harvard, and the University of Rochester. We invest in platform technologies in the cleantech and advanced materials, AI/IT and robotics, and life science/medical device areas.
Indico Capital Partners is an independent venture capital firm based in Lisbon, Portugal, established in 2017. It specializes in investing in global technology companies across various sectors, including software as a service, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital platforms. Indico targets investments primarily at the Seed to Series A stages, aiming to support innovative startups that have the potential to become significant players in the market. The firm is led by experienced professionals who have contributed to many of Portugal's successful tech ventures, bringing a wealth of entrepreneurial and investment expertise. Indico seeks to capitalize on the growing entrepreneurship culture in Portugal, bolstered by a strong pool of tech graduates and an emerging startup ecosystem in cities like Lisbon. The firm is committed to identifying and backing the next generation of successful companies that embody the potential of the Portuguese tech landscape.
BDC Capital Inc. is the private equity and venture capital arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada, established in 1975 and headquartered in Montreal. The firm specializes in direct investments and fund of funds, focusing on a broad spectrum of financing options including venture capital, growth equity, and mezzanine investments. It primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including healthcare, information technology, and clean technology. BDC Capital is particularly interested in early-stage and development technology companies, as well as women-led firms. The firm typically invests between CAD 0.1 million and CAD 35 million, often taking minority stakes and seeking board representation in its investee companies. BDC Capital emphasizes a strong presence across Canada, with particular attention to regions such as Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, and it employs various exit strategies, including initial public offerings and strategic sales. With a history of investing in over 400 companies, BDC Capital aims to foster the growth of innovative businesses and contribute to the economic development of the Canadian landscape.
We are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and communities. GHD is a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise. Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, resiliency and sustainability for generations to come. Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents – Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region. For more information, visit www.ghd.com