Targeting Water Innovation: Swiss VC Emerald Technology Ventures Hits €100 Million for Global Water Fund II

Introduction

Emerald Technology Ventures, a pioneer in water-sector investment, has reached a significant milestone with its Global Water Fund II, amassing €100 million. This Zurich-based venture capital firm, renowned for its two decades of leadership in WaterTech, is poised to accelerate innovation in this vital sector.

Key Partnerships and Strategic Moves

This achievement was made possible through the support of influential partners like Temasek, Grundfos Foundation, Veralto Corporation, Ecolab, SKion Water, and Oxy Technology Ventures. Notably, this comes shortly after Emerald's strategic collaboration with DIC Corporation, a Japanese chemical giant, resulting in a €52 million investment platform.

Dr. Helge Daebel, a partner at Emerald, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating, “With Temasek and Grundfos Foundation joining, we are creating a platform for collaboration that connects long-term capital with breakthrough technologies.”

Current Investment Landscape

Recent trends show a surge in investment within the water innovation ecosystem. For instance, Hydrosat secured €51 million in Series B funding to enhance its satellite data and AI platform, while PureTerra Ventures received a €10 million cornerstone commitment from Invest-NL for its WaterTech Fund II.

These developments underscore the substantial flow of capital into WaterTech, with Emerald's latest milestone further highlighting this momentum.

Why This Matters

For startups and investors, Emerald’s €100 million fund represents a pivotal opportunity. It signals a growing commitment to addressing global water challenges through advanced technologies. The fund targets a total size of €150-180 million, focusing on infrastructure, advanced treatment, and digital monitoring innovations.

Kim Nøhr Skibsted from Grundfos Foundation remarked, “Our investment aims to empower water startups to tackle global water and climate issues.”

Emerald's Track Record and Future Outlook

Since its inception in 2000, Emerald has managed over €1 billion in assets, supporting ventures that confront climate and sustainability challenges. The firm’s successful exits to industry leaders like SUEZ and BASF exemplify its impact. Additionally, Emerald fosters collaborations between corporations and startups, enhancing innovation potential.

Conclusion

Emerald Technology Ventures continues to lead the charge in WaterTech innovation. By achieving the €100 million milestone for its Global Water Fund II, the firm not only reinforces its commitment to sustainable solutions but also sets the stage for transformative change in the global water landscape. As the fund progresses, it promises to drive significant advancements across the water value chain, offering startups and investors a platform for growth and impact.

Source: EU-Startups