TLDR:
- Xylem is investing $50 million in venture capital to support startups addressing water scarcity and climate challenges.
- The company will make direct investments in disruptive water technologies and contribute to specialized VC funds.
Xylem, a leading water technology company, has announced a significant expansion of its corporate venture capital investments, committing $50 million to support emerging companies and water services providers addressing critical climate issues such as water scarcity, quality, and decarbonization. This initiative is aimed at accelerating the development of innovative water solutions. Xylem plans to make direct investments in startups that are pioneering disruptive water technologies and will also contribute to specialized venture capital funds. These investments align with Xylem’s strategic priorities, which include advanced treatment, digital technologies, and services for managing complex water systems.
According to Sivan Zamir, the Vice President of Xylem Innovation Labs, as water scarcity intensifies and demand grows, the need for innovative thinking has never been more critical. Zamir believes that entrepreneurial founders and disruptive technologies can play a significant role in addressing the world’s greatest water challenges. By collaborating with a broad network of partners, including venture capital firms and startups, Xylem aims to bring essential innovations to market quickly and at scale.
This expansion of Xylem’s corporate venture capital investments builds on the success of its existing partnerships. In 2022, the company invested $20 million in Burnt Island Ventures, focusing on early-stage water innovation, and The Westly Group, which targets energy, Industry 4.0, and cybersecurity. The new framework will involve ongoing evaluations of potential investments in targeted venture capital funds and minority investments in startup companies.
This initiative by Xylem underscores the company’s commitment to driving innovation in the water sector and addressing pressing environmental challenges. By investing in disruptive technologies and startups, Xylem aims to play a key role in finding solutions to global water issues and climate change.
