12. March 2026
Swiss Firm Emerald Technology Ventures Achieves 100M Milestone In Groundbreaking Water Fund
Swiss VC Emerald Technology Ventures Hits €100M Milestone for Its Global Water Fund II, Marking a Significant Shift in Institutional Capital’s Approach to Water Technology Innovation
Water scarcity is not just a future problem; it’s a present one, already constraining agriculture, industry, and urban planning across multiple continents. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, while another 2.3 billion lack access to basic sanitation facilities.
Historically, venture capital infrastructure has lagged in funding companies addressing this pressing global challenge. Emerald Technology Ventures, a Swiss firm with two decades of experience in the sector, is working tirelessly to bridge this gap. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, the firm focuses on innovations that can make a meaningful impact on the availability and management of water.
Emerald Technology Ventures has established itself as a leading player in the water technology space. Its efforts have gained significant traction, culminating in the announcement of its Global Water Fund II reaching an impressive €100 million milestone. This notable achievement marks a significant shift in institutional capital’s approach to water technology innovation, with two major investors joining the fund: Temasek, Singapore’s state investment company, and the Grundfos Foundation.
Temasek’s return to the fund is noteworthy. Singapore has long treated water security as a national priority, investing heavily in desalination and recycling infrastructure to ensure the country’s water needs are met. This strategic posture reflects the government’s recognition of water’s critical role in supporting its economy, industry, and population.
The inclusion of Temasek demonstrates the firm’s continued commitment to addressing the pressing global challenge of water scarcity. By investing in a global water technology fund, Temasek signals its support for innovative solutions that can help bridge the gap between technological advancements and commercial deployment.
Emerald Technology Ventures’ Global Water Fund II represents a significant milestone in the firm’s efforts to channel institutional capital into water technology innovation. The fund’s investment thesis centers on innovations in water treatment, efficiency, and monitoring, areas where the gap between what is technologically possible and what is commercially deployed remains wide.
The broader message of the fund’s momentum may be as significant as its specific portfolio: institutional capital is beginning to treat water technology as infrastructure investment, not philanthropy. This shift reflects a growing recognition that water technology has the potential to drive meaningful impact on global development challenges.
Water scarcity affects every region, industry, and economy worldwide. The need for innovative solutions that can improve water management and treatment is pressing, yet often underfunded compared to other critical areas such as climate change or digital transformation.
The addition of the Grundfos Foundation to Emerald’s Global Water Fund II marks an exciting development in the firm’s strategy. As the owner of Grundfos, one of the world’s largest pump manufacturers, the foundation brings a deep understanding of the industrial needs that drive water technology innovation.
This partnership represents a new era of collaboration between industry and venture capital players. By working together, these organizations can leverage their collective expertise and resources to drive meaningful impact in the water technology space.
Emerald Technology Ventures’ Global Water Fund II has made significant progress since its first close at €60 million in late 2025. The fund’s momentum has been driven by the addition of new investors, including Temasek and the Grundfos Foundation, which have brought significant resources to the table.
The progression to €100 million brings the fund to two-thirds of a stated final target, although Emerald has not disclosed a cap or a timeline for the full close. While the pace of investment is certainly encouraging, it’s essential to note that the journey ahead will require continued collaboration and innovation from industry and venture capital players alike.
The announcement of Emerald Technology Ventures’ Global Water Fund II reaching €100 million serves as a beacon of hope in an increasingly complex world. As institutional capital begins to treat water technology as infrastructure investment, rather than philanthropy, the potential for meaningful impact on global development challenges becomes more pronounced.
While there is still much work to be done to address the pressing issue of water scarcity, the momentum behind Emerald’s Global Water Fund II suggests that a new era of collaboration and innovation is underway. By channeling institutional capital into water technology, these organizations can drive real change and support sustainable development goals worldwide.