PureTerra Ventures unveils €150M fund to tackle global water scarcity
Amsterdam-based climate and water-focused investor PureTerra Ventures has launched its new €150 million WaterTech Fund II, aiming to accelerate the growth of technology companies that address industrial water scarcity and efficiency. The fund has secured a cornerstone commitment of €10 million from Dutch impact investor Invest-NL, underscoring the strategic importance of water innovation for both industry and the climate transition.
Backing WaterTech scaleups at the nexus of climate and industry
The new fund targets WaterTech startups and scaleups developing solutions for industrial water reuse, wastewater treatment, and digital monitoring powered by AI and data analytics. With growing pressure on freshwater resources and tightening environmental regulations worldwide, industrial players are seeking technologies that can cut water consumption, reduce pollution and lower operating costs.
PureTerra Ventures plans to invest in companies that have validated technology and are ready to scale internationally, providing both growth capital and sector-specific expertise. Typical targets include firms offering advanced membrane filtration, sensor networks, AI-driven process optimization, and circular water systems for sectors such as food and beverage, chemicals, energy, mining and manufacturing.
Invest-NL anchors the fund with €10M commitment
The participation of Invest-NL, the Dutch state-backed impact investor, signals strong institutional support for water innovation as a pillar of the green transition. By committing €10 million to WaterTech Fund II, Invest-NL aims to catalyse private capital into a domain where environmental impact and economic opportunity align.
For the Netherlands, a country globally recognised for its water management expertise, scaling up WaterTech solutions is both a strategic export opportunity and a climate resilience priority. The partnership between PureTerra Ventures and Invest-NL is designed to connect Dutch and European innovators with industrial customers and partners across global markets.
Industrial water scarcity: a rising global risk
Companies worldwide are facing mounting risks from water scarcity, pollution and climate change. Droughts, heatwaves and changing rainfall patterns are disrupting supply chains, while regulators and investors are demanding more transparent reporting on water usage and environmental impact. According to industry analyses, water-related disruptions already cost billions annually in lost production, fines and remediation.
Industrial facilities are among the largest consumers of freshwater, yet many still rely on outdated technologies and linear water use models: withdraw, use and discharge. The new fund aims to accelerate the shift toward circular water systems, where water is treated, reused and recycled on-site, significantly reducing intake and discharge volumes.
AI and digitalisation at the core of next-generation WaterTech
A defining focus of WaterTech Fund II is the integration of AI algorithms, machine learning and real-time monitoring into water infrastructure. By combining sensors, cloud platforms and predictive analytics, new solutions can detect leaks, forecast demand, optimise treatment processes and cut energy consumption.
Digital water management platforms also enable industrial operators to comply with increasingly strict reporting requirements and sustainability targets. For investors, these data-rich, scalable solutions offer attractive growth potential and the ability to serve customers globally with software-driven business models.
Global scaling ambitions for WaterTech innovators
With its new fund, PureTerra Ventures intends to back companies capable of expanding beyond their home markets and becoming category leaders. The firm will look for strong founding teams, proven technology, recurring revenue and clear pathways to international deployment.
Beyond capital, PureTerra Ventures offers portfolio companies access to a network of industrial partners, utilities, engineering firms and public stakeholders. This ecosystem support is often critical in the water sector, where long sales cycles, regulatory approvals and infrastructure integration can slow adoption.
The fund’s strategy is aligned with global policy trends, including the European Union’s Green Deal, stricter discharge limits and corporate commitments to water neutrality and ESG performance. By focusing on technologies that deliver measurable reductions in water use, emissions and pollution, the fund aims to generate both financial returns and quantifiable impact.
Positioning Amsterdam as a WaterTech investment hub
The launch of WaterTech Fund II further strengthens Amsterdam’s position as a hub for climate tech and impact investing. The city already hosts a growing cluster of startups, research institutions and corporates working on climate adaptation, clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.
With fresh capital dedicated to WaterTech, more entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond may look to Amsterdam for growth funding and strategic support. The partnership with Invest-NL also highlights the role of public-private collaboration in addressing systemic challenges like water security.
Outlook: scaling solutions for a water-constrained world
As industries confront the realities of operating in a water-constrained world, demand for efficient, resilient and digitally enabled water systems is set to grow. PureTerra Ventures, through its €150 million WaterTech Fund II, is positioning itself as a key financial and strategic partner to the companies building that future.
By combining growth capital with deep sector expertise and institutional backing from Invest-NL, the fund is poised to accelerate the deployment of technologies that can help decouple industrial growth from freshwater consumption, reduce pollution and support climate adaptation across global value chains.